Shivaratri Puja Procedure and Pooja Items List.

Maha Shivaratri is an important festival for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Fasting and conduction of poojas at home or at temples is how most devotees celebrate the occasion. Most religious festivals in India are celebrated with great pomp and show. 

The following items are essential for the pooja:

• Shiva Linga or an image of Lord Shiva

• A mat - to sit upon (made from wool)

• Lamps - As many as you wish. Must have at least one.

• Cotton wicks

• Holy bell

• Kalash or a copper pot

• Thali

• White cloth to place the Shiva Linga

• Match box

• Incense sticks

• Dhoop

• Perfume or Attar - The fragrance of aloe is preferred

• Ashtagandha - Scented powder

• Sandal paste

• Ghee

• Camphor

• Sindoor

• Vibhooti - the holy ash

• Arka flower

• Bilwa leaves

• Flowers of Dhatoora

• Garland of flowers

• Rice (Akshata)

• Fruits - Bananas are important

• Ganga jal

• Milk - Cow's milk, raw.

• Yoghurt • Dry fruits

• Tender coconut water

• Coconut

• Sweets

• Sugar

• Honey

• Panchamrit - A concoction of curd, honey, ghee, sugar and milk

• Areca nuts

• Betel leaf 

The following are optional items:

• Image of Lord Ganesh

• Image of Goddess Lakshmi

• Aasan - A small wooden stool for sitting

• Small katoris or bowls

• Spoons • Glasses

• A big bowl or vessel to perform abhishek

• Elaichi or cardamom

• Janeyoo (if performed by priests or Brahman)

• Flowers - white and pink lotus flowers

• Bhang

• Cloves

• Rose water

• Zaiphal

• Gulal

You must remember that it is not important to possess every item on this list.

Pooja Vidhi :

The pooja is conducted at night. The Maha Shivaratri pooja is done one time or four times throughout the night. If you prefer to perform the pooja four times, the duration of the night can be divided into four prahars. You may perform a pooja during each of the four prahars. If you plan on doing the pooja just once, you may do it during the midnight time. If you are performing the pooja just once, then you must perform the abhishekha with milk, sandalwood paste, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, rose water and water. If you are performing the pooja four times during the four prahars, perform abhishek of water during the first prahar. In the second prahar, use curd to do the abhishekha. During the third and fourth prahars, use ghee and honey, respectively. You may use the other materials for abhishekha during the gaps inbetween the four abhishekhas.