MahaShivratri, one of the most reverence Hindu festivals, According to the Hindu orbed calendar, this festival is celebrated in the month of Phalgun (February) on dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi). In 2025, Maha Shivratri is now set to be celebrated on 26th February with immense devotion across India. The night of fasting, prayers and spiritual awakening. As per belief in Hinduism Lord Shiva is the supreme god of destruction, transformation and regeneration, He is the part of Hindu trinity called as (Trimurti) which is alongside Brahma the creator and Vishnu the preserver. 

Lord Shiva is often portrayed with ash smeared on his body, matted hair, a half-moon on his head, while performing meditation in Kailasha. He has also a ferocious personality, who performed Tandav Nritya and he is famous for his Nataraj and Bhairav avatars.

His iconic symbolic feature in the form of Shivling worshipped all over India, it is known to bless his devotees with happy and blissful married life and fulfil the wishes of his devoted worshippers.

However, Mahashivratri personifies the convergence of Shiv and Shakti, the divine masculine and feminine energies, who performed a cosmic tandav at the night of Mahashivratri. Then there is no better way to notable pilgrimage destinations that host glorious festivals. 

Here are top 5 places where you can witness the magic of Mahashivratri 2025.

Why Maha Shivratri is Celebrated

There are two main reasons why we celebrate Mahashivratri, one is the legend of the Samudra Manthan and the other one is the Wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. 

One of the most popular legends identified with Mahashivratri is the seething of the heavenly ocean of milk, known as the Samudra Manthan. According to the Hinduism book, the gods and demons get together to whirling the ocean to obtain the nectar of evil, known as amrita. During the seething process, a pot of poison known as halahala, came out from the ocean, threatening to destroy the whole world. Then Lord Shiva came to rescue the world and drank the poison to save the universe. The poison later turned into blue which was clearly visible through his throat, earning him the name Neelkanth. From that day onwards, Mahashivratri is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva consumed the poison.

You know what, after Shiva’s first wife Sati, passed away, he extracted into deep meditation and detached himself from the world. To reunite with Shiva Sati takes rebirth as Parvati,known as the daughter of the Himalayas. 

Parvati fell deeply in love with Shiva, and she was ready to leave her royal life and perform for intense amends in the forest to meditate and endure hardships to win his heart. When Shiva got to know about her, he test her devotion. He often converted himself as a Brahmin and tried to dissuade her, but Parvati remained faithful towards it. Later on Shiva was fully impressed by her endless love  and revealed his true form and agreed to marry her. 

As it is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married on this auspicious day. Therefore, Mahashivratri is considered as the celebration to blessed married couples and fulfil the wishes of his devoted worshippers.

The union of Shiva and Shakti, the true feminine divine.

Where is Maha Shivaratri Celebrated in India?

Mahashivratri is celebrated all over India, hence the festival is not limited to any specific place or region. But there are some famous Shiva temples and places in India where devotees can worship Lord Shiva with full devotional energy and environment.

• Nilkanth Mahadev Temple, Haridwar, Uttarakhand
• Umananda Temple, Guwahati, Assam
• Bhavnath Taleti, Junagadh, Gujarat
• Matangeshwar Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
• Kashi Vishwanath temple, Varanasi

1. Nilkanth Mahadev Temple, Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Nilkanth Mahadev Temple, located near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand at the altitude of 1,330 meters in lush green forest of Garhwal Himalayas. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds great religious significance. According to the Hindu Mythology, this ultimate holy site where Lord Shiva consumed Halahala poison that come out during the time of Samudra Manthan to protect the whole universe, later on because of the consumption of poison his throat turned blue, earning him the name Neelkanth (the blue-throated one). 

The beautiful carvings on the wall of the temple can definitely be worth watching.

2. Umananda Temple, Guwahati, Assam

Umananda Temple, Guwahati, a sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is located on Peacock island in the middle of the river Brahmaputra Guwahati, Assam. The peacock island is considered the smallest lodge river island in the whole world.

According to the traditional story, Lord Shiva settled on this island as Bhayananda, meditating in peace. As it is believed that Kamdev (the god of love) interrupted Shiva’s meditation and provoked him to open his third eye. Thus, the island is also called Bhasmachal means Hills of Ashes’. 

3. Bhavnath Taleti, Junagadh, Gujarat

One of the major attractions you can experience at Bhavnath Taleti is the Maha Shivratri fair, where Naga Sadhus, saints arrive in large numbers to perform following rituals and take a holy dip in the Mrugi Kund. The fair shows a fusion of devotion, spiritual discussion and cultural performances. Bhavnath Taleti, Junagadh temple situated at the foothills of the sacred mountain range of Girnar in Junagadh. 

According to the Hindu mythology during the time of Samudra Manthan, Lord Shiva appeared here with Goddess Parvati, making it the most blessed spot for devotees. In this temple there is thousands of years old Shiva Lingam inside and worshipped with true devotion.

4. Matangeshwar Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Matangeshwar Temple, Khajuraho, is one of the most sacred Hindu sites and considered as the revered Shiva Temples in India. Thousands of loyal devotees gather to offer the Shivling milk, honey, beal (bilva) leaves and water. Further this temple remains open throughout the night and you can experience the atmosphere filled with chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya” and Bhajans.

5. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

The Kashi Vishwanath temple is located in Varanasi, considered as one of the holiest temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is basically situated on the western banks of the Ganga rivers. This temple is among the 12 world famous jyotirlingas as well, it is believed that people who die here attain moksha called Liberation.

The temple remains open all night with special Maha Rudrabhishekam pujas, and devotees perform Ganga snan before visiting the temple.

Maha Shivaratri Puja Vidhi and Traditions

Puja Vidhi (Rituals):

Preparation: Devotees generally start the day by taking a purifying bath to clean themselves physically and spiritually.

After that cleaning the space of Pooja, adorning with flowers, leaves, and a murti (statue) or Shiva Linga that represent Shiva.

Sankalp (Resolution): 

A Sankalp, or dignified oath, is taken to admire Maha Shivaratri and seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.

Abhishek (Offering):

The central puja includes abhishek, the prescribed bathing of the Shiva Linga. Devotees offer numerous substances, like water, milk, yogurt, honey, ghee (clarified butter), and sugar. Each abhishek offering has a symbolic meaning which represents purity, nourishment, and devotion of their loyal devotee.

Bilva Leaves:

Offering bel (bilva) leaves is especially significant during Shiva puja in MahaShivratri considered as the important offering to Lord Shiva. 

Other Elements:

Devotees generally chant mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya”, sing Bhajans, and offer prayers throughout the puja. Some people also perform meditation to heal themselves.

TIMING:

The observance of Maha Shivaratri extends throughout the night. Traditionally, the puja is performed four times at night, divided into four “prahars” (periods).

First Prahar: Evening (around sunset) to late at night.

Second Prahar: Late night to midnight.

Third Prahar: Midnight to early morning.

Fourth Prahar: Early morning to sunrise.

Devotees who wish to perform the puja once can do so at midnight, considered the most auspicious time.

How is Maha Shivratri Puja Performed in North/South India?

In North India like Jammu & Kashmir, the pooja is performed in a very unique and exciting way where two pots, each representing Lord Shiva, and another one is Maa Shakthi. These pots are filled with walnuts and water and are kept composed for at least three days. On the no-moon day, the soaked walnuts are taken out of the pot and distributed to all the family members.

In South India, the Puja is performed by fasting, followed by Jaagarana, where devotees are awake the whole night, doing Bhajans and Kirtans. They read the mantras aloud and performed the Abhishek of Shiva Linga with milk and Bael leaves. Other poojas are also conducted throughout the day and will continue until the next day.

Also Read: The Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand in 2025

Conclusion

Maha Shivaratri 2025 is set to be a grand celebration of Lord Shiva, with numerous temples across India and beyond preparing for the auspicious occasion. Among the top destinations for devotees are the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, renowned for its spiritual ambiance and Ganga Aarti, and the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, famous for its unique Bhasma Aarti. The Somnath Temple in Gujarat, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and the Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand, nestled amidst the Himalayas, also hold immense significance for devotees. 

FAQs about Maha Shivaratri 2025 and Temple Visits