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.
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.
- Shiv Pujan & AbhishekPopular
Mahamrityunjay Jaap
Shiv mantra jaap for health, protection and peace, offered in your name in Ujjain
3 hours to 5 days, depending on the jaap count- In person
- Online sankalp
- Live video
From₹15,000View details - Shiv Pujan & AbhishekPopular
Rudrabhishek
Abhishek of Lord Shiva with Rudri path, for peace and a blessed household
About 2 to 3 hours- In person
- Online sankalp
- Live video
From₹5,100View details - Shiv Pujan & Abhishek
Maha Rudrabhishek
A grand multi-pandit Rudra anushthan with extended recitation and havan
1 day (about 5 to 6 hours)- In person
- Online sankalp
- Live video
From₹21,000View details