Maha Shivaratri 2017: Puja Timings, Tithi and Vidhi

Mumbai: Maha Shivaratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals and is celebrated by devotees of Lord Shiva from across the globe. The auspicious day, dedicated to most Supreme power, marks his martial union with Goddess Parvati , who is also referred to as Shakti.

Meaning Shiva’s night, Maha Shivaratri falls on Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in month of Magha in the South Indian calendar or the Amavasyant Hindu lunar calendar. However according to North Indian calendar or the Poornimant lunar calendar, Maha Shivaratri is the Masik(monthly) Shivaratri in month of Phalguna. If we were to go by the Gregorian calendar, the day falls on February 24 and extends until 25th this year.

Here’s taking a look at the Maha Shivaratri 2017 Puja Timings, Tithi and Vidhi:

Maha Shivaratri 2017 Tithi:

According to Drikpanchang.com, the Chaturdashi Tithi Begins at 21:38 PM on February 24 and end at 21:20 PM on the next day (February 25).

Maha Shivaratri 2017 Puja Timings:

The best time to do Puja on Mahashivaratri is known as the Nishikant Kaal Puja. This is that time when the Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared on earth in the form of a Shiva Linga. This year, the Nishita Kaal Puja time is between 12:10 AM to 12:59 AM on February 25.

Maha Shivaratri 2017 Prahar timings:

The first Prahar Puja starts at 18:29 PM to 21:32 PM.

Second Prahar Puja starts at 21:32 PM to 12:35 AM.

Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time = 12:35 AM to 03:37 AM.

Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time = 03:37 AM+ to 6:40 AM.

Maha Shivaratri 2017 Parana Timings:

Here’s when you can break your fast - 06:40 AM to 15:32 PM on February 25.

Maha Shivaratri Puja Vidhi

• Take bath before doing Puja or visiting a temple.
• Purify home and Puja area by sprinkling Gangajal.
• Light a brass or an earthen lamp.
• Sit down with your eyes closed and invite Lord Shiva to accept your offerings. (You or your family priest can do the Pran Pratishthan by invoking the God in your idol).
• Now, do abhishek with water on Shiv Linga or Shiva’s Moorti. Chant ‘OM’ or ‘OM Namah Shivaya’ while doing the Abhishek.
• Then do Abhishek with Milk, Dahi, followed by Honey, Ghee (clarified butter) and water again.
• Use a fresh piece of cloth of gently wipe the Shiv Linga or Idol.
• Use the sacred ash (Vibhuti) or bhasm and make a Tripundra on the Lord’s Forehead or on the Shiv Linga. (The Tripundra is the three famous horizontal mark). Put a Chandan tika in the centre of the horizontal line in the middle. And then add kumkum teeka. Add Bel or Vilva leaves and flowers.
• Light incense sticks and dhoop.
• Then offer fruits and dry fruits to the God.
• Then chant the Shiva Chalisa or the 108 names of Lord Shiva or any simple Shiva Mantra.
•  Meditate for a while.
• Conclude the Puja by singing the Shiva Aarti.