Maha Shivaratri Vrat — Date, Vidhi & Timing

Significance

Great night of Lord Shiva; night-long worship and fasting destroy sins and grant liberation.

Niyam (rules)

1. Observe strict fast through the night; many devotees take only fruits or milk.
2. Avoid sleep through the night and keep the mind on Lord Shiva.
3. Refrain from tamasic food and conduct on Chaturdashi.

Vidhi (how to observe)

1. Bathe in the evening and set up Shiva lingam or picture with bilva and flowers.
2. Offer milk, water, honey, and bel patra through the night at each prahar if possible.
3. Chant Om Namah Shivaya and perform Rudrabhishek if guided by tradition.
4. Stay awake with bhajan, katha, and meditation until Brahma muhurta.
5. Break fast on the next morning after bath and Shiva arati.