Maha Shivaratri 2026: Date, Timing, Puja Vidhi & Complete Guide

Maha Shivaratri 2026 is coming soon! This special night belongs to Lord Shiva. Mahashivratri is celebrated every year as per the Hindu Panchang and Tithi.

In 2026, Mahashivratri will be celebrated on Sunday, 15 February. Among the Hindu festivals, the observance and celebration of Mahashivratri hold immense importance.

This Hindu festival is dedicated to and celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

The festival Mahashivratri comes every year and is celebrated, and falls every lunisolar month in the Hindu calendar.

To know more about the Maha Shivratri 2026, puja, vidhi, and benefits, read the complete blog. The Mahashivratri puja vidhi and benefits will be explained in this article.

When is Maha Shivaratri 2026?: Date & Timing

Maha Shivaratri 2026 Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026

The festival starts on the evening of February 15 and continues until the next day, February 16, 2026.

Important Timings for Maha Shivaratri 2026:

Chaturdashi Tithi (Main Festival Day):

• Chaturdashi Tithi Starts: 5:04 PM on February 15, 2026
• Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 5:34 PM on February 16, 2026

Best Time for Puja (Nishita Kaal):

• Midnight Puja: 12:12 AM to 1:01 AM (February 16)
• This 49-minute window is the most powerful time

Four Prahar Puja Timings (All Night Worship):

1. First Prahar (Evening):

• Time: 6:19 PM to 9:29 PM (February 15)
• What to do: Start your puja, offer water to the Shivling

2. Second Prahar (Late Night):

• Time: 9:29 PM to 12:40 AM (February 16)
• What to do: Continue prayers, sing bhajans

3. Third Prahar (Midnight to Early Morning):

• Time: 12:40 AM to 3:50 AM (February 16)
• What to do: This is the most sacred time, do Rudrabhishek

4. Fourth Prahar (Early Morning):

• Time: 3:50 AM to 7:50 AM (February 16)
• What to do: Final prayers, meditation

When to Break Your Fast:

• Best Time: 6:43 AM to 3:33 PM on February 16, 2026
• Break fast only after completing morning puja

Remember: These timings can change a little bit depending on where you live in India. Check your local panchang (Hindu calendar) for exact timings in your city.

What is Maha Shivaratri? Why Do We Celebrate?

Maha Shivaratri means “The Great Night of Lord Shiva.” It’s not like other Hindu festivals that happen during the day. This one is special because we celebrate it at night.

The Beautiful Story Behind Maha Shivaratri

There are several stories, and all are wonderful:

Story 1: Shiva and Parvati’s Wedding –

Long ago, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married on this night. They are the perfect couple. Shiva represents the mind (Purusha), and Parvati represents nature (Prakriti).

When they came together, the whole universe got created. That’s why this night is so special for married couples.

Story 2: The Poison That Saved the World –

Once, the gods and demons were churning the ocean to find nectar. But instead of nectar, a deadly poison came out first. This poison was so strong that it could destroy the whole world.

Everyone was scared. Lord Shiva came to help. He drank the poison to save everyone. But he didn’t swallow it.

He held it in his throat. That’s why his throat turned blue, and we call him Neelkanth (the one with a blue throat). This story teaches us that Lord Shiva protects us from all bad things.

Why Maha Shivaratri is Important

• It’s the night when Shiva’s energy is strongest.
• It’s easier to connect with God on this night.
• Your prayers reach Lord Shiva faster.
• It’s the best time for meditation and spiritual growth.
• Married women pray for their husband’s long life.
• Unmarried girls pray to get a good husband like Lord Shiva.
• People pray to remove their sins and start fresh.

Difference Between Regular Shivratri and Maha Shivaratri

Many people get confused. Let’s make it clear:

Monthly Shivratri (Masik Shivratri):

• Happens every month
• Falls on the 14th day of every lunar month
• People do simple prayers
• Less crowded at temples
• You can do it at home easily

Maha Shivaratri (The Great One):

• Happens only once a year
• Falls in February or March (Phalguna month)
• Most important Shivratri of the year
• People fast and stay awake all night
• Temples are very crowded
• Special rituals and big celebrations

Different Popular Names Of Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva has been given and referred to by several names by the devotees, such as:

Gangadhara:-

He is named by Gangadhara as Goddess Ganga emanates from his uninterrupted stream of hair.

Bhasma:-

Lord Shiva is always surrounded by ghosts and keeps ashes on his body, thus he is also known as bhasma also.

Neelkanth:-

During the Samudra Manthan time, when extreme poison came out that could destroy the world. Lord Shiva inhales the poison in his throat, and that is why he is referred to as Neelkanth.

Bhujangdhar:-

He wears the snake king Vasuki around his neck.

Bagambhardhari:-

Lord Shiva wears the tiger skin that signifies he conquered ego and violence. And the trident in his hand denotes the three deities and three worlds.

Puja Vidhi: How to Do Maha Shivaratri Puja at Home

The Maha Shivratri Puja vidhi entails fasting and sincere, intense adoration of the Lord. Before the Maha Shivaratri fast, it is advised to eat only once a day.

One of the things to do while fasting is to make sure that no undigested food stays in the digestive system on the fasting day.

Samagri Need for Maha Shivratri Puja

• Picture or small Shivling
• A mixture of liquids (milk, curd, sugar, honey, and ghee),
• Belpatra,
• Dhatura,
• Flowers,
• Garlands,
• Any kind of fruit, like an apple
• Roli,
• Moli,
• Betel nuts,
• Rice,
• Cardamom,
• Sandalwood,
• Kamalgutta,
• Akua

Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi

1. Sankalp (Taking a Vow):

• Hold some water, rice, and flower in your hand.
• Say your name, your family’s name.
• Say you’re doing this puja for Maha Shivaratri.
• Ask Lord Shiva to accept your prayers.
• Put the water, rice, and flower down.

2. Perform Ganesh Puja First:

• Always start with Lord Ganesha
• He removes obstacles
• A simple prayer is enough
• “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah“

3. Kalash Sthapana:

• Fill a copper or steel pot with water
• Put mango leaves on top
• Place a coconut on leaves
• This represents a holy presence

4. Main Shiva Puja:

• Panchamrit Abhishek: Mix milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar – pour on Shivling
• Jalabhishek: Pour clean water
• Bel Patra: Offer leaves (3, 5, or 7)
• Flowers: White flowers are best
• Dhoop and Deep: Incense and lamp
• Naivedya: Offer food (fruits, sweets)

5. Mantra Chanting:

Chant these mantras –

• Simple Mantra – “Om Namah Shivaya”
• Powerful Mantras – “Om Tryambakam Yajamahe
  Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
  Urvarukamiva Bandhanan
  Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat”

6. Reading Shiva Stories:

• Read stories of Lord Shiva
• Listen to the Shiva Purana

7. Aarti:

• “Om Jai Shiv Omkara”
• Sing or play this aarti
• Wave the diya in front of the Shivling

8. Pushpanjali:

• Take flowers in both hands
• Offer to Shiva with love
• Pray for what you want

9. Pradakshina:

• If you have space, walk around the Shivling
• Do it 3, 5, or 7 times
• Walk clockwise

10. Final Prayer:

• Thank Lord Shiva
• Ask for forgiveness for any mistakes
• Bow down with respect

Benefits Of Observing Fast On Maha Shivratri

Observing fast on the day of Mahashivratri helps to get the sight of our source of energy, which drives us in the flurry of life.

Mahashivratri puja is a Hindu occasion that reflects and focuses on Lord Shiva worshipping. He is the source of all things, including the world.

During the period of Mahashivratri puja is celebrated to rejoice and honour Lord Shiva and life to celebrate the being.

Therefore, we will get several benefits as well as perform Maha Shivratri in 2026.

• On the time of Mahashivratri puja, devotees visit the Lord Shiva temple to feel the relaxing spirituality and joyfully celebrate their day.
• However, Mahashivratri celebrates the auspicious event by keeping fasting, chanting, meditating, and performing puja for the linga form of Lord Shiva.
• On the Mahashivratri, when people observe a fast, they get into detoxification. Thus, they find a reduction in mental agitation.
• During the Shivratri night, the constellation place becomes the highest luck for focus and meditation. Therefore, at the time of Mahashivratri, devotees must stay and practice meditation.
• During the worshipping Lord Shiva chants the hymn “Om Namah Shivaya,” which instantly boosts the mood. This makes the ecstasy and joy turn into balance, compassion, and tranquillity.

Conclusion

Fasting, meditation to Lord Shiva, prayer, social peace, and vigil at Lord Shiva’s temples are all traditions of Maha Shivratri 2026.

Other Hindu Festivals are celebrated during the day, but the Maha Shivratri celebration is the only one held at night. The reason for celebrating Mahashivratri is described in many Puranas.

During the Pradosh Kaal, Lord Shiva performed the Tandav dance to destroy the universe with his anger and fire from the third eye.

For this reason, Mahashivratri is known as Kaalratri. To find out more about the services, visit the 99Pandit portal and look through the many online puja listings.

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