Mahashivratri 2026: Date, Puja Timings, Rituals & Fasting Rule

Mahashivratri is one of the major festivals of Hinduism. The main festival of Shivaratri is widely celebrated twice a year. One is in the month of Phalgun and the other in the month of Shravan. According to the Hindu calendar, Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month is celebrated as Mahashivratri. On Mahashivaratri, people keep a fast and worship Lord Shankar with complete legal practice. This year, the festival of Mahashivaratri will be celebrated on Thursday, 11 March.

What is Mahashivratri? (Meaning & History)

The meaning of Mahashivratri is a combination of three words. The three words are Maha-shiv-Ratri. The wors Maha means ‘The Great’, the second word shiv is for ‘Lord shiva’, and the third word Ratri stands for ‘night’ and also ‘to take refuge.’ That is the night in which we take refuge in our soul i.e. Shiva. This night, we practice sadhana and take refuge in the divine consciousness.

Mahashivratri 2026 Date & Day

Mahashivratri in 2026 falls on Sunday, February 15. It is one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar, marking the “Great Night of Shiva” and the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Since Mahashivratri is primarily observed during the night, the rituals start on Sunday evening and continue into the early hours of Monday.

Muhurat: Best Puja Timings in 2026

Maha Shivratri is not just a festival; it is a cosmic window of opportunity. In 2026, the “Great Night of Shiva” falls on Sunday, February 15, aligning with the auspicious Sunday energy of the Sun (Surya), symbolizing power and enlightenment.

Significance & Important Legends

According to Hindu scripture Puranas, Lord Shiva is the primary cause of all creation. It is said that Lord Shiva is the origin of all religions of the world and in the Hindu religion, Lord Shiva is considered the deity of the dead. he is the fountainhead of perfection, yoga, meditation, bliss, and spirituality. It is said that he has neither a beginning nor an end. That is why he is an embodied God, not an avatar.

How to Celebrate Mahashivratri (Step-by-Step)

Mahashivaratri is considered to be the most important of the 12 Shivaratris in the year. The holy festival of Mahashivaratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the world including India. There are many mythological legends associated with this day. some are described here-

There are some beliefs related to Lord Shiva regarding Maha Shivaratri. It is believed that Lord Shankar was descended on this special day in the form of Rudra of Brahma on the midnight.

At the same time, it is also believed that the creation of this world started on this day. According to mythology, the creation of this day began with the rise of Agnilinga (which is the giant form of Mahadev).

Lord Shiva and mother Parvati were also married on this holy day. Thus it is a celebration of this holy union.

According to another legend, when the ocean was churned (Samudra Manthan), a poison called Hallahal was produced in its depth. Hallahal venom had the ability to destroy the universe and therefore only Lord Shiva could destroy it. Lord Shiva had kept the poison named Hallahal in his throat. The poison was so powerful that Lord Shiva was suffering from great pain and his throat became very blue. For this reason, Lord Shiva is famous as ‘Neelkanth’. For the treatment, the doctors advised the gods to keep Lord Shiva awake throughout the night. Thus, the Lord kept a vigil in the contemplation of Lord Shiva. To enjoy and awaken Shiva, the gods played different dances and music. Pleased with their devotion as the morning approached, Lord Shiva blessed them all. Shivaratri is the celebration of this event, from which Shiva saved the world. Since then, devotees fast on this day

In the Vela of the Holocaust, on the same day of Pradosh, Lord Shiva Tandava ends the universe with the flame of the third eye, hence it is also called Mahashivratri or Kalratri.

Fasting Rules & Recommended Foods

On this day, Shiva devotees and those who have faith in Shiva keep fasting and especially worship Lord Shiva. This day is also beneficial and desired fruitful for dear devotees.

• In the morning, the devotees get a glimpse of Lord Shiva’s temples and traditional Shivlinga worship is done and pray to the Lord.
• Lord Shiva is anointed on this occasion. Abhishekam is performed in many ways such as Jalabhishek: water and Dudhabishek by milking.
• Both women and men pray to the Sun, Vishnu, and Shiva, the devotees revolve the Shivling three or seven times and then pour water or milk on the Shivling as well.
• On the day of Maha Shivaratri, Lord Shiva is worshiped and anointed with various holy things and Bilvapatra (leaves of the bel tree), Dhatura, Abir, Gulal, Ber, Umbi, etc. are offered.
• On Mahashivaratri, devotees keep fast all day and night. It is said that a person observing the fast of Mahashivaratri is able to control the rajas and tamas.
• Some people also do water fasting.
• One should wear Bhasma and Rudraksha on this day and Meditation on Shiva.
• This festival meditates well, it is said that if you cannot meditate every day, then you must meditate on this day of the year because this night is considered auspicious for the position of the constellations.
• Om Namah Shivaya Mantra should be chanted, it increases your energy.
• Mahamrityunjaya mantra is also liked by Lord Shiva, it should also be chanted with a full heart on the whole day. This mantra harmonizes the five elements of the universe.
• On the day of Shivaratri, the devotees fast for three hours and chant the Lord overnight and observe the fast the next day. Foliar is definitely done on Shivratri.
• To get the desired fruit, you should chant this mantra of Shiva:

Mahashivratri Worship Mantras & Practices

Nagendraharaya trilacanaya bhasmanga ragaya mahesvaraya
nityaya suddhaya digambaraya tasme na karaya nama: shivaya

Mandakini salila candana carcitaya nandisvara pramathanatha mahesvaraya
mandarapuspa bahupuspa supujitaya tasme ma karaya namah shivaya

Shivaya gauri vadanabjavrnda suryaya daksadhvaranasakaya
shri nilakanthaya vrsabhaddhajaya tasmai si karaya nama sivaya

Avantikayam vihitavataram muktipradanaya ca sajjananam.
Akalamrtyoh Pariraksanarthan Vande Mahakalamahasuresam

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Maha Shivratri 2026

When is Maha Shivratri in 2026?

Maha Shivratri in 2026 will be observed on Sunday, 15 February 2026. The festival falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Phalguna.

What is the most auspicious time to worship Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri?

The most auspicious time for worship is Nishita Kaal (midnight). On Maha Shivratri 2026, Nishita Kaal generally falls between 11:45 PM and 12:45 AM (15–16 February 2026, IST).

Why is Maha Shivratri considered so important in Hinduism?

Maha Shivratri symbolizes the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and represents the victory of light over darkness. It is believed that sincere prayers on this night bring spiritual awakening and inner peace.

Can Maha Shivratri puja be done without fasting?

Yes. While fasting is considered spiritually beneficial, it is not mandatory. Devotees can perform puja with devotion, meditation, and chanting even without observing a fast.

What food is allowed during Maha Shivratri fasting?

During fasting, devotees usually consume fruits, milk, curd, nuts, and water. Grains, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food are generally avoided.

Is Maha Shivratri celebrated in the same way across India?

No. While the essence remains the same, celebrations vary by region. Major observances take place in Varanasi, Ujjain, Kedarnath, Somnath, and in Nepal at Pashupatinath Temple.

Can women observe Maha Shivratri vrat?

Yes. Both married and unmarried women observe Maha Shivratri vrat to seek spiritual growth, marital harmony, and blessings from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

What are the best offerings to Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri?

Devotees offer water or Ganga Jal, milk, honey, bel (Bilva) leaves, fruits, incense, and lamps as part of Shiva Abhishekam.

🔔 Conclusion: The Spiritual Essence of Maha Shivratri 2026

Maha Shivratri 2026 is more than a religious festival—it is a sacred opportunity for self-reflection, inner purification, and spiritual elevation. Observed on Sunday, 15 February 2026, this powerful night encourages devotees to stay awake, meditate, chant mantras, and surrender their ego to the divine consciousness of Lord Shiva.

Whether you observe a fast, perform midnight puja, or simply meditate in silence, the essence of Maha Shivratri lies in awakening awareness and embracing transformation. By aligning your mind and actions with purity, devotion, and discipline, this auspicious night can become a turning point in your spiritual journey.