KKN Gurugram Desk | Maha Shivratri 2025 is just around the corner, but many devotees are confused about the exact date. Some sources claim it falls on February 26, while others say February 27. This confusion has led many people to seek guidance from astrology experts.

To clear the doubts, Jyotishacharya Dr. Mrityunjay Tiwari from Ujjain’s Maharshi Panini Sanskrit and Vedic University has provided clarity on the exact date and Puja Muhurat.

When is Maha Shivratri 2025? February 26 or 27?

According to the Hindu calendar, Maha Shivratri is observed on Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi Tithi. This year, the Chaturdashi Tithi starts on February 26 at 11:08 AM and ends on February 27 at 8:54 AM.

However, the confusion arises due to the Udaya Tithi (next day’s sunrise-based date calculation). Some astrologers believe that since Chaturdashi Tithi is present on the morning of February 27, Maha Shivratri should be observed on that day.

But Dr. Tiwari clarifies that Udaya Tithi is not considered for Maha Shivratri fasting and Puja. Instead, the Nishita Kaal (midnight puja time) should be taken into account, which falls on the night of February 26. Since Chaturdashi Tithi will end on the morning of February 27, the correct date to observe Maha Shivratri Vrat (fasting) and Puja is February 26, 2025.

Maha Shivratri 2025 Puja Timing and Muhurat

Devotees should follow the correct Puja Muhurat to receive the maximum spiritual benefits. The key Puja timings for Maha Shivratri 2025 are:

???? Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – February 26, 2025, at 11:08 AM
???? Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – February 27, 2025, at 8:54 AM
???? Nishita Kaal Puja Muhurat – 12:09 AM to 12:59 AM (midnight of February 26-27)
⏳ Rahu Kaal (Inauspicious Time) – 12:34 PM to 2:00 PM on February 26

Devotees can perform Shiva Puja any time after the Chaturdashi Tithi starts, but the Nishita Kaal Puja (midnight worship) is considered most sacred.

Why is Maha Shivratri Important?

Maha Shivratri is one of the holiest Hindu festivals, dedicated to Lord Shiva. On this night, devotees observe fasting, night-long vigil, and special Shiva Puja to seek blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual growth.

The festival is believed to be the night when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It is also considered the night of cosmic transformation, when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance, representing creation, preservation, and destruction.

On Maha Shivratri, devotees:
???? Observe a strict fast (Upvaas) and consume only fruits and milk.
???? Offer Bael leaves, milk, and honey to Lord Shiva’s idol or Shivalinga.
???? Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” and Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra throughout the night.
???? Visit temples and participate in four-phase night-long Puja.

Maha Shivratri Vrat Parana Time 2025

Those who observe the Maha Shivratri fast on February 26 will break their fast (Parana) on February 27 morning. The Vrat Parana (fast-breaking) timing is between 6:48 AM and 8:54 AM on February 27.

Before breaking the fast, devotees should:
✅ Take a holy bath early in the morning.
✅ Offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
✅ Perform charity and donate food or essentials to the needy.

Bhadra Kaal During Maha Shivratri 2025

This year, Bhadra Kaal coincides with Maha Shivratri from 11:08 AM to 10:05 PM on February 26. However, Bhadra does not affect Shiva Puja, as Lord Shiva is beyond all planetary and astrological influences.

Other astrological elements like Panchak and Rahu Kaal also do not impact Shiva worship. Shiva is Mahakaal – the one beyond time and celestial calculations. Hence, devotees can freely perform Maha Shivratri rituals without any restrictions.

Special Yogas on Maha Shivratri 2025

This Maha Shivratri is even more significant because two rare Yogas (cosmic alignments) are forming on this auspicious night:

???? Shiv Yog – Strengthens spiritual energy and is ideal for meditation and prayers.
???? Shubh Yoga – Enhances the positive effects of Maha Shivratri fasting and Puja.

These yogas make Maha Shivratri 2025 a highly auspicious day for devotees seeking spiritual progress and divine blessings.

Famous Shiva Temples to Visit on Maha Shivratri 2025

Many devotees visit Jyotirlinga temples and ancient Shiva shrines to perform special Puja. Some of the most sacred Shiva temples in India include:

???? Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi, UP)
???? Somnath Temple (Gujarat)
???? Mahakaleshwar Temple (Ujjain, MP)
???? Kedarnath Temple (Uttarakhand)
???? Trimbakeshwar Temple (Maharashtra)
???? Baidyanath Dham (Jharkhand)

Pilgrims believe that visiting these temples on Maha Shivratri brings prosperity, happiness, and liberation from sins.

How to Celebrate Maha Shivratri 2025 at Home?

If you cannot visit a temple, you can perform Shiva Puja at home with simple rituals:

???? Wake up early and take a bath.
???? Offer Gangajal (holy water), milk, curd, honey, and Bael leaves to a Shiva Linga or Shiva idol.
???? Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 times.
???? Recite Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for protection and well-being.
???? Light a diya and offer incense sticks.
???? Observe fasting and avoid consuming grains.
???? Stay awake at night and meditate on Lord Shiva.

Maha Shivratri is a sacred night of devotion, meditation, and divine blessings. Observing fast, performing Puja, and chanting Shiva Mantras help remove obstacles, bring inner peace, and attract positive energy.

???? Correct Date: February 26, 2025 (as per Nishita Kaal Puja Muhurat)
???? Puja Timing: Midnight (12:09 AM – 12:59 AM)
???? Fasting Duration: From February 26 to February 27 morning (Vrat Parana at 6:48 AM – 8:54 AM)
???? Best Places to Visit: Jyotirlinga temples and major Shiva shrines

Maha Shivratri 2025 holds special significance due to rare Yogas, making it a highly auspicious event for spiritual seekers. Whether you celebrate at a temple or at home, Maha Shivratri offers a powerful opportunity to connect with Lord Shiva and embrace his divine grace. ????️