Maha Shivarathri Pooja

The Maha Shivarathri Pooja Festival at Sree Uma Maheswara Swamy Temple is celebrated with immense devotion and spiritual grandeur at the revered Sree Umamaheshwara Swami Temple in Kollam, Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, this auspicious occasion attracts thousands of devotees who gather at the temple to seek divine blessings through prayers, fasting, and night-long worship rituals. The temple, renowned for its serene atmosphere and traditional Kerala temple customs, transforms into a vibrant spiritual center filled with devotional chants, glowing lamps and sacred rituals during the festival.

One of the most significant aspects of the celebration is the special midnight worship known as Nishita Kaal Pooja, considered highly auspicious for devotees of Lord Shiva. The temple conducts sacred ceremonies such as Abhishekam, where the Shiva Lingam is ritually bathed with milk, honey, curd, ghee, and holy water as part of the traditional offerings. Devotees also offer sacred Bilvapatra (Bilva leaves), believed to be deeply pleasing to Lord Shiva.

Special vazhipadu and spiritual offerings including Mahamrithunjaya Homam, Umamaheshwara Pooja, Ashtadravya Ganapathy Homam, and Udayasthamana Pooja are performed with great devotion. Throughout the night, devotees observe Jagaram, staying awake while participating in bhajans, Shiva nama japam, and devotional programs. The divine atmosphere, sacred rituals, and deep spiritual significance make Maha Shivarathri at this temple one of the most cherished Kerala temple festivals celebrated by Shiva devotees.

🪔 Maha Shivarathri Special Deeparadhana

🙏 Nishita Kaal Shiva Pooja

🥛 Sacred Abhishekam to Lord Shiva

🌿 Bilvapatra Offering Ceremony

🔥 Mahamrithunjaya Homam

Sree Umamaheshwara Swami Temple Image

📅 Maha Shivarathri Pooja Schedule

Maha Shivarathri Pooja Mahadeepam Ceremony

The sacred Maha Shivarathri celebrations begin with special lamp lighting ceremonies and devotional rituals at Sree Umamaheshwara Swami Temple, creating a spiritually vibrant atmosphere for devotees.

Ganapathy Homam

The festival rituals commence with Ganapathy Homam seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha for the smooth and auspicious conduct of all Maha Shivarathri poojas and ceremonies.

Special Shiva Abhishekam

Sacred Abhishekam is performed to the Shiva Lingam using milk, honey, curd, sandal paste, ghee, and holy water while Vedic mantras and Rudram chants fill the temple premises.

Bilvapatra Samarpanam

Devotees offer sacred Bilva leaves to Lord Shiva as part of the traditional Maha Shivarathri worship believed to bring spiritual blessings, peace, and prosperity.

Rudrabhishekam & Shiva Archana

Special Rudrabhishekam and Shiva Archana rituals are conducted with Vedic chanting and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva for health, protection, and spiritual well-being.

Umamaheshwara Pooja

The temple performs the sacred Umamaheshwara Pooja dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, symbolizing divine harmony, prosperity, and family blessings.

Mahamrithunjaya Homam

Mahamrithunjaya Homam is conducted with powerful Vedic chants seeking divine protection, healing, longevity, and removal of negative energies from devotees’ lives.

Ashtadravya Ganapathy Homam

This special homam is performed using eight sacred ingredients as offerings to Lord Ganesha for blessings, prosperity, and the successful completion of festival rituals.

Nishita Kaal Pooja

The most sacred midnight worship of Maha Shivarathri is performed during Nishita Kaal with elaborate poojas, deeparadhana, and devotional chanting dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Jagaram & Shiva Nama Japam

Devotees observe Jagaram by staying awake throughout the night while participating in bhajans, Shiva Nama Japam, devotional singing, and spiritual programs.

Udayasthamana Pooja

The sacred Udayasthamana Pooja includes continuous worship rituals from sunrise to sunset with special offerings and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Final Deeparadhana & Prasada Distribution

The Maha Shivarathri celebrations conclude with grand Deeparadhana followed by the distribution of sacred prasadam to devotees gathered at the temple.

Key Highlights of Maha Shivarathri Pooja

Maha Shivarathri Deeparadhana

The special Deeparadhana performed during Maha Shivarathri fills the temple with divine light, devotion, and sacred spiritual energy.

Sacred Shiva Abhishekam

Special Abhishekam rituals using milk, honey, curd, ghee, and holy water are performed to the Shiva Lingam with Vedic chanting.

Bilvapatra Offering

Devotees offer sacred Bilva leaves to Lord Shiva as part of the traditional Maha Shivarathri worship for divine blessings and prosperity.

Nishita Kaal Pooja

The highly auspicious midnight Shiva Pooja is one of the most spiritually significant rituals observed during the Maha Shivarathri festival.

Jagaram & Bhajans

Devotees remain awake throughout the night participating in Shiva Nama Japam, bhajans, devotional songs, and spiritual programs.

Special Homam Rituals

Mahamrithunjaya Homam and Ashtadravya Ganapathy Homam are performed for protection, prosperity, healing, and spiritual well-being.

Maha Shivarathri Pooja

Location & Access

Venue: Sree Umamaheshwara Swami Temple, Umamaheshwara Junction, Main Rd, Andamukkam, Chinnakada, Kollam, Kerala 691001

Nearest Town: Kollam Town (1 km)

Railway: Kollam Junction Railway Station (2 km)

Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (68 km)

Road: The temple is easily accessible via Kollam Main Road and Chinnakada Junction. Regular KSRTC and private bus services operate from various parts of Kollam district and nearby towns. Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and local transport facilities are readily available for convenient access to the temple.