Maha Shivaratri

English meaning of the festival

Maha Shivaratri means “great night of Shiva”.

How the date is decided annually

Shivaratri is celebrated on the 14th night of the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of Palguna.

Significance of the festival to Hinduism

Lord Shiva is in charge of the destruction of Tamasic qualities. Since the night is the image of Tamasic qualities, we celebrate Shivarathri at night. In order to bring under control and tranquillise these Tamasic qualities we engage in fasting and prayer beforehand. Since we cannot achieve this on our own, we appease the Superintendent or Swami of these Tamasic qualities-Shiva. Hence Shivarathri is celebrated on the 14th night of Palguna in Krishna Paksha.

How to observe/practice

After the morning bath, worship Surya, Shiva-Parvati and Luxmi Narayan and observe a fast during the day. At night, the devotees assemble at Temples to worship Lord Shiva during each of the four successive three hour periods. Each session must include singing of bhajans, kirtans, offering of Bilwa leaves, which has a stalk with three leaves and scriptural readings. At the end of each session there must aarti and concluding prayers.

Synonyms between major Indian languages

Hara-ratri (in Kashmir)

Updated: 10 January 2023