When is Maha Shivaratri?

Maha Shivaratri means The Night of Lord Shiva. Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Lord Shiva, occurs on the 14th night of the new moon during the dark half of the month of Phalguna. It falls on a moonless February night, when Hindus offer special prayer to the lord of destruction. People repeat the Panchakshara Mantra as it is said he who utters the Names of Shiva during Shivaratri, with perfect devotion and concentration, is freed from all sins.