Maha Shivratri 2025 Puja Vidhi: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide To Worship Lord Shiva

Maha Shivratri, one of the most revered Hindu festivals, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme deity known as Mahadeva. Celebrated with great devotion, this auspicious night is believed to dispel ignorance and darkness while ushering in spiritual awakening. It is also considered the divine night of Lord Shiva’s celestial dance, symbolizing creation, preservation, and destruction. Additionally, devotees celebrate this day as the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, representing cosmic harmony.

To seek Lord Shiva’s blessings, devotees observe a special puja with specific rituals. Here’s a detailed guide to performing the Maha Shivratri Puja in 2025.

Maha Shivratri 2025 Date and Shubh Muhurat

This year, Maha Shivratri falls on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The most auspicious timings for puja and rituals are as follows:

• Nishita Kaal Puja: 12:09 AM to 12:59 AM on February 27
• Shivaratri Parana Time: 06:48 AM to 08:54 AM on February 27
• Ratri First Prahar Puja: 06:19 PM to 09:26 PM on February 26
• Ratri Second Prahar Puja: 09:26 PM to 12:34 AM on February 27
• Ratri Third Prahar Puja: 12:34 AM to 03:41 AM on February 27
• Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja: 03:41 AM to 06:48 AM on February 27
• The Chaturdashi Tithi starts at 11:08 AM on February 26 and ends at 08:54 AM on February 27.

Step-by-Step Guide to Worship Lord Shiva

1. Dhyana (Meditation)

• Begin the puja by focusing your mind on Lord Shiva through meditation, connecting spiritually with the divine.

2. Asana (Preparation of the Deity)

• Place a Shiva Linga or an idol of Lord Shiva on a wooden platform (Chowki) covered with a clean white cloth.
• Light an oil lamp to initiate the ritual.

3. Padya and Arghya (Offering of Water)

• Sprinkle water on the deity’s feet as a mark of respect.
• Offer water to Lord Shiva as a sacred offering.

4. Achaman (Purification Ritual)

• Pour water onto your right palm using a small spoon (Udrani) and drink it for purification.

5. Snana (Holy Bathing of Shiva Linga)

• If using a metal idol or Shiva Linga, perform Abhishek (ritualistic bathing) with water.
• Other offerings for Abhishek include milk, honey, curd, Gangajal, and more.

6. Vastra and Yagnopaveeth (Clothing and Sacred Thread)

• Offer a white cloth and a Kalava (sacred red thread) to Lord Shiva.
• Present Janeu (sacred thread) and Akshat (unbroken rice grains) as a part of the ritual.

7. Gandha and Pushpa (Fragrance and Flowers)

• Apply sandalwood paste (Chandan) or natural perfume to the deity.
• Offer Bel Patra (Bilva leaves) and Datura flowers, considered sacred to Lord Shiva.

8. Dhoop and Deep (Incense and Lamp Offering)

• Light incense sticks (Dhoop/Agarbatti) to purify the surroundings.
• Light a ghee or oil lamp to invoke divine blessings.

9. Naivedhya (Offering of Food)

• Present Bhog, which can include sattvic dishes or fruits.
• Offer Tamboolam, which consists of betel leaves (Paan), banana, coconut, Dakshina, supari, and other fruits.

10. Pradakshina and Aarti (Circumambulation and Worship)

• Perform Parikrama (circumambulation) around the deity while chanting Shiva mantras.
• Conclude the puja with Aarti, seeking divine grace.

11. Pushpanjali and Pranam (Final Offerings and Salutation)

• Offer flowers to Lord Shiva as a final act of devotion.
• Bow down and seek blessings to conclude the puja.

Maha Shivratri is a powerful and sacred occasion to seek Lord Shiva’s divine grace. By following this step-by-step puja vidhi with devotion, one can experience spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. May this Maha Shivratri bring prosperity, wisdom, and divine blessings to all!