Maha Shivratri 2020: Date, Timing and Muhurat

Shaivites and devotees of Shiva look forward to the festival of Maha Shivratri, a night that celebrates the marriage of the Lord and his consort Parvati. It is also believed to be the day when Shiva appeared as a Linga for the first time. Though devotees celebrate Masik Shivratri every month, the Maha Shivratri is the most significant. And this festival calls for celebrations, prayers, and a night-long Shiva puja. 

Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi (fourteenth day) in the month of Phalguna (as per the Purnimant calendar) or Magha (according to the Amanta calendar) during Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the Moon. This year, Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on February 21, as per the Gregorian calendar.

Maha Shivratri 2020 puja timings and shubh muhurat:

Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 5:50 AM on February 21 and ends at 7:32 AM on February 22.

Nishita Kaal Puja (main puja) timings - 11:38 PM to 12:30 AM, February 22

Apart from the Nishita Kaal, one can perform puja during four Muhurtas, and they are as follows:

First Prahar - 5:31 PM to 8:47 PM

Second Prahar - 8:47 PM to 12:04 AM, February 22

Third Prahar - 12:04 AM to 03:20 AM, February 22

Fourth Prahar - 3:20 AM to 06:37 AM, February 22

Parana or time for breaking the fast - 6:37 AM to 7:32 AM, February 22.

On Maha Shivratri, devotees keep a day-long vrat (fast) and break it on the following day. They undertake austerities and practise celibacy to exercise self-restraint and control over their senses. Consumption of cereals and pulses in any form is strictly prohibited. Devotees can, however, have fruits, milk or vrat recipes. The vrat also helps them focus on the Supreme power and acknowledge the fact that there's something more mighty that governs the universe. And apart from helping the body get rid of toxins, the idea of observing a vrat also cleanses the mind. Thus, it liberates a person of all the impurities.