The Hindu festival of Mahashivratri, celebrated on February 26, 2025, holds great significance, especially as it coincides with the auspicious Tithi (lunar day) of Trayodashi. Mahashivratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is observed with various rituals and prayers. On this day, the moon rests in the Makar (Capricorn) zodiac and is under the Shravan Nakshatra, known for its positive celestial influence.
According to the lunar calendar, Trayodashi will last until 11:09 AM, followed by the commencement of Chaturdashi. The Parigha Yoga will be effective until 2:57 AM on February 27, enhancing the day's auspiciousness. This event is significant for devotees who engage in prayer and fasting, as it is believed to bring forth blessings and fulfillment of wishes.
Astrological Details for February 26, 2025:
- Date: Trayodashi, lasting until 11:09 AM
- Nakshatra: Shravan until 5:23 PM, transitioning to Dhanishta afterwards
- Yoga: Parigha until 2:57 AM (February 27)
During this festival, it's also noteworthy for devotees to pay attention to the 'Rahu Kaal', which is from 12:23 PM to 1:58 PM, when it's considered unfavorable to begin any auspicious task. This caution is rooted deeply within traditional practices to avoid difficulties during these hours.
Favorable Timings (Shubh Muhurat):
- Brahma Muhurat: 4:03 AM to 5:08 AM
- Gowdhuli Muhurat: 6:23 PM to 7:25 PM
- Vijay Muhurat: 2:23 PM to 3:25 PM
- Nishita Kaal: 11:41 PM to 12:20 AM (February 27)
Utmost care is advised to perform rituals during the specified auspicious timings for optimal rewards. Many devotees will wake up early to participate during Brahma Muhurat, often considered the most spiritually potent time for prayers and rituals.
This year's Mahashivratri is extra special because it is also the last royal bath of the Mahakumbh Mela, enhancing its sacredness. Pilgrims and devotees gather at significant holy sites like Kashi, Haridwar, and Prayagraj for this convergence of two important events on the sacred Hindu calendar.
With rituals including the offering of Bilva leaves—signifying purity and devotion—devotees chant the sacred mantra during prayers, seeking blessings from Lord Shiva. Traditionally, the mantra "Tridalam Trigunākaran Trinetraṃ Ca Tridhāyutam; Trijanmapāpa Saṃhāraṃ Bilvapātraṃ Śivārpaṇam" is recited, which implores divine mercy and grace.
Women, especially, celebrate this day to pray for the well-being of their families, seeking peace and prosperity through observance of fasts and rituals, hoping to find suitable life partners.@
The festival also aligns with the societal aspects of togetherness, with people coming together for communal worship, reflecting unity and devotion.
Through this sacred observance, devotees not only honor Lord Shiva but also follow ancestral traditions, keeping alive the teachings of spirituality, perseverance, and faith.
Sunrise and Sunset:
- Sunrise: 6:48 AM
- Sunset: 6:19 PM
Overall, the observance of Mahashivratri on February 26, 2025, is laden with traditions and rituals, each carrying its symbolism, and devout followers are encouraged to embrace the auspicious timings and weave prayers for blessings.