Maha Shivaratri 2026 Puja Vidhi: Step-By-Step Rituals For Home And Temple

Maha Shivaratri 2026 Puja Vidhi And Rituals: Hailed as the great night of Lord Shiva, the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri falls on Sunday, February 15, this year. The festival commemorates the divine

marriage and union of Lord Shiva and Parvati, as well as the occasion of the god performing the cosmic dance of Tandav. The sacred day falls on the ‘Chaturdashi’ Tithi of the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Phalguna.

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On Maha Shivaratri, devotees chant the name of Lord Shiva and offer prayers while reciting the powerful mantra of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’. Apart from that, they also undergo fasting and other rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees practice virtues of charity, honesty, forgiveness and overcoming the darkness of hatred, ignorance and apathy.

Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi For Maha Shivaratri At Home And Temple

Maha Shivaratri celebrates the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing the divine balance of consciousness (Shiva) and energy (Shakti). (Image: Shutterstock)

By following this simple but essential spiritual guide, you can perform all the traditional puja vidhis at home and in the temple on the great occasion of Maha Shivaratri:

Step 1: Sankalp (Vow) – After taking a bath in the morning, sit before your home altar. Then take some water in your palm and make a vow to take part in the puja and fasting with unwavering devotion.

Step 2: Prepare The Altar – Make sure to properly wash the altar and then put clean clothing there for the sacred installation of the Shivling. Devotees often bring a new Shivling home on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.

Step 3: Panchamrit Abhishek – After installing the Shivling, make sure to bathe it with five nectars – water, milk, yoghurt (curd), ghee (clarified butter), and honey – while chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’. At the end, bathe the Shivling again with clean water.

Step 4: Samarpan (Offerings) – Apply chandan (sandalwood paste) to the Shivling. Offer Shiva’s favourite bel (Bilva) leaves. Devotees also offer the dhatura flowers and fruit to the Shivling.

Step 5: Rudraksh Puja – Place the Rudraksha beads or mala near the Shivling. Sprinkle it with Gangajal and offer flowers.

Step 6: Mantra Chanting – Chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra or simply say ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ 108 times.

Step 7: Shiva Aarti – Conclude the puja with the Shiva Aarti.