By Krishna Dua 
Maha Shivratri 2026: Date, Puja Time & Significance
Maha Shivratri 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 15 February 2026 across India and by Shiva devotees worldwide. This is one of the most spiritually powerful and widely observed festivals in Hinduism, dedicated entirely to Lord Shiva — the supreme destroyer, transformer and source of cosmic consciousness in the Hindu trinity. The festival falls on the Krishna Chaturdashi tithi (14th day of the waning moon phase) of the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna (February–March), when the planetary positions and the moon’s proximity to Earth are believed to create an especially potent energy field for meditation, mantra recitation and inner awakening.
For millions of devotees Maha Shivratri is the night when Shiva performed the Tandava — the cosmic dance of creation, preservation and dissolution — and when the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati is said to have taken place. It is also the night Shiva consumed the deadly Halahala poison during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) to save the universe, turning his throat blue and earning the name Neelkantha.
Exact Tithi & Puja Timings (2026)
According to the widely followed North Indian panchang (Ujjain/Varanasi/Delhi timings) and South Indian calendars:
- 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) — 00:07 a.m. to 00:56 a.m. on 15 February 2026 Peak moment (most powerful time for Abhishekam & mantra japa): ≈ 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.
Sunrise & Moonrise (Delhi approximate):
- Sunrise: 15 February ≈ 07:08 a.m. IST
- Moonrise: 14 February ≈ 19:00 p.m. IST
Most devotees perform the main Abhishekam, Rudrabhishek and night-long jagran during the Nishita Kaal or Third/Fourth Prahar on the night of 14–15 February. The fast 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 (Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, Skanda Purana) 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 impending destruction
- Shiva consumed the Halahala poison during Samudra Manthan to protect all creation
- 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).
Principal Rituals & Puja Vidhi
- 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.
- Shiva Linga Abhishekam The central act 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.
- 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 devotion is said to please Lord Shiva immensely.
- Night-Long Jagran & Bhajan Devotees 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).
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
- South India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana): Grand abhishekam at major Shiva temples — Chidambaram, Rameshwaram, Madurai Meenakshi, Kanchipuram Ekambareswarar, Sringeri, Srisailam, Lepakshi
- 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.