Maha Shivratri 2026: When Is It? Date & Puja Time

Maha Shivratri 2026: When Is It? Date & Puja Time

Maha Shivratri 2026 will be observed on Sunday, 15 February 2026 throughout India and by millions of Lord Shiva devotees worldwide. This is one of the most spiritually intense and widely celebrated festivals in Hinduism, dedicated entirely to Bhagwan Shiva — the supreme destroyer of ignorance, the eternal yogi and the source of cosmic consciousness.

The festival falls on the Krishna Chaturdashi tithi (14th day of the waning moon phase) of the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna (February–March). According to the lunisolar panchang followed in most parts of India, the Chaturdashi tithi begins on Saturday, 14 February 2026 at approximately 17:42 IST and ends on Sunday, 15 February 2026 at 16:28 IST. The most auspicious and powerful time for worship — known as Nishita Kaal (midnight) — falls in the early hours of 15 February 2026.

Exact Tithi & Puja Muhurat Timings (2026 – North India / Ujjain Panchang)

• Chaturdashi tithi begins: 14 February 2026, 17:42 IST
• Chaturdashi tithi ends: 15 February 2026, 16:28 IST

Nishita Kaal (most powerful puja time – midnight Abhishekam & mantra japa):

• Starts: 00:07 a.m. on 15 February
• Ends: 00:56 a.m. on 15 February
• Peak moment (Nishita Muhurat): ≈ 00:31 a.m.

Ratri Prahar Timings (four night divisions – 14–15 February):

• First Prahar: 18:30 p.m. – 21:30 p.m. (14 Feb)
• Second Prahar: 21:30 p.m. – 00:30 a.m.
• Third Prahar: 00:30 a.m. – 03:30 a.m.
• Fourth Prahar: 03:30 a.m. – 06:30 a.m.

Other key timings (Delhi approximate):

• Sunrise: 15 February ≈ 07:08 a.m.
• Moonrise: 14 February ≈ 19:00 p.m.
• Moonset: 15 February ≈ 08:15 a.m.

Most devotees perform the principal rituals — Shiva Abhishekam, Rudrabhishek, night-long jagran and Shiva-Parvati puja — during the Nishita Kaal or the Third/Fourth Prahar on the night of 14–15 February. The fast (vrat) is observed throughout 15 February and broken after morning puja or after sighting the moon on 15 February evening (in some regional traditions).

Spiritual & Mythological Significance

Maha Shivratri derives its name from “Maha” (great) + “Shivratri” (night of Shiva). Several Puranas describe four Shivratris in the year, but the Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi Shivratri is considered the greatest.

Key mythological events associated with the day:

• Shiva performed the cosmic Tandava Nritya to save the universe from destruction
• Shiva consumed the Halahala poison during Samudra Manthan to protect all creation (turning his throat blue — Neelkantha)
• Shiva married Goddess Parvati on this night
• Shiva manifested as an infinite pillar of fire (Jyotirlinga) to settle the supremacy dispute between Brahma and Vishnu

Devotees believe that sincere worship, fasting, night-long jagran and meditation on Maha Shivratri can destroy sins accumulated over many lifetimes, grant spiritual awakening and ultimately lead to moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).

Principal Rituals & Puja Vidhi

1. Early Morning Holy Bath & Sankalp Devotees take a ritual bath (preferably in a holy river or at home) before sunrise and make a sankalp (vow) to observe the fast and worship Shiva with full devotion.
2. Shiva Linga Abhishekam The central ritual is continuous Abhishekam of the Shiva Linga with Gangajal, milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, sugarcane juice, coconut water, panchamrit and especially bilva leaves. The most powerful time is during Nishita Kaal (midnight).
3. Rudrabhishek & Laghurudra Many temples and homes perform Laghurudra or Rudrabhishek with 11 priests chanting the Rudram 11 times. Sponsoring this ritual is considered highly meritorious for family well-being and removal of obstacles.
4. Bilva Patra Offering Offering three-leaved bilva (bel) leaves is most dear to Shiva. Each leaf represents the trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh). Even one bilva leaf offered with pure devotion is said to please Lord Shiva immensely.
5. Night-Long Jagran & Bhajan Devotees stay awake all night singing Shiva bhajans, chanting “Om Namah Shivaya”, reciting Shiva Purana or performing deep meditation.
6. Shiva-Parvati Vivah Puja In many households and temples the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati is ritually reenacted with small idols or pictures.
7. Breaking the Fast The fast is broken on 15 February after morning puja or after sighting the moon in the evening (in some traditions).

Observance Across India & Regional Variations

• North India (Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan): Mass bathing in Ganga at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi; night-long bhajans at Kashi Vishwanath, Baijnath, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Mahakaleshwar Ujjain
• South India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana): Grand abhishekam at major Shiva temples — Chidambaram, Rameshwaram, Madurai Meenakshi, Kanchipuram Ekambareswarar, Sringeri, Srisailam, Lepakshi, Kalahasti
• Maharashtra: Special pujas at Trimbakeshwar, Bhimashankar, Grishneshwar, Aundha Nagnath, Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlingas
• West Bengal & Odisha: Shiva-Parvati vivah celebrated with great fervour; night-long jagran at Tarakeswar, Dakshineswar, Lingaraj Temple (Bhubaneswar)
• Nepal: Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu sees lakhs of devotees; Sadhus perform special pujas and fire rituals

Auspicious Muhurat Timings (Delhi / North India)

• Sunrise: 15 February ≈ 07:08 a.m.
• Nishita Kaal puja: 00:07 a.m. – 00:56 a.m. (peak ≈ 00:31 a.m.)
• Ratri First Prahar: 18:30 p.m. – 21:30 p.m. (14 February)
• Ratri Second Prahar: 21:30 p.m. – 00:30 a.m.
• Ratri Third Prahar: 00:30 a.m. – 03:30 a.m.
• Ratri Fourth Prahar: 03:30 a.m. – 06:30 a.m.

Many devotees perform the main Abhishekam and Rudrabhishek during the Third or Fourth Prahar.

Conclusion: A Night of Inner Awakening

Maha Shivratri 2026 arrives on 14–15 February as a powerful reminder of Lord Shiva’s eternal presence as both destroyer of ignorance and protector of dharma. Whether one performs elaborate temple rituals, observes a simple home puja, fasts with devotion, or simply sits in silence chanting “Om Namah Shivaya”, the night offers every seeker an opportunity to transcend worldly limitations and connect with the divine consciousness within.

May the blessings of Mahadeva bring peace, strength, wisdom, protection and spiritual awakening to every home on this sacred night.