Mahashivratri
07 Feb
Auspicious Rituals, Mahashivratri

Mahashivratri 2026: Significance, Rituals & Benefits of Worshipping Lord Shiva

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Introduction to Mahashivratri 2026

Mahashivratri 2025 falls on February 26, 2025, marking a spiritually significant day for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is one of the most revered Hindu festivals, symbolizing the divine cosmic dance of Shiva Tandava and the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This auspicious night is dedicated to fasting, night-long vigil, Rudra Abhishekam, and chanting of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.

Significance of Mahashivratri 2026

  • Spiritual Awakening & Enlightenment – Observing Mahashivratri helps devotees attain higher consciousness and divine blessings.
  • Union of Shiva & Shakti – The night signifies the cosmic marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing balance in nature.
  • Destroying Negative Karmas – Fasting, meditation, and chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ cleanse the soul and remove past karmic debts.
  • Shiva Tandava - The Cosmic Dance – This festival marks the day when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya, signifying the cycle of creation and destruction.
  • Moksha & Liberation – Devotees seek liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Moksha) by worshipping Shiva on this sacred night.

Mahashivratri 2026 Date & Timings (Muhurat)

  • Mahashivratri Date: 16th February 2026 (Sunday)
  • Ratri First Prahar Puja Time - 06:11 PM to 09:23 PM
  • Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time - 09:23 PM to 12:35 AM, Feb 16
  • Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time - 12:35 AM to 03:47 AM, Feb 16
  • Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time - 03:47 AM to 06:59 AM, Feb 16

Mahashivratri 2026 Rituals & Puja Vidhi

Observing the right Mahashivratri Puja Vidhi enhances divine blessings. Devotees should follow these rituals:

1. Early Morning Shiva Puja

  • Wake up early, bathe in holy rivers (if possible), and wear clean white clothes.
  • Visit a Shiva temple and offer Bilva leaves, flowers, milk, honey, curd, ghee, and sacred ash (Vibhuti).
  • Perform Rudra Abhishekam – A sacred bath for Shiva Linga with Panchamrit (milk, honey, ghee, curd, and sugarcane juice).

2. Fasting (Mahashivratri Vrat)

  • Observing a strict fast (Nirjala Vrat) is highly auspicious, while some opt for a fruit and milk fast.
  • The fast is broken only after offering prayers the next morning.

3. Chanting Shiva Mantras

  • ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ – The Panchakshari Mantra removes obstacles and bestows divine grace.
  • Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra – A powerful mantra for health, longevity, and protection from negative forces.
  • Shiv Tandav Stotram – Chanting this energetic hymn invokes Shiva’s supreme blessings.

4. Night-long Vigil (Jaagran & Meditation)

  • Devotees stay awake throughout the night, chanting and meditating on Lord Shiva.
  • Performing Shiva Dhyan and reciting scriptures like Shiva Purana and Rudram enhances spiritual growth.

5. Shiva Linga Abhishekam During Nishita Kaal

  • The most auspicious time for Shiva Puja is Nishita Kaal, the midnight period.
  • Items to Offer During Abhishekam:
    • Milk – For purity and peace
    • Honey – For sweet speech and wisdom
    • Ghee – For prosperity and divine grace
    • Curd – For health and happiness
    • Bilva Leaves – Most sacred offering to Lord Shiva

6. Offering Bael Leaves & Datura Flower

  • Bilva leaves (Bel Patra) hold special significance in Shiva worship, as they represent purity and devotion.
  • Datura flower and fruit are offered to Shiva to symbolize the destruction of toxic emotions and purification of the mind.

Benefits of Observing Mahashivratri 2026

Performing Mahashivratri rituals with devotion grants spiritual and material benefits:

  1. Removes Negative Energies – Shiva Puja destroys negativity and attracts positive vibrations.
  2. Health & Longevity – Chanting Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra protects against diseases and untimely death.
  3. Wealth & Prosperity – Worshipping Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri fulfills financial aspirations and career growth.
  4. Marriage Blessings – Unmarried women seek Shiva’s blessings for an ideal life partner, while married couples pray for happiness and harmony.
  5. Karmic Cleansing & Moksha – Observing fast and meditation on Mahashivratri night liberates from past sins and ensures spiritual upliftment.

Best Temples to Visit on Mahashivratri 2026

Devotees throng Shiva temples to seek divine grace. Some of the most sacred Shiva temples in India include:

  1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi) – One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, known for ultimate liberation.
  2. Kedarnath Temple (Uttarakhand) – A divine place for Shiva devotees and pilgrims.
  3. Mahakaleshwar Temple (Ujjain) – Famous for its Bhasma Aarti and Jyotirlinga.
  4. Somnath Temple (Gujarat) – The first Jyotirlinga, known for immense spiritual energy.
  5. Chidambaram Temple (Tamil Nadu) – The abode of Nataraja, the cosmic dancer.
  6. Ramanathaswamy Temple (Rameswaram) – Sacred for ancestral liberation and moksha.
  7. Tiruvannamalai Temple - The abode of Anamalaiyar, the fire element.

Mahashivratri 2025 is a powerful night of divine energy, devotion, and self-purification. By following the traditional rituals, observing fast, and meditating on Lord Shiva, devotees can achieve spiritual progress, material prosperity, and inner peace. This sacred night of awakening helps in attaining moksha (liberation) and divine blessings from Mahadev, the destroyer of darkness.

Om Namah Shivaya! May Lord Shiva bless you abundantly on Mahashivratri 2025!

Maha Anna Dhan on Mahashivratri – Offer Divine Food Seva & Attain Lord Shiva’s Blessings

Maha Anna Dhan on Mahashivratri – Offer Divine Food Seva & Attain Lord Shiva’s Blessings

Maha Anna Dhan on Mahashivratri Mahashivratri is not only a night of intense devotion and spiritual upliftment but also a powerful occasion to practice Anna Dhanam – the highest form...

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Dakshinamoorthy Pooja
25 Dec
Auspicious Rituals, Daily Pooja

Dakshinamoorthy Pooja Thursday

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Dakshinamoorthy Pooja
How to Perform Pooja for Lord Dakshinamoorthy on Thursdays

Dakshinamoorthy Pooja, the embodiment of wisdom and the ultimate teacher of all knowledge is a revered form of Lord Shiva. Performing pooja to Lord Dakshinamoorthy on Thursdays is believed to enhance spiritual understanding, clear educational obstacles, and provide clarity of thought. Here is a detailed guide to performing the pooja:

 

1. Preparation

  • Cleanse the Space: Clean the pooja area thoroughly. Light some incense or dhoop to purify the atmosphere.

  • Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean, preferably white or yellow clothes to symbolize purity and knowledge.

  • Pooja Items:

    • Dakshinamoorthy idol or picture

    • Fresh flowers (preferably white or yellow)

    • Sandalwood paste

    • Turmeric and kumkum

    • Fruits, coconut, and sweets as naivedyam (offering)

    • Betel leaves and nuts

    • Camphor, ghee lamp, and incense sticks

    • A bell for ringing during the pooja

    • A small bowl of water with a spoon

    • A white cloth or mat to sit on

2. Setting Up the Altar

  • Place the idol or picture of Lord Dakshinamurthi on a clean, decorated platform.

  • Arrange the pooja items neatly around the altar.

  • Light the lamp and incense sticks to signify the start of the pooja.

3. Invocation

  • Sit comfortably in front of the altar and chant "Om Gurave Namah" or "Om Namo Bhagavate Dakshinamurthaye" to invoke the presence of Lord Dakshinamoorthy.

  • Meditate for a few minutes, focusing on the image of Lord Dakshinamoorthy.

4. Offering and Decoration

  • Apply sandalwood paste and kumkum to the idol or picture.

  • Adorn the idol with fresh flowers and garlands.

  • Offer fruits, coconut, and sweets as naivedyam.

5. Recitation of Mantras

  • Chant the Dakshinamoorthy Stotram or other hymns dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurthi. If possible, recite the following mantra:

    "Om Namo Bhagavate Dakshinamurthaye Mahyam Medham Pragnam Prayacha Swaha"

  • Repeat the mantra at least 11, 21, or 108 times for maximum benefit.

6. Aarti

  • Perform aarti using camphor or a ghee lamp. Move the lamp in a circular motion in front of the idol while ringing the bell and chanting prayers.

  • Offer the water from the small bowl to the idol as a symbolic abhishekam (bathing).

7. Meditation and Prayers

    • Sit quietly after the pooja and meditate on the teachings of Lord Dakshinamurthi.

    • Pray for wisdom, clarity, and guidance in your life.

    • Focus on your breath to calm your mind and bring your attention inward.

    • Visualize a radiant light emanating from Lord Dakshinamurthi, filling you with knowledge and peace.

    • Reflect on areas in your life where you seek guidance or understanding, and surrender them to Lord Dakshinamurthi.

    • Chant the mantra mentally while meditating to deepen your connection.

    • End your meditation with a heartfelt gratitude for the divine wisdom and blessings received.

8. Concluding the Pooja

  • Distribute the prasad (offered food) among family members and neighbors.

  • Thank Lord Dakshinamoorthy for his blessings and guidance.

Additional Tips

  • Fasting on Thursdays and consuming only sattvic food enhances the spiritual benefits of the pooja.

  • Reading scriptures like the Upanishads or other philosophical texts in the presence of the altar can deepen your understanding.

  • Practice humility and gratitude throughout the day to align with Lord Dakshinamoorthy's teachings.

  • Offer yellow-colored fruits or flowers as they are considered auspicious for Lord Dakshinamoorthy.

  • Place a small book or scripture near the altar to symbolize learning and wisdom.

  • If possible, light a lamp with ghee mixed with turmeric for added spiritual significance.

  • Encourage children and family members to participate, fostering collective learning and devotion.

  • Avoid distractions like electronic devices during the pooja to maintain focus and sanctity.

By dedicating your Thursdays to Lord Dakshinamoorthy, you invite wisdom and harmony into your life. Regular pooja strengthens your connection with the divine and helps you navigate life with grace and understanding.

Dakshinamurthy Pooja at Alangudi

Dakshinamurthy Pooja at Alangudi

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18 Aug
Auspicious Rituals, Varalakshmi Vratam

Varalakshmi Vratam

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This is the festival to propitiate the Goddess Lakshmi. Varalakshmi grants boons. It is an important pooja performed by many women in South India.

It is mostly celebrated on the second Friday or the Friday before the day of the full moon in the month of Shravana between July and August.

Varalakshmi Vratam is mostly performed by the women of south India for their own well being and that of all their family members.

On this occasion, women worship Goddess Lakshmi with utmost devotion offering fruits, sweets and flowers, usually a kalasam (representing the deity) will be decorated with a saree, flowers and gold jewellery with offerings placed in front.

On Varaakshmi Vratam day, women worship Ashta Lakshmis or the eight Lakshmis

Aadi Lakshmi (the Protector)
Dhana Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth)
Dhairya Lakshmi (Goddess of Courage)
Sobhagya Lakshmi (Goddess of Prosperity)
Vijaya Lakshmi (Goddess of Victory)
Dhanya Lakshmi (Goddess of Nourishment)
Santana Lakshmi (Goddess of Progeny)
Vidhya Lakshmi (Goddess of Wisdom)

Required Pooja Kit for the Varalakshmi Pooja Kit:

Haridra, Kumkum, Sindhoor, Akshatha, Chandanam, Vastra, Dora Granthi, Yagnopaveetha, Karpoora, Agarbathies, Peetha for Puja Bell, Diya, Peetha for Sri Varalakashmi, Sri Varamahalakshmi Idol, Sri Varamahalakshmi Mukhavada, Kalasha, Panchapatra, Udharana, Arghyapatra, Pugiphala, Fresh Fruits, Sweets, Flowers etc.

Varalakshmi Vratam Pooja Vidhi:

On this day, wake up early, clean all the house, take bath, and do the shuddi of puja area with Gangajal (holy water). After this, place the Varalakshmi Photo or idol on the puja platform. Decorate Goddess Lakshmi with new clothes, jewellery, kumkum, and flowers. Offer akshat, chandan, kumkum, sindoor, to the goddess. Offer fresh fruits, sweets, and water to the goddess. Perform Goddess Lakshmi Aarti with Diya, Kapoor and agarbatti. It’s advisable to refrain from eating anything on this day and devotees should keep fast till late at night.

Varalakshmi Vratam Fasting Rules:

Those who want to perform Varalakshmi Vratam Should refrain from eating meals on this day. Do not eat anything before Varalakshmi Puja. First, perform the Varalakshmi pooja, do the Lakshmi Aarti, distribute the Prasada among family and friends. One can eat fruits after performing Varalakshmi aarti-archna at night. Meals should be consumed the next day after performing Parana.

Varalakshmi Vratam Mantra:

Padmaasane Padmakare Sarva Lokaika Poojithe
Narayanapriya Devi Supreethaa Bhava Sarvada

Meaning of Mantra:

She who sits in the lotus, she who holds the lotus, she to whom all the worlds pray

Goddess who is dear to Narayana, be kind/good to me