How to keep the Mahashivratri vrat: four-prahar puja, what to eat and when to break the fast
Quick answer: Mahashivratri is observed for Lord Shiv on the Krishna Chaturdashi of Phalgun (Magh in the South Indian calendar). Devotees fast through the day, offer water, milk and bel leaves on the Shivling, and stay awake all night, worshipping in four watches (prahar) and chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya'. The fast is broken the next morning after bath and puja, within the parana time given in the panchang.
At a glance
- Date
- Phalgun Krishna Chaturdashi (February–March)
- Main worship
- Four watches of the night; nishita kaal (midnight)
- Mantra
- Om Namah Shivaya, Mahamrityunjay mantra
- Parana
- Next morning, at the panchang time
How to keep the vrat
- On the day before (Trayodashi), eat one simple meal.
- On the morning of Shivratri, bathe and take the sankalp.
- At a temple or at home, bathe the Shivling with water, milk, curd, ghee, honey and then clean water; offer bel leaves, dhatura, bhang leaves, white flowers and sandalwood.
- Through the day, chant his name and read the Shiv Chalisa or Shiv Puran.
- Stay awake at night: in each watch (about three hours), do a puja, abhishek and aarti. If that is not possible, worship at least once at night, especially at nishita kaal (around midnight).
- The next morning, after bath and puja, break the fast with prasad within the panchang's parana time.
What to eat (common practice)
- Waterless (strict) or water only
- Fruit, milk, curd, makhana, dry fruits
- Sabudana, potato, sweet potato, kuttu or singhara flour, rock salt
Do
- Choose the kind of fast your health allows.
- Be patient in temple crowds and stay in the queue.
- Spend the vigil in bhajans, katha and chanting; avoid the phone and idle talk.
Don't
- No grains, rice, lentils, onion, garlic, meat or alcohol.
- Don't consume bhang as an intoxicant; bhang leaves are only offered in puja.
- Don't offer tulsi, the ketaki flower, turmeric or kumkum on the Shivling (common tradition).
- Don't miss the parana time.
Puja and parana rules differ by region and family; follow your city's panchang and your family's tradition. If you are ill, pregnant or elderly, ask a doctor first.
Frequently asked questions
When should the Mahashivratri fast be broken?
The next morning after sunrise, after bath and puja, within the panchang's parana time.
Is it necessary to stay awake all night?
The vigil is an important tradition, but do what your health allows. Try at least to worship at midnight (nishita kaal).
What is the difference between Shivratri and Mahashivratri?
The Krishna Chaturdashi of every month is a monthly Shivratri; the one in Phalgun is the greatest, so it is called Mahashivratri.
Can I drink water during the Mahashivratri fast?
Yes, unless you are keeping a waterless fast. Most devotees fast with water and fruit.