Maha Shivratri 2025 Fasting Rules: Break Fast At THIS Time, Do NOT Eat Rice - Check Dos And Don'ts

Observing the Maha Shivratri fast with sincerity and devotion allows devotees to purify their minds and bodies, fostering a deeper connection with Lord Shiva.

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Maha Shivratri, translating to "The Great Night of Shiva," is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. In 2025, it will be observed on February 26. Devotees across India and worldwide engage in various rituals, with fasting being a central practice. This article provides detailed insights into the fasting rules, the appropriate time to break the fast, and essential dos and don'ts to observe during Maha Shivratri 2025.
According to drik panchang, Shivaratri Parana Time - 06:48 AM to 08:54 AM, February 27

Significance of Fasting on Maha Shivratri

Fasting during Maha Shivratri is more than a ritualistic abstention from food; it is a spiritual endeavor aimed at purifying the body and mind. This practice enhances concentration during prayers and meditation, fostering a deeper connection with Lord Shiva. The fast symbolizes self-restraint, discipline, and devotion, aiding devotees in overcoming ignorance and darkness in their lives.

Types of Fasting

Devotees may choose from different types of fasting based on their health and spiritual inclination:

• Nirjala Fast: A strict fast where one abstains from both food and water throughout the day and night.
• Phalahar Fast: Involves consuming specific foods such as fruits, milk, and nuts, providing nourishment while maintaining the sanctity of the fast.
• Partial Fast: Devotees avoid certain foods like grains, lentils, and regular salt, opting instead for meals prepared with fasting-friendly ingredients like buckwheat flour (kuttu), tapioca (sabudana), and rock salt (sendha namak). 

Breaking the Fast

The fast is traditionally broken the morning after Maha Shivratri, following a ritual bath and prayer. It is recommended to break the fast between sunrise and the end of the Chaturdashi Tithi to attain the full spiritual benefits. 

Foods to Consume

During the fast, devotees are encouraged to consume sattvic (pure) foods that aid in maintaining spiritual focus:

• Fruits: Bananas, apples, papayas, and pomegranates.
• Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, and paneer.
• Root Vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins.
• Flours: Buckwheat (kuttu) and water chestnut (singhara) flours.
• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and melon seeds.
• Beverages: Coconut water, herbal teas, and fresh fruit juices.

It is advisable to use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular table salt in meal preparations. 

Foods to Avoid

To maintain the sanctity of the fast, certain foods should be avoided:

• Grains: Wheat, rice, and lentils.
• Vegetables: Onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
• Spices: Turmeric and mustard seeds.
• Non-Vegetarian Food: Meat, fish, and eggs.
• Processed and Packaged Foods: Chips, cookies, and fast food.
• Regular Table Salt: Opt for rock salt instead.

Avoiding these items helps in maintaining the purity and purpose of the fast. 

Dos and Don'ts During Maha Shivratri Fast

Dos:

• Early Rising: Begin the day with a bath, preferably during the Brahma Muhurta (two hours before sunrise), to purify the body.
• Sankalp (Vow): Take a pledge to observe the fast with dedication and seek Lord Shiva's blessings.
• Regular Offerings: Perform regular puja, offering Bilva leaves, milk, honey, and fruits to the Shiva Lingam.
• Mantra Chanting: Recite "Om Namah Shivaya" and other Shiva mantras throughout the day to maintain spiritual focus.
• Meditation: Engage in meditation to attain mental peace and connect with the divine.

Don'ts:

• Consumption of Prohibited Foods: Refrain from consuming grains, non-vegetarian food, onions, garlic, and regular salt.
• Use of Certain Offerings: Avoid offering items like vermilion (kumkum), coconut water, and Tulsi leaves to the Shiva Lingam, as they are traditionally not accepted.
• Full Parikrama: Do not perform a full circumambulation around the Shiva Lingam; instead, perform a half-circle as prescribed.
• Negative Emotions: Steer clear of anger, jealousy, and other negative emotions to maintain the sanctity of the fast.
• Sleeping During the Day: It is customary to stay awake during the night of Maha Shivratri, engaging in prayers and meditation.

Adhering to these guidelines ensures a spiritually enriching experience during Maha Shivratri. By following the prescribed dos and don'ts, and understanding the significance of the rituals, one can fully embrace the spiritual essence of this auspicious day.

(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)