Maha Shivratri: The Great Night of Shiva

Significance

Of the twelve monthly Shivratris, the one before Phalguna Amavasya is Maha, the great night. Traditions link it to the night Shiva performed the Tandava, the night he married Parvati, and the night he manifested as the infinite Jyotirlinga. The observance is nocturnal: the tithi must cover Nishita Kaal, the exact middle of the night.

Observance

• Fasting through the day (phalahar or nirjala by capacity)
• Night vigil (jagaran) with worship in each of the four prahars
• Abhisheka of the Shivalinga with water, milk, honey and bel leaves
• Chanting of Om Namah Shivaya and the Rudra hymns

Jyotirlinga temples such as Somnath, Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain and Kashi Vishwanath see the largest gatherings.