Maha Shivaratri 2027 at Tiruvannamalai: Date, Timings & Pooja Guide

For devotees of Lord Shiva, few nights compare with Maha Shivaratri at Tiruvannamalai. This is the place where, according to legend, Shiva first appeared as an endless column of fire, the very event Maha Shivaratri celebrates. In 2027, Maha Shivaratri falls on Saturday, 6 March 2027. This guide covers the date, tithi timings, the four-jamam pooja schedule, Girivalam on Shivaratri night and practical tips.

Maha Shivaratri 2027: Date and Timings

Tithi times are calculated astronomically for Tiruvannamalai. Temple pooja times are set by the temple administration and may differ slightly. Since it falls on a Saturday, the day also coincides with a Shani-day observance, and the evening before (Friday, 5 March) is the monthly Pradosham; see our Pradosham dates 2027.

Why Maha Shivaratri Is Special at Tiruvannamalai

Maha Shivaratri commemorates the night Shiva manifested as the Lingodbhava, the infinite column of fire, to humble Brahma and Vishnu. Tiruvannamalai is the place where that legend is centred, and the hill of Arunachala is believed to be that fire in solid form. Read the full story in our Agni Lingam and Pancha Bhoota guide.

At midnight, the temple performs special abhishekam and pooja to the Lingodbhava murti on the rear (western) wall of the sanctum, a ritual of great significance on this night.

The Four Jamam Poojas

Shivaratri night is traditionally divided into four jamams (watches of about three hours each), with an abhishekam and pooja in each:

1. First jamam: evening, after sunset.
2. Second jamam: late evening to midnight.
3. Third jamam: around midnight, including the Lingodbhava pooja.
4. Fourth jamam: early morning before dawn.

Devotees keep vigil (jagaran) through the night, chanting “Om Namah Shivaya”, reading Shiva stotrams or attending cultural programmes. The temple stays open through the night for darshan.

Girivalam on Shivaratri Night

Many devotees walk around Arunachala on Shivaratri night, considering it as auspicious as a Pournami Girivalam. Crowds are large but usually lower than on Karthigai Deepam or Chitra Pournami. Read the Girivalam rules and procedure and the route map with the Ashta Lingams, including Adi Annamalai Temple halfway round.

How to Observe Maha Shivaratri

• Fast: from sunrise on 6 March, taking water, fruit or milk if needed.
• Offer: bilva leaves, milk, and abhishekam materials such as honey, curd and vibhuti.
• Stay awake: through the four jamams, with chanting or meditation.
• Break the fast: on the morning of 7 March after the final pooja and bath.

Practical Tips

• Book rooms early; Shivaratri is a busy weekend in 2027. See our hotels guide.
• Carry a shawl; March nights are mild but the stone floors cool down after midnight.
• Queues for the midnight pooja are long; consider the special darshan ticket.
• Follow the temple dress code.
• Ashrams such as Sri Ramanasramam also hold special chanting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Maha Shivaratri in 2027?

Maha Shivaratri 2027 is on Saturday, 6 March 2027, with the main worship on the night of 6 to 7 March.

Is Arunachaleswarar Temple open all night on Maha Shivaratri?

Yes, the temple traditionally stays open through the night for the four jamam poojas.

What is the Lingodbhava pooja?

A midnight pooja to the Lingodbhava form of Shiva, depicting him as the column of fire, performed on Maha Shivaratri.

Can I do Girivalam on Maha Shivaratri?

Yes. Walking around Arunachala on Shivaratri night is a popular and auspicious practice.