The ritual bathing of the Shivling with milk, water, honey and other offerings while Pandits chant the Rudri (Sri Rudram), one of the most loved Shiva pujas.
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Lord Shiva
Maha Shivratri Puja
Night-long worship of Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri, abhishek in the four prahars, Rudri chanting, bel patra offerings and jagran on Shiva's great night.
In-person Online available2 to 3 hours for a single-prahar puja; 10 to 12 hours for Char Prahar pujaAlso: Mahashivratri PujaAlso: Shivratri Puja
Overview
What is Maha Shivratri Puja?
Maha Shivratri falls on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna (Magha in the amanta calendar), usually in February or March. Devotees observe a fast and worship Lord Shiva through the night, traditionally in four parts called prahars, with the Nishita Kaal around midnight considered especially holy.
A Maha Shivratri Puja can range from a single abhishek with Om Namah Shivaya chanting to a full Char Prahar puja, where the Shivling is bathed in each prahar, traditionally with milk, curd, ghee and honey in turn, alongside Rudri recitation, Shiv Mahimna Stotra and bhajans. The fast is traditionally broken the next morning after puja (parana).
In Varanasi, Shivratri is celebrated with great devotion, with crowds at Kashi Vishwanath and processions of Shiva's baraat. Families who prefer a quieter observance often book a Pandit for home puja or an online sankalp. Customs vary by region, and the Pandit follows yours.
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥
Oṁ tryambakaṁ yajāmahe sugandhiṁ puṣṭivardhanam, urvārukam iva bandhanān mṛtyor mukṣīya mā'mṛtāt.
Significance
Maha Shivratri is traditionally associated with several holy events, the night Shiva manifested as an endless pillar of light (Jyotirlinga), the celebration of Shiva and Parvati's divine marriage, and the night of His cosmic dance. It is regarded as the most important of the year's twelve Shivratris.
Staying awake in devotion symbolises overcoming ignorance and inertia. Devotees believe worship, fasting and chanting on this night are especially meritorious, and the popular story of a hunter who unknowingly offered bel leaves all night reflects the belief that sincere devotion on Shivratri is dear to Shiva.
Who performs it
- Devotees of Lord Shiva observing the Maha Shivratri fast
- Families wishing to perform Char Prahar puja at home
- Couples worshipping Shiva and Parvati together on this night
- Those unable to visit a temple due to crowds, travel or health
- Devotees abroad who want a sankalp and puja performed in Varanasi
When to perform
- On Maha Shivratri, Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi (Magha in the amanta calendar)
- Through the four prahars of the night, as per the Panchang timings
- During Nishita Kaal, around midnight, for the most important abhishek
- Parana (breaking the fast) the next morning, within the prescribed time
Traditionally associated with
- Traditionally regarded as the most auspicious night of the year for Shiva worship
- Devotees associate Shivratri devotion with inner purification and clarity
- Believed to bring the blessings of Shiva and Parvati to the household
- The night vigil is traditionally seen as a way to overcome inertia and ignorance
- Offers a meaningful family observance of a major festival
These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.
How the puja is performed
- 1
Sankalp and vrat
In the evening, the Pandit takes the sankalp for the puja and the fast with names, gotra and intention.
- 2
Ganesh puja and Shiva invocation
Lord Ganesha is worshipped, the Shivling is established, and Shiva and Parvati are invoked.
- 3
First prahar abhishek
The Shivling is bathed with milk (as per common custom) with mantras, bel patra and flowers.
- 4
Second prahar abhishek
Abhishek with curd, with Rudri or Om Namah Shivaya chanting and offerings.
- 5
Third prahar and Nishita Kaal
Abhishek with ghee around midnight, often the most elaborate part with full Rudri recitation.
- 6
Fourth prahar abhishek
Abhishek with honey before dawn, followed by shringar of the Shivling.
- 7
Jagran, stotras and aarti
Throughout the night, stotras such as Shiv Mahimna and Shiv Tandav, bhajans and katha are recited, with aarti at the close of each prahar.
- 8
Parana
The next morning, after a concluding puja, the fast is broken as per the Panchang timing.
The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.
Samagri (puja materials)
- Shivling (Narmadeshwar, Parad or as per custom)
- Gangajal
- Milk, curd, ghee and honey (for the four prahars)
- Sugar and panchamrit ingredients
- Bel patra in quantity
- Dhatura, aak and white flowers
- Ber (jujube) and seasonal fruits
- Chandan, bhasma and akshat
- Janeu and mauli
- Shringar items for Parvati
- Supari, paan leaves and cloves
- Ghee diyas, camphor and incense
- Bhang or thandai (only if part of family custom)
- Sweets and fasting-friendly bhog
Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.
What's included
Usually included
- Experienced Pandit(s) for the ritual
- Sankalp in your family's name and gotra
- Panchang-based prahar and Nishita Kaal timings
- Guidance on samagri, fasting and preparation
- Vidhi as per tradition
Not included
- Samagri (can be arranged on request)
- Travel beyond the service area
- Temple darshan arrangements
- Bhog, prasad and meals unless arranged
Duration: 2 to 3 hours for a single-prahar puja; 10 to 12 hours for Char Prahar puja. Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.
In-person puja
A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.
Online puja
- · Share names, gotra and intention on WhatsApp before Shivratri
- · The Pandit performs the sankalp and prahar abhishek in your name
- · Join the Nishita Kaal abhishek or any prahar via video call
Available in
More cities are coming soon.
Maha Shivratri Puja across regions
The same ritual goes by different names in different traditions. Whichever name your family uses, we can help.
- Mahashivratri Puja
- Hindi
- Maha Shivaratri Pooja
- Telugu
- Maha Sivarathri Pooja
- Tamil
- Shivaratri Pooje
- Kannada
- Char Prahar Puja
- Hindi
- Shivratri Pooja
- Spelling variant
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Maha Shivratri Puja FAQs
How much does a Maha Shivratri Puja cost?
It depends on whether you choose a single abhishek or Char Prahar puja, number of Pandits, samagri and location. Share your details on WhatsApp for a quote.
What is Char Prahar puja?
It is worship of Shiva in each of the four parts of Shivratri night, with abhishek and aarti in every prahar. Exact timings come from the Panchang for that year.
Can a Pandit come home on Shivratri night?
Yes, but demand is very high on Shivratri, so it is best to enquire a few weeks in advance, especially for a night-long puja.
Can Maha Shivratri Puja be done online?
Yes. The Pandit performs the sankalp and abhishek in your name and you can join the key prahars, such as Nishita Kaal, via video call.
Do I have to fast to do the puja?
Fasting is traditional but not compulsory. Many devotees keep a phalahar fast, and those with health conditions often choose a lighter observance.
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शुभं भवतु
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Share your preferred date, location and family customs on WhatsApp. We'll confirm Pandit availability and pricing before you book.