Maha Shivratri Puja at Home – Maha Shivratri, the Great Night of Lord Shiva, is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Observed annually on the 14th night of the waning moon in the month of Phalguna (February-March), it is a powerful occasion for spiritual awakening, inner transformation, and divine blessings.
How to do shivratri puja at home | Maha Shivaratri
Devotees observe fasting, night-long vigil (Jagran), and Shiva Abhishek to seek Lord Shiva’s grace for prosperity, health, and liberation (moksha). Performing Shivratri Puja at home with devotion, the correct rituals, and mantra chanting can bring peace, positivity, and divine energy into your life. This step-by-step guide will help you perform a proper Maha Shivratri Puja at home, ensuring a spiritually enriching experience.
Maha Shivratri is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. Observing a fast, chanting "Om Namah Shivaya," and performing Shiva Abhishek with devotion can bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings.
1. Preparation for Shivratri Puja
a) Cleanliness & Setup
- Wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean or white clothes.
- Clean the puja area and place a Shiva Lingam or an image of Lord Shiva on a puja altar.
- Light a diya (oil lamp) and incense sticks.
b) Items Needed (Samagri)
- Shiva Lingam or Picture of Lord Shiva
- Bel Patra (Bilva leaves)
- Milk, Water, Honey, Yogurt, Ghee, Sugar (for Abhishek)
- Sandalwood Paste, Kumkum, Rice, Flowers
- Fruits and Prasad (Coconut, Bananas, Panchamrit)
- Bhasma (Sacred Ash)
- Rudraksha Mala (for chanting)
2. Sankalp (Taking a Vow)
Before starting, take a Sankalp (resolution) for the puja:
Shiva Mantra for Sankalp:
ॐ ममोपात्त समस्तदुरितक्षयद्वारा
श्रीपरमेश्वरप्रीत्यर्थं शिवरात्रिव्रतमहं करिष्ये।
Transliteration:
Om mamopatta samasta durita kshaya dwarā
Śrī Parameshwara prītyartham Shivaratri vratam aham karishye.
Meaning: I take the vow to observe the Shivratri Vrat for the divine blessings of Lord Shiva and the removal of all sins.
3. Shiva Abhishek (Sacred Bathing Ritual)
a) Offerings and Their Significance
- Water (Ganga Jal) - Purification
- Milk - Blessings & Prosperity
- Honey - Sweetness in Life
- Yogurt - Good Health
- Ghee - Strength & Success
- Sandalwood Paste - Peace
- Bhasma (Ash) - Destruction of Ego
- Bilva Leaves - Shiva's Favorite Offering
b) Shiva Abhishek Mantra
While offering these items, chant:
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya (Salutations to Lord Shiva)
Or
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥
Transliteration:
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam,
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat.
Meaning: We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva, who nourishes and grows all beings. May He free us from death, just like a ripe cucumber is separated from the vine.
4. Offering Bilva Leaves & Flowers
- Offer Bilva leaves (Bel Patra) with devotion while chanting:
ॐ महादेवाय नमः
Om Mahadevaya Namah (Salutations to Mahadev, the Supreme Lord Shiva)
- Place fresh flowers on the Shiva Lingam or in front of Shiva’s image.
5. Chanting of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra (108 Times)
Chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra using a Rudraksha mala (108 times):
🕉 ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥
(Refer to the previous section for meaning and transliteration.)
This mantra grants protection, longevity, and liberation from suffering.
6. Performing Aarti (Light Offering)
Light Camphor or Ghee Lamp and perform Shiva Aarti while ringing a bell.
Shiva Aarti Mantra:
🕉 ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा, स्वामी जय शिव ओंकारा।
ब्रह्मा, विष्णु, सदाशिव, अर्द्धांगी धारा॥
Transliteration:
Om Jai Shiva Omkara, Swami Jai Shiva Omkara.
Brahma, Vishnu, Sadashiva, Ardhangi Dhara.
Meaning: Glory to Lord Shiva, the eternal Omkara, who is the Supreme Lord of creation, preservation, and destruction.
7. Prasad Distribution & Conclusion
- Offer Naivedya (sweets, coconut, fruits) to Lord Shiva.
- Sit in meditation for a few moments, remembering Lord Shiva.
- Distribute Prasad to family members.
- Break the fast the next morning after worshiping Lord Shiva again.
8. Maha Shivratri Fasting Rules
- Observe a strict fast (avoid grains, eat only fruits, milk, and nuts).
- Stay awake at night (Jagran) by chanting Shiva Mantras.
- Visit a Shiva temple if possible.
- Maintain celibacy, devotion, and mental purity during the fast.
Final Thoughts
Performing Maha Shivratri Puja at home with devotion and the right rituals pleases Lord Shiva and removes all obstacles in life. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a spiritually fulfilling experience.
May Lord Shiva bless you with peace, prosperity, and happiness!
🕉 हर हर महादेव 🕉
