Mahashivratri: Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated every year to honor Lord Shiva. It usually happens between February and March. In the Hindu calendar, it is observed on the 14th day of the first half of the lunar month called Phalguna.

People celebrate this day by praying, fasting, and visiting Shiva temples. Many devotees stay awake all night, singing devotional songs and chanting prayers to show their love and respect for Lord Shiva.

“Wed, 26 Feb, 2025, 5:38 am – Thu, 27 Feb, 2025, 3:24 am”

They also offer special items like milk, honey, fruits, and flowers to the Shiva Lingam (a symbol of Lord Shiva).

Maha Shivratri is considered a powerful day for spiritual growth and is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to devotees.

• Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival honoring Lord Shiva.
• It is celebrated every year between February and March.
• According to the Hindu calendar, it falls on the 14th day of the first half of the lunar month of Phalguna.
• In 2025, it is observed from Wednesday, 26th February, 5:38 am to Thursday, 27th February, 3:24 am.
• People pray, fast, visit Shiva temples, and stay awake all night to show their devotion.
• Offerings like milk, honey, fruits, and flowers are made to the Shiva Lingam.
• The festival is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

Mahashivratri (Maha Shivratri)

Mahashivratri 2025 Isha

Mahashivratri 2025 at the Isha Yoga Center is set to be an exuberant nightlong festival with explosive meditations by Sadhguru and spectacular musical performances by renowned artists. The event will take place from 6 PM IST on February 26th to 6 AM IST on February 27th2.

Here’s a glimpse of the event schedule:

• 6:00 PM: Pancha Bhuta Kriya – A powerful process for the purification of the five elements within the human system.
• 6:15 PM: Bhairavi Maha Yatra – A vibrant procession of the Linga Bhairavi Utsav Murti to Adiyogi.
• 7:00 PM: Adiyogi Divya Darshanam – A powerful video imaging show depicting the origin of Yoga.
• 7:15 PM: Music, dance, and cultural performances by celebrated artists.
• 10:50 PM: Sadhguru Discourse and Midnight Meditation.
• 1:25 AM: More music, dance, and cultural performances.
• 3:40 AM: Sadhguru – Brahma Muhurtham Discourse and Shambho Meditation.
• 4:20 AM: Continued music, dance, and cultural performances.
• 5:45 AM: Closing session with Sadhguru.

You can attend the event in person at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore or join the live webstream from the comfort of your home

Maha Shivaratri Story in English

The story of Maha Shivaratri is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and signifies the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer within the Hindu trinity. There are several fascinating legends associated with this sacred night:

• Marriage of Shiva and Parvati: It is believed that Maha Shivaratri marks the night when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. Their union symbolizes the harmony of existence and the union of divine energies.
• Neelkanth (The Blue-Throated): Another popular legend tells that during the churning of the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan) by gods and demons to obtain the nectar of immortality, a deadly poison called Halahala emerged. Lord Shiva consumed the poison to save the world and held it in his throat, which turned blue, earning him the name Neelkanth.
• The Cosmic Dance: Maha Shivaratri is also said to be the night when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. This dance represents the cycle of birth and rebirth.
• Manifestation of Lingam: It is believed that on this night, Lord Shiva manifested in the form of a massive Lingam of light (Jyotirlinga) to reveal his supremacy over other deities. Devotees fast and keep vigil all night, chanting prayers and meditating on Lord Shiva.

?Maha Shivratri is celebrated to honor Lord Shiva’s divine marriage, cosmic dance, self-sacrifice as Neelkanth, manifestation as Jyotirlinga, and spiritual awakening.

Read also: Mahashivratri Date 2025 Timings, Significance, and Rituals

Maha Shivaratri Festival

Significance:

• Dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm.
• Marks spiritual awakening, the divine union of Shiva and Parvati, and Shiva’s cosmic dance (Tandava).

Date and Timing:

• Observed on the 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna (February or March).

Rituals and Practices:

• Fasting: Devotees observe strict fasts, sometimes without food or water.
• Night Vigil (Jagaran): Staying awake all night, chanting prayers and mantras.
• Abhishekam: Bathing the Shiva Lingam with milk, honey, yogurt, ghee, sugar, and water.
• Temple Visits: Offering prayers and performing rituals at Shiva temples.
• Meditation and Chanting: Reciting “Om Namah Shivaya” for spiritual growth.

Celebrations at Isha Yoga Center:

• Grand nightlong celebration with meditations, musical performances, and cultural events.
• Organized by the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore, founded by Sadhguru.

Cultural Events:

• Music and Dance: Traditional performances enhancing the festive atmosphere.
• Spiritual Discourses: Teachings by spiritual leaders on the significance of Maha Shivaratri.

Global Observance:

• Celebrated worldwide by Hindus with special events and ceremonies in temples and communities.

Purpose and Blessings:

• A night of devotion and spiritual growth, seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings for peace, prosperity, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Why Mahashivratri is Celebrated?

Difference between Shivratri and Mahashivratri

FAQs (People also ask) about the Mahashivratri

What not to do on Mahashivratri?

No, offerings made to Lord Shiva are considered sacred and are not consumed.

What is the difference between Shivratri and maha Shivratri?

Shivratri is celebrated monthly, while Mahashivratri is an annual festival observed on a special night.

What do you do on Maha Shivratri?

On Shivratri, devotees fast, visit temples, offer prayers, chant mantras, meditate, sing bhajans, and do selfless service to honor Lord Shiva.