Maha Shivratri

The Great Night of Shiva — fasting, vigil, and abhishekam.

Significance

Maha Shivratri, the 'Great Night of Shiva', commemorates Lord Shiva's cosmic dance and, in some traditions, his marriage to Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts, keep an all-night vigil, and offer prayers through the night.

How temples may observe it

Shiva temples perform continuous abhishekam through the night with water, milk, and bael (bilva) leaves, along with chanting and bhajans. Jyotirlinga and major Shiva temples see very heavy footfall.