Mahashivratri, the “great night of Shiva”, is observed on the Krishna Chaturdashi of Phalguna according to the amanta calendar (Magha in the purnimanta calendar), usually in February or March. Devotees fast, worship Shiva and keep night vigil. Here is a simple way to observe it at home.
Before you begin
- Bathe and wear clean clothes, preferably white or light colours.
- Keep a Shivling or an image of Shiva on a clean platform.
- Gather: a copper or brass lota with water, raw milk, bel leaves, white flowers, incense, a diya and camphor.
Simple abhishek
- Offer water on the Shivling while chanting “Om Namah Shivaya”.
- Offer raw milk, then water again.
- Place bel leaves with the smooth side down and the stalk toward you. Many families offer three-leaved bel as it is considered auspicious.
- Offer white flowers and light incense and a diya.
Rules vary between traditions. If you are unsure, offering water, bel and sincere chanting is enough.
Night-time puja
Traditionally the night is divided into four prahars, and some devotees do a short puja in each. At home you can follow a simpler routine: one puja at sunset and another close to midnight, with bhajans or mantra japa in between.
Aarti
End each puja by waving the thali clockwise while singing Om Jai Shiv Omkara, then recite the Karpur Gauram mantra. Our guide to which aarti to sing on which day shows how Monday is also linked to Shiva.
Fasting
Many devotees take only fruit, milk and water, and some observe a nirjala (waterless) fast. Please do not fast strictly if you are unwell, pregnant, elderly or diabetic. Fruit and milk are an accepted alternative. The fast is broken the next morning after the puja.
What to keep in mind
Keep the atmosphere calm. Avoid loud arguments, alcohol and non-vegetarian food on this day. If you are unable to visit a temple, a sincere home puja is equally valid.
Frequently asked questions
Which aarti is sung on Mahashivratri?
Om Jai Shiv Omkara is the most common, often followed by the Karpur Gauram mantra.
What should be offered to Shivling?
Water, raw milk, bel (bilva) leaves, white flowers and sometimes honey and curd. Avoid tulsi and turmeric, which are not traditionally offered to Shiva.
Is it compulsory to stay awake all night?
Many devotees keep a night vigil with bhajans, but it is a personal choice. A sincere puja and mantra chanting also counts.