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Pandit Mohit Tiwari JiVedic Pujan Seva · Ujjain
हिन्दी

Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi

Maha Shivratri

The great night of Lord Shiva, observed with fasting, night-long jagran and abhishek. In Ujjain it is the climax of the Shiv Navratri celebrations at Mahakaleshwar, and devotees everywhere remember Mahakal with Rudrabhishek.

Ujjain specialMajor

Upcoming dates

  • Sat, 6 March 2027Tentative
  • Wed, 23 February 2028Tentative

Significance

Maha Shivratri is observed on the night of Magha Krishna Chaturdashi, and the nishita (midnight) period is considered the most important time for worship. According to tradition, it is the night of Shiva and Shakti, and a night when japa, fasting and wakefulness bring inner stillness.

Ujjain is home to Mahakaleshwar, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and the days before Maha Shivratri are celebrated at the temple as Shiv Navratri. Devotees visiting the city should follow the official temple notices for darshan arrangements, as crowds are very large. Many families who cannot travel choose Rudrabhishek or Mahamrityunjay Jaap through an online sankalp, performed with their names and gotra.

How it is observed

  • Fasting through the day, with fruits and milk if needed
  • Abhishek of the Shivling with water, milk, honey, curd and ghee
  • Offering bel patra, dhatura, white flowers and ash (vibhuti)
  • Chanting Om Namah Shivaya, the Rudram or Mahamrityunjay mantra
  • Night-long jagran with four prahar pujan
  • Breaking the fast the next morning after prayer

Recommended pujans

Pujans devotees often arrange around this festival.

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Maha Shivratri: Date, Meaning & Rituals