Maha Shivratri 2027: Quick Answer
Maha Shivratri 2027 falls on Saturday, 6 March 2027. The most important Nishita Kaal puja is from 12:07 AM to 12:57 AM on 7 March in New Delhi (12:13–1:02 AM in Jaipur). The Chaturdashi tithi runs from 12:03 PM on 6 March to 1:46 PM on 7 March, and the parana (breaking the fast) is on 7 March from 6:40 AM to 1:46 PM (Jaipur 6:45 AM–1:46 PM) — before Chaturdashi ends.
Four Prahar Puja Timings
| Prahar | New Delhi | Jaipur |
|---|---|---|
| First | 6:24 – 9:28 PM (6 Mar) | 6:30 – 9:34 PM |
| Second | 9:28 PM – 12:32 AM | 9:34 PM – 12:38 AM |
| Third | 12:32 – 3:36 AM (7 Mar) | 12:38 – 3:42 AM |
| Fourth | 3:36 – 6:40 AM (7 Mar) | 3:42 – 6:45 AM |
| Nishita Kaal | 12:07 – 12:57 AM | 12:13 – 1:02 AM |
| Parana | 6:40 AM – 1:46 PM, 7 Mar | 6:45 AM – 1:46 PM |
Why 6 March?
Maha Shivratri is fixed by Chaturdashi at Nishita (midnight). Chaturdashi begins at 12:03 PM on 6 March, so the night of 6–7 March is in Chaturdashi.
Puja Vidhi
- 1Fast through the day (nirjala or phalahar).
- 2In each prahar, do abhishek of the Shivalinga — traditionally milk in the first, curd in the second, ghee in the third and honey in the fourth — along with water and Gangajal.
- 3Offer bel leaves (three-leafed, unbroken), dhatura, aak flowers, bhasma, sandalwood and white flowers.
- 4Chant "Om Namah Shivaya" and the Mahamrityunjaya mantra; stay awake (jagran).
- 5Break the fast on 7 March in the parana window.
Significance
The night of Shiva's marriage to Parvati, of his manifestation as the infinite jyotirlinga, and of the Neelkanth episode. In 2027 it falls on a Saturday, making Shiva and Shani worship together especially meaningful.
The Hunter's Story
The Shiva Purana tells of a hunter who spent Shivratri night hungry and awake in a bel tree. Without knowing it, he kept dropping bel leaves and drops of water onto a Shivalinga hidden below, and he spared the deer that pleaded for their families. Fasting, staying awake, offering bel and water, and showing compassion — done even unknowingly — won him Shiva's grace.
Masik Shivratri vs Maha Shivratri
Every Krishna Chaturdashi is a Masik Shivratri (12 a year, 13 in an Adhik Maas year); the one in Phalguna is the Maha Shivratri. Devotees especially visit the 12 Jyotirlingas — Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Kashi Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageshwar, Rameshwaram and Grishneshwar.
Fasting foods: fruit, milk, curd, sabudana khichdi, kuttu or singhara puri, potatoes, makhana and sendha namak.
Summary
Maha Shivratri 2027 is on 6 March; worship in the four prahars and especially in Nishita Kaal (12:07–12:57 AM Delhi), and break the fast on 7 March before 1:46 PM.
