Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri (Mahā-Śivarātri) — "the great night of Shiva," one of the most widely observed Hindu festivals. It falls on Krishna Chaturdashi of the month Magha (Phalguna in the purnimanta reckoning), February-March by the Gregorian calendar. Tradition connects this night with the appearance of Shiva, with the vow of vigil and fasting, and with inner transformation.

Place in the system

The festival of Maha Shivaratri is one of the most widely observed festivals of Hinduism. It falls on Krishna Chaturdashi — the fourteenth tithi of the dark half, the eve of Amavasya.

By Shaivite mythology, on this night Shiva appears as a pillar of infinite light piercing the three worlds; alongside this story there is also a version of the night of Shiva and Parvati's wedding. The twelve hours of the night are divided into four prahara (watches), each devoted to its own rite — a separate puja is performed in each prahara. Many devout Hindus stay awake the whole night, fasting, meditating, and repeating the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya."

Practical meaning

Maha Shivaratri is a favourable time for austerity, prayer, and meditation. Tradition directly connects this night with cleansing past wrongs (papa), with aspiration toward liberation (moksha), and with deep inner transformation.

The Maha Shivaratri background works through stillness. On this night the world is especially quiet, and in that quiet it is easier to hear the inner voice.

In Indian folk practice Maha Shivaratri is a night on which devout Hindus keep jagaran (a night vigil) at Shiva temples. The twelve jyotirlinga (sacred lingas of Shiva) are especially honoured on this night.

In daily practice

Maha Shivaratri is a night for deep practice. If you follow the Hindu tradition, this night suits spending at least a few hours in meditation or in repeating the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya."

Maha Shivaratri also suits fasting: many fast completely (without food or water) from sunrise until the parana the next morning, keeping the night in vigil (jagaran).

Maha Shivaratri also suits charity: a gift to a Shiva temple, feeding those in need. Blessing here works through giving.

How much this night is yours is refined by Tara Bala from your birth nakshatra. Maha Shivaratri sets a background of deep practice, and the personal layer shows how far it matches your life today.