Mahashivaratri Puja – Perform the Rituals from Morning till Night

For Mahashivaratri Puja – A day before Mahashivaratri, one should eat only once. This is a general practice followed before the fast to ensure that no undigested food remains in the digestive system on the day of the fast.
On Mahashivaratri day, wake up early in the morning and perform bath and other rituals. It is suggested to add black sesame seeds to the bathwater on this day. The belief is that a holy bath on Shivaratri not only purifies the body but also the soul. If possible, take a dip in the Ganges or any other sacred river. You can also add water from a holy river to your bathwater at home.
After the bath, devotees should take a vow to observe a one-day fast and break it the next day. During the vow, devotees promise to stay firm in their fast and seek Lord Shiva’s blessings to complete the fast without any obstacles. These fasts are very challenging, and people take a firm resolve before starting to ensure they succeed.

Mahashivaratri Puja – Onli Nirjala Vrat is allowed

During the fast, devotees should stay away from all types of food. In a more rigorous form of the fast, even water is not allowed, known as the Nirjala Vrat (without water). However, it is recommended to consume fruits and milk during the day, and observe a strict fast until the night. In other words, one can have fruits and milk during the day.
Devotees should bathe again before performing the evening puja and visiting the temple. If one is unable to go to the temple, an idol of Lord Shiva can be made temporarily at home. For the abhishek (ritual bath), a clay Shiva Lingam can be made and anointed with ghee.
Mahashivaratri puja should be performed at night. Devotees can perform the puja once or four times during the night. To perform the puja four times, the night can be divided into four parts, called “prahar.” Those who wish to perform the puja once should do so at midnight.
According to the puja procedure, the Shiva Lingam should be bathed with various offerings. These include milk, rose water, sandalwood paste, yogurt, honey, ghee, sugar, and water. Devotees who perform the puja four times should offer water during the first prahar, yogurt during the second prahar, ghee during the third prahar, and honey during the fourth prahar.
After the Abhishek, a garland of Bilva leaves should be offered to the Shiva Lingam.
Sandalwood paste should be applied to the Shiva Lingam, and incense and lamps should be lit. Other offerings for decorating Lord Shiva include Madar flowers (also known as Ak) and Vibhuti (sacred ash), which is made from cow dung cakes.
While performing the puja, the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” should be chanted.
The next day, after bathing, devotees should break their fast. To get the maximum benefit from the fast, devotees should break the fast during the time period between sunrise and before the end of the Chaturdashi tithi.