Maha Shivaratri
The Great Night of Shiva, the most sacred night for devotees of Lord Shiva.
Maha Shivaratri falls on the 14th night of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna (Magha in the amanta reckoning used in South India), usually in February or early March.
When Is Maha Shivaratri?
Maha Shivaratri falls on the 14th night of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna (Magha in the amanta reckoning used in South India), usually in February or early March.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
According to one tradition, Maha Shivaratri is the night when Shiva performs the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction (Tandava). Devotees believe staying awake all night in worship destroys sins accumulated over lifetimes.
How It Is Observed
All-night vigil, continuous abhisheka (ritual bathing of the Shiva linga with milk, honey, and water), offering of bel leaves, fasting throughout the day, chanting Om Namah Shivaya.
Sacred Text
“Om Namah Shivaya, salutations to Shiva, the auspicious one.”
, Panchakshara mantra (extolled in the Shiva Purana) ↗