2022 Maha Shivaratri: Significance and Vrat Vidhi

Shivaratri is a great festival of convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha is known as Maha Shivaratri according to the South Indian calendar. However, according to the North Indian calendar, Masik Shivaratri in the month of Phalguna is known as Maha Shivaratri. In both calendars, it is the naming convention of the lunar month that differs. However, both, North Indians and South Indians celebrate Maha Shivaratri on the same day.

Maha Shivaratri on Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Nishita Kaal Puja Time – 12:07 AM to 12:56 AM, Mar 02
Duration – 00 Hours 49 Mins

On 2nd Mar, Shivaratri Parana Time – 06:41 AM, Mar 02

Ratri First Prahar Puja Time – 06:21 PM to 09:26 PM
Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time – 09:26 PM to 12:31 AM, Mar 02
Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time – 12:31 AM to 03:36 AM, Mar 02
Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time – 03:36 AM to 06:41 AM, Mar 02

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – 01:46 AM on Mar 01, 2022
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – 11:30 PM on Mar 01, 2022

*UAE Time

Vrat Vidhi

One day before Shivaratri Vratam, most likely on Trayodashi, devotees should eat only one time. On Shivaratri day, after finishing morning rituals devotees should take Sankalp (संकल्प) to observe full day fast on Shivaratri and to take food the next day. During Sankalp, devotees pledge for self-determination throughout the fasting period and seek the blessing of Lord Shiva to finish the fast without any interference. Hindu fasts are strict and people pledge for self-determination and seek God blessing before starting them to finish them successfully.

On Shivaratri day devotees should take a second bath in the evening before doing Shiva Puja or visiting the temple. Shiva Puja should be done during the night and devotees should break the fast the next day after taking bath. Devotees should break the fast between sunrise and before the end of Chaturdashi Tithi to get the maximum benefit of the Vrat. According to one contradictory opinion, devotees should break the fast only when Chaturdashi Tithi gets over. But it is believed that both Shiva Puja and Parana (पारण) i.e. breaking the fast should be done within Chaturdashi Tithi.

Shivaratri puja can be performed one time or four times during the night. The whole night duration can be divided into four to get four Prahar (प्रहर) to perform Shiva Puja four times.

Shivaratri is also spelled as Shivratri, Shivarathri and Sivaratri.