Maha Shivratri Pooja
Worship Lord Shiva on the Great Night
Materials Required
- Shiva Linga
- Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey, Sugar (Panchamrit)
- Bilva Patra (Bel Leaves)
- Dhatura Flowers/Fruit
- Bhasma (Sacred Ash)
- Sandalwood Paste
- Ganga Jal or Clean Water
- Incense & Oil Lamp
- Rudraksha Mala
Step-by-Step Procedure
Sankalpa (Vow)
Take a vow to observe the fast with purity and devotion for the entire day and night.
Abhishekam
Bathe the Shiva Linga with water, followed by Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar), and then water again.
Decoration
Apply sandalwood paste and Bhasma (ash) to the Linga. Offer Bilva Patra and Dhatura.
Offerings & Aarti
Light the lamp and incense. Offer fruits and sweets. Perform the Shiva Aarti.
Jagran (Night Vigil)
Stay awake throughout the night chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" and meditating on Lord Shiva.
Shiva Mantra
"Om Namah Shivaya"
Meaning: I bow to Shiva.
"Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat"
Meaning: We worship the Three-Eyed One (Lord Shiva), who is fragrant and nourishes all beings. May He liberate us from death for the sake of immortality, even as the cucumber is severed from its bondage (to the creeper).