Quick answer: Mahashivratri 2027 falls on Saturday, 6 March 2027 (Magha Krishna Chaturdashi). The most important puja window, Nishita Kaal, is from about 12:07 AM to 12:56 AM on the night of 6–7 March (New Delhi time). Devotees fast through the day, worship Shiva across the four prahars of the night and break the fast after sunrise on 7 March. Mahashivratri is traditionally considered the most auspicious night of the year to begin wearing Rudraksha.
Mahashivratri, the "great night of Shiva", is the holiest night in the Shaiva calendar. It is celebrated as the night Shiva performed the Tandava, the night he appeared as an endless pillar of light (Jyotirlinga), and the night of his marriage to Goddess Parvati.
Mahashivratri 2027: date and muhurat
| Observance | Date / time (New Delhi) |
|---|---|
| Mahashivratri | Saturday, 6 March 2027 |
| Nishita Kaal puja | About 12:07 AM – 12:56 AM (night of 6–7 March) |
| Vrat parana (breaking the fast) | After sunrise on Sunday, 7 March 2027 |
Muhurat times vary by city. Confirm in your local panchang closer to the date.
Why is Mahashivratri the best day to start wearing Rudraksha?
Rudraksha literally means "the eye (or tears) of Rudra". Scriptures such as the Shiva Purana link the bead directly to Lord Shiva. Many families therefore choose Mahashivratri to perform the first puja of a new Rudraksha and wear it for the first time. You can also order in advance and keep the bead on your altar until the night of Shivratri.
Rudraksha commonly chosen for Mahashivratri
- 5 Mukhi Rudraksha – the Kalagni Rudra form of Shiva; suitable for everyone and the most common first bead.
- 5 Mukhi Rudraksha Mala – for chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" through the night.
- 1 Mukhi Rudraksha – traditionally regarded as Shiva himself; a rare, high-value bead.
- Gauri Shankar Rudraksha – two joined beads representing Shiva and Parvati; traditionally worn for harmony in marriage, fitting for the night of their union.
- Shiv Kripa Kavach – a 1 Mukhi and 5 Mukhi combination.
Not sure which mukhi fits you? Take the Rudraksha Finder quiz.
Mahashivratri puja vidhi at home
- Morning: bathe, wear clean clothes and take a sankalp (resolve) for the vrat.
- Shivling abhishek: offer water or Ganga jal, then milk, curd, honey, ghee and sugar (panchamrit), and again water.
- Offerings: bel patra (three-leaved, unbroken), dhatura, white flowers, sandalwood paste and bhasma. Avoid offering Tulsi, kumkum and ketaki flowers to Shiva.
- Four prahar puja: the night is divided into four prahars, each with its own abhishek. The traditional order is milk, curd, ghee and honey.
- Jaap: chant "Om Namah Shivaya" or the Mahamrityunjaya mantra on a Rudraksha or white chandan mala.
- Jaagran: stay awake through the night with bhajans and mantra.
- Parana: break the fast the next morning after sunrise, after a final puja.
How to energise a new Rudraksha on Mahashivratri
At RudraGram, every bead is energised by Pandit Ji in Mathura–Vrindavan before dispatch, so a home ritual is optional. If you'd like to do one:
- Wash the Rudraksha gently in clean water or Ganga jal.
- Place it on a clean cloth before the Shivling or Shiva's picture.
- Offer a flower and chant "Om Namah Shivaya" 108 times, along with the bead's specific mantra.
- Wear it during Nishita Kaal or the next morning after bath.
Full steps are in our Rudraksha wearing guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Shivratri and Mahashivratri?
Masik Shivratri falls on the Krishna Chaturdashi of every month. Mahashivratri is the one in Phalguna (Magha in the amanta calendar), considered the most important of the year.
What can I eat during the Mahashivratri fast?
Many devotees eat fruit, milk, makhana and sabudana; some keep a nirjala (waterless) fast. Avoid grains, salt (common salt), onion and garlic. If you have a health condition, consult your doctor before fasting.
When should I order a Rudraksha for Mahashivratri 2027?
Order at least two weeks before 6 March. Delivery usually takes 4–5 working days in India, and ordering early leaves time for any questions.
Dates and timings are based on published panchangs for New Delhi and may vary by location. Spiritual associations reflect traditional beliefs, not guaranteed outcomes.
Explore all certified Rudraksha and Rudraksha combinations.