Notes: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of Columbus, United States with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang day starts and ends with sunrise.
Shivaratri is great festival of convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Each month, Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha is known as Masik Shivaratri.
Masik Shivaratri in month of Magha is known as Maha Shivaratri according to Amanta School. However according to Purnimanta School Masik Shivaratri in month of Phalguna is known as Maha Shivaratri. In both schools it is naming convention of lunar month which differs. However both, Purnimanta and Amanta Schools, celebrate all Shivaratris including Maha Shivaratri on same day.
According to Indian Mythology, in the midnight of Maha Shivaratri, Lord Shiva was appeared in form of Linga. Shiva Linga was first worshipped by Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. Hence Maha Shivaratri is known as birthday of Lord Shiva and devotees worship Shiva Linga during Shivaratri. Shivaratri Vrat is popular since ancient time. In Hindu Puranas we get references of Shivaratri Vrat. According to scriptures even Goddess Lakshmi, Indrani, Saraswati, Gayatri, Savitri, Sita, Parvati, Rati observed Shivaratri fast.
Devotees, who want to observe Masik Shivaratri Vrat, can start it from Maha Shivaratri day and continue it for a year. It is believed that impossible and difficult task can be fulfilled by observing Masik Shivaratri Vrats by the grace of Lord Shiva. Devotees should keep awake during Shivaratri and perform Shiva Puja during midnight. Unmarried women observe this fast to get married and married women observe this fast to maintain peace and tranquility in their married life.
Masik Shivaratri when falls on Tuesday becomes highly auspicious. Shivaratri Pujan is suggested during midnight which is known as Nishita Kaal and prevails for two Ghati. DrikPanchang.com lists Nishita Kaal Muhurta to perform Shiva Pujan for all Shivaratri fasts.
Lord Shiva is also known as Bholenath due to his gullible nature.
Lord Shiva is one of the three main deities worshipped in Hinduism, namely Brahma, Vishnu & Mahesha, who are collectively known as Trimurti. Lord Shiva is the destroyer of the universe and is also known by the names of Bholenath, Lord Shankara, etc.
Lord Shiva Aarti is provided with lyrics and recitation video. It's a widely known and melodious Aarti dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Lord Mahadev Aarti is given with lyrics and recitation video. It is a very popular Aarti dedicated to the Mahadeva form of Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva Chalisa is provided with lyrics and recitation video. Devotees of Lord Shiva recite this Chalisa to please Him and seek His blessings.
Om Namah Shivaya i.e. the Mula Mantra of Lord Shiva is the most powerful Mantra of Lord Shiva. Om Tryambakam, the death defeating Mantra of Lord Shiva. Om Tatpurushaya, the Rudra Gayatri Mantra of Lord Shiva are few powerful Mantra to please and seek blessings of Lord Shiva.
108 Shiva Names mentioned in Shakta Pramod Grantha are the most popular 108 Names of Lord Shiva. Each name when combined with Om Namah becomes independent Mantra in itself and can be used for chanting as well as to perform Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali Homa.
A detailed Shodashopachara Shiva Puja Vidhi dedicated to Lord Shiva is provided. In the presented Puja Vidhi, all the sixteen steps of Shodashopachara Puja Vidhi including Dhyana, Avahana, Padya, Arghya, and Achamaniya are described with Mantras.
Shivaratri Shodashopachara Puja Vidhi consisting of all the main steps of worship like Sankalpa, Dhyana, Avahana, Asana, Arghya etc. has been provided along with Mantra. With the help of this Puja Vidhi, you can take full advantage of Maha Shivaratri by performing worship in a proper manner.
All Mondays or Somwar which fall during Shravana month are considered highly auspicious for fasting to seek blessing of Lord Shiva and known as Shravana Somwar. Most states follow regional calendars due to which dates of Sawan Somwar might differ by 2 weeks.
In North India, Shivaratri which falls during the auspicious month of Shravana is known as Sawan Shivaratri. Except Hindi belt in North India, in rest of India Sawan begins one or two days after Sawan Shivaratri.
Pradosh Vrat, also known as Pradosham in South India, is observed to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. According to the Hindu calendar, this fast is observed on the Trayodashi Tithi of both Shukla and Krishna Paksha of the lunar month. Pradosham days for whole year are listed on this page.
Various types of Lord Shiva Rangoli designs and Shiva Linga Rangoli designs are given. The method of making beautiful Rangoli is also described step by step through pictures. With the help of these pictures, one can make Rangoli very easily.
Shiva Ramashtakam is given with lyrics and recitation video. It is a very melodious and effective Ashtakam dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Shri Shiva Ashtottarashatanama Stotram is given with lyrics and video. Reciting this Stotram is considered to be very auspicious and fruitful.
Maha Shivaratri Greeting Cards with pictures of Shiva Mukha Lingam, Swayambhu Shiva Lingam Abhishek, Lord Shiva on Mount Kailash and Shiva Grinding Bhang are given. You can send Maha Shivaratri greetings to your loved ones through these beautiful pictures.
