By Krishna Dua 
Maha Shivratri 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat & Fasting Guide
Maha Shivratri 2026 falls on Sunday, 15 February 2026. This is one of the most spiritually powerful and widely observed Hindu festivals, dedicated to Lord Shiva — the supreme destroyer of ignorance, the eternal yogi, and the embodiment of cosmic consciousness. The festival is celebrated on the Krishna Chaturdashi tithi (14th day of the dark lunar fortnight) in the month of Phalguna (February–March), when the moon is closest to the Earth and the planetary alignment is considered especially conducive to deep meditation, mantra sadhana and inner transformation.
For millions of devotees across India and the world, Maha Shivratri is the night when Shiva performed the cosmic Tandava dance, when he consumed the Halahala poison during the Samudra Manthan to save creation, and when his divine marriage with Goddess Parvati is believed to have taken place.
Exact Tithi & Muhurat Timings (2026 – North India / Ujjain Panchang)
- Chaturdashi tithi begins: Saturday, 14 February 2026 at 17:42 IST
- Chaturdashi tithi ends: Sunday, 15 February 2026 at 16:28 IST
Most auspicious puja windows:
- Nishita Kaal (midnight puja – highest potency): 00:07 a.m. to 00:56 a.m. on 15 February 2026 Peak Nishita Muhurat (best time for Abhishekam, Rudrabhishek & japa): ≈ 00:31 a.m.
Ratri Prahar divisions (14–15 February night):
- 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. IST
- Moonrise: 14 February ≈ 19:00 p.m. IST
- Moonset: 15 February ≈ 08:15 a.m.
The main Abhishekam, Rudrabhishek, Shiva-Parvati vivah puja and night-long jagran are performed 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 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 supreme.
Key mythological events celebrated on this 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
- Early Morning Holy Bath & Sankalp Take a ritual bath (preferably in a holy river or at home) before sunrise. Make a sankalp (vow) to observe the fast and worship Shiva with full devotion.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- Night-Long Jagran & Bhajan Stay awake all night singing Shiva bhajans, chanting “Om Namah Shivaya”, reciting Shiva Purana or performing deep meditation.
- Shiva-Parvati Vivah Puja In many households and temples the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati is ritually reenacted with small idols or pictures.
- Breaking the Fast The fast is broken on 15 February after morning puja or after sighting the moon in the evening (in some traditions).
Fasting Guide for Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri vrat is observed with devotion and discipline. There are two common fasting styles:
Strict Fast (Nirjala / Phalahar)
- No grains, no salt, no onion-garlic
- Allowed: fruits, milk, curd, sabudana (sago), makhana (fox nuts), singhada flour (water chestnut), buckwheat flour (kuttu), amaranth (rajgira), sendha namak (rock salt), water, tea/coffee without sugar
- Common dishes: sabudana khichdi, kuttu ki puri, rajgira halwa, makhana kheer, fruit salad, milk-based sweets
Light Fast
- One meal in the evening after puja
- Avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion-garlic, pulses, rice, wheat
Fasting rules:
- No eating after sunset on 14 February until puja on 15 February morning
- Avoid anger, gossip, lying, negative thoughts
- Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” as much as possible
- Sleep on the floor or simple bedding if possible
Observance Across India & Regional Variations
- North India: Mass bathing in Ganga at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi; night-long bhajans at Kashi Vishwanath, Baijnath, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Mahakaleshwar Ujjain
- South India: Grand abhishekam at 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
- Nepal: Pashupatinath temple sees lakhs of devotees; Sadhus perform special pujas and fire rituals
Conclusion: A Night of Spiritual 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.