Mahashivratri means the great night of Bhagwan Shiv (Lord Shiva). Shivratri comes once every month on the 13th night or 14th day of Hindu Lunar Calendar. However, Maha Shivratri is the most revered night in Hindu Tradition along with Janmashtami which is celebrated as the birth of Bhagwan Krishna. Many Hindus keep a mahashivratri vrat this day. I hope this collection of 51 fasting or vrat recipes for the mahashivratri festival will be helpful to you.
There are many stories associated with this festival.
One of the popular legends is that on this night Bhagwan Shiv performed the Tandav dance which signifies the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution (going back to the source) of existence.
Another popular legend is that Mahadev (Bhagwan Shiv) got married to Goddess Parvati. That is the Shiv (Consciousness) meeting Shakti (Energy).
Another legend is that the Mahadev drank the ‘Halahala’ poison during the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the ocean). The temple associated with this event is in Rishikesh and is called as “Neelkanth Mahadev Temple”. It is a famous pilgrimage spot in Rishikesh. I have been to this temple during my visit to Rishikesh.
Significance of Maha Shivratri
It is one of the most important festivals for Hindus, particularly for Shiva devotees. According to ancient holy Hindu scriptures, Bhagwan Shiv is credited with blessing us with Yog (Yoga), Meditation, Tantra, Aghora, Dance, Music, Martial Arts etc.
All these divine gifts are a way to raise your consciousness and get enlightened or have a samadhi experience.
The state of enlightened consciousness is represented as Shivlinga. On this day, Many devotees pour water on Shivlinga with a lot of devotion or from a state of no-mind (no thoughts).
The idea is to connect with the deeper and higher state of pure consciousness where the ego is not there and you can connect with your inner divinity.
The maha shivratri day and night are especially potent for raising your consciousness and good for doing spiritual practices.
Many people keep fast or vrat and remember Shiva and chant the sacred mantras related to Bhagwan Shiv.
Maha Shivratri is celebrated in the months of Feb or March depending upon the lunar calendar. This Year Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on 11 March 2021.
What can be eaten on Mahashivratri vrat or fast?
On this auspicious day, many devotees keep a mahashivratri vrat or fast and eat light, satvik food or the food which is had during religious fasting.
Cereals, lentils, grains are avoided.
Onions and garlic are not included.
Rock salt (sendha namak) is used instead of normal salt.
If you are also planning to keep a Shivratri vrat then this collection will really help you in deciding your Shivratri menu.
Eat light food which is easy to digest. Also if possible have a complete fast or only one meal in a day. Many people who don’t keep fast they avoid using onion and garlic in their meal.
Do try to visit a Shiva Temple and spend time in the temple remembering Shiva or practicing meditation. It’s also a good day for charity.
Fasting Recipes for Maha Shivratri
I have divided this North Indian fasting recipes for mahashivratri list into the following categories:
Breakfast or snacks
Lunch or dinner
Sweets
Beverages
You can choose to have just one meal a day be it breakfast or lunch. I usually have a few fruits on this day and have only one light meal for dinner. I meditate and chant shiva mantras and try to be awake the whole night.
These 51 fasting recipes for mahashivratri will easily help you to decide your menu on this pious day.
NOTE: Kindly use edible and food grade rock salt in place of regular salt or black salt in the recipes listed below. Skip the ground spices if you prefer or add fewer spices.
Kindly take into consideration your age, body and health factors when fasting. Remember to drink lots of water to keep the body hydrated.
Sabudana ki khichdi is a delicious dish of tapioca pearls (sago) made with potatoes, peanuts and usually had during Hindu fasting days like Navratri, Ekadashi, mahashivratri. It is also a gluten free recipe. In this recipe post, you will get many tips and suggestions to make the best non-sticky sabudana khichdi.
Farali pattice is an easy snack of crispy and tasty patties made with potatoes and stuffed with a sweet filling of coconut, nuts and raisins. This dish is from the Gujarati cuisine that is made during fast or upvas.
Sabudana Vada is a popular savory deep fried snack made during Hindu fasting days, featuring tapioca pearls (sago), potatoes, peanuts and herbs. They are naturally gluten-free and vegan. This fool proof sabudana vada recipe gives you a super delicious crispy vada with a soft and light interior.
This Delhi style tasty fruit chaat is spiced, savory, sweet and tangy. Fruit chaat is made of a mix of fresh seasonal fruits and tubers like potatoes and sweet potatoes.
Sabudana thalipeeth are crisp and soft pancakes made with tapioca pearls, mashed potatoes, ground peanuts and spices. They are also called as Upvasache Thalipeeth in Marathi language and can also be referred to as Sabudana roti.
Sabudana tikki also known as sabudana cutlet are pan-fried thin patties made with tapioca pearls, mashed potatoes and spices. These crispy patties make for a delicious snack that will get over in no time.
This sabudana bhel is an easy and quick recipe for religious fasting days. All you need are boiled potatoes, roasted peanuts and cashews.
Lunch or Dinner
You can opt to have a simple one meal like khichdi or have a two course meal like vrat ki roti with a veggie side dish or vrat rice with a side gravy or yogurt.
Kuttu ki roti or paratha are gluten free flatbreads made with buckwheat flour and mashed potatoes. These healthy flatbreads are usually made during the Navratri fasting period in India.
Kaddu ki sabji is an easy and delicious vegan pumpkin recipe made with yellow pumpkin, whole spices and herbs. This is a satvik recipe made without onions and garlic.
Makhane ki kheer is a sweet dessert pudding made with Makhana (foxnuts), milk, ghee, sugar and dry fruits. This is an easy and popular sweet that is often made during Hindu fasting days.
1hr30mins
vrat ke chawal ki kheer
vrat ke chawal ka kheer – a creamy kheer made with samvat rice or barnyard millet.
Swang ke chawal ka halwa or vrat ka halwa recipe – a delicious halwa made with sama ke chawal (barnyard millet) which can be had during any fasting occasion like Navratri, Ekadashi, mahashivratri and chaturthi.
Easy Dry fruits laddu recipe without any added sugar or fats like ghee or oil. Packed with nutrients, good fats and fibre, these energy balls are made with dates, figs and various nuts. Dry fruit laddu recipe gets done quickly and comes together under 20 minutes.
Shrikhand is a delicious and simple dessert recipe made with thick yogurt flavored with sugar, saffron and cardamom. Get two ways of making shrikhand recipe with hung curd as well as greek yogurt.
Beverages
Find some drinks that will keep you refreshed and hydrated during the fasting. Drink lots of water and have fresh fruit juices. I also share the recipe of thandai that can be had when the mahashivratri fast is over.
Refreshing, healthy and cooling Watermelon Juice to quench your thirst on a hot summery day. Learn to make three different versions of this healthy, all natural drink recipe.
The best homemade mango juice recipe uses organic alphonso mangoes for a terrifically sweet, nectar-like drink that's perfect for enjoying by the glassful or including in any number of juice-based beverage recipes.
Lassi is a cooling, refreshing, probiotic drink perfect for the warm summer months. Popular in Punjab and North India, there are many variations of this sweet lassi recipe. Find three easy, energizing and flavorful lassi recipe variations.
5mins
shikanji recipe
Shikanji or shikanjvi is a cooling Indian drink made during summers
Welcome to Dassana's Veg Recipes. I share vegetarian recipes from India & around the World. Having been cooking for decades and with a professional background in cooking & baking, I help you to make your cooking journey easier with my tried and tested recipes showcased with step by step photos & plenty of tips & suggestions.
Hello dassana ji
Another legend is (lord shiva was always there he is anadi and ananth ) , but he first appeared as an infinite, unending, transcendental jyotirlinga today at ‘nishit kaal’ at 12 am ( zero hour ) as a sthambha with unimaginable light. It is also called as kaal bhairav swaroop in the form of linga. Everything is both from him and everything will submerge into him at the time of pralaya.
Happy shivratri to you
🙂
Hi Chandana, thank a lot for this super info. I was not aware about this. Wish a Happy Mahashivratri festival to you.
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Good information
Hello dassana ji
Another legend is (lord shiva was always there he is anadi and ananth ) , but he first appeared as an infinite, unending, transcendental jyotirlinga today at ‘nishit kaal’ at 12 am ( zero hour ) as a sthambha with unimaginable light. It is also called as kaal bhairav swaroop in the form of linga. Everything is both from him and everything will submerge into him at the time of pralaya.
Happy shivratri to you
🙂
Hi Chandana, thank a lot for this super info. I was not aware about this. Wish a Happy Mahashivratri festival to you.