Tue Feb 25 02:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Maha Shivratri: Five Things You Need to Know
**Ujjain, India** – Maha Shivratri, the great night of Shiva, falls on February 26th this year. This Hindu festival celebrates not Shiva’s marriage to Parvati, as is commonly believed, but rather the first manifestation of the Shiva Lingam, according to the Shiva Purana.
This ancient text details how, on the 14th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Phalguna (February/March), the Shiva Lingam first appeared, prompting worship from Lord Vishnu and Brahma. Contrary to popular belief, the Shiva Purana places Shiva’s marriage to Parvati on a different date entirely – the second day of the dark fortnight in the month of Agrahayana (November/December).
This year’s celebration will involve traditional four-part prayers (char prahar muhurat) as detailed by the chief priests of significant Jyotirlinga temples in Ujjain, Kashi, and Kedarnath. The article also outlines the proper observance of the Shivratri fast, which includes abstaining from food.
The article further explores the significance of the Mahamrityunjaya mantra, highlighting research indicating its beneficial effects on mental peace and concentration. While the tradition of celebrating Shiva’s marriage on Maha Shivratri lacks historical basis, the merging of Shiva and Shakti (divine feminine energy) on this night has become a central theme of the celebration. The connection between the Shiva Lingam’s lower portion and Parvati further reinforces the union of these divine forces as a core tenet of the festival.
First Piper 