Maha Shivaratri, one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, is marked by night-long prayers, fasting and spiritual rituals, the festival holds great importance for devotees across
India and globally. This year Maha Shivratri will be observed on 15 February.
Beyond religious customs, Maha Shivaratri is widely celebrated as the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and a symbolic night of inner reflection and transformation. Devotees believe that sincere prayers offered on this day help cleanse past karma, strengthen spiritual awareness and encourage emotional and mental balance.
Sidhharrth S Kumaar, Chief Astrologer, NumroVani shares, “Maha Shivratri in 2026 arrives during a powerful planetary clustering in Aquarius, a sign ruled by Saturn, with Saturn’s influence directly or indirectly shaping the functioning of multiple planets. Saturn governs karma, discipline, truth and inner maturity, and when its energy becomes dominant, Shiva worship gains deeper relevance.”
Often referred to as The Great Night of Shiva, Maha Shivaratri is not limited to ritualistic worship. It is considered a spiritually charged occasion when devotees stay awake, meditate, chant sacred mantras and focus on self-awareness.
Check Auspicious Time For Maha Shivratri Puja
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: February 15, 2026 – 05:04 PM
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: February 16, 2026 – 05:34 PM
- Ratri First Prahar Puja Time: February 15, 2026 – 06:11 PM to 09:23 PM
- Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time: February 15, 2026 – 09:23 PM to 12:35 AM
- Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time: February 16, 2026 – 12:35 AM to 03:47 AM
- Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time: February 16, 2026 – 03:47 AM to 06:59 AM
- Nishita Kaal Puja Time: February 16, 2026 – 12:09 AM to 01:01 AM
- Shivaratri Parana Time: February 16, 2026 – 06:59 AM to 03:24 PM
List of Puja Thali Items for Maha Shivaratri
Astrologer Sidhharrth S Kumaar tells News18 what are the essential items you must have on your puja thali during Maha Shivratri puja at home:
Bilva Leaves
Bilva leaves are among the most sacred offerings in Shiva worship. Devotees ensure the leaves appear in a set of three and remain undamaged. They represent the three gunas of nature and the three eyes of Shiva, symbolising surrender of ego, nature and past karma.
Water or Ganga Jal
Water symbolises purification and the natural flow of life. Offering it to the Shivling reflects cleansing of thoughts and aligning oneself with harmony rather than resistance.
Milk
Milk represents cooling emotional intensity, anger and ego. It symbolises calmness, humility and emotional stability.
Bhasma or Vibhuti
Sacred ash serves as a reminder that all material existence eventually dissolves. Offering bhasma symbolises detachment and acceptance of life’s impermanence.
White Flowers
White flowers signify purity, peace and sincerity. They represent approaching the divine with clarity and calmness.
Yellow Flowers
Yellow flowers symbolise wisdom, devotion and spiritual insight, reflecting a devotee’s search for clarity and guidance.
Aparajita Flower
This flower symbolises spiritual victory. Offering it represents prayers to overcome ignorance and inner weakness.
Sandalwood Paste
Sandalwood signifies mental peace and disciplined devotion. It represents presenting a composed and focused mind to Shiva.
Dhatura
Dhatura is strongly associated with Shiva and symbolises surrendering impulsive and uncontrolled aspects of the mind, including fear and inner disturbances.
Bel Fruit
Bel fruit represents nourishment, stability and balance in family and material life.
Bhaang
Traditionally linked with Shiva, bhaang symbolises transcendence and detachment from worldly distractions.
Coconut Sweets
Coconut sweets symbolise fulfilment and sweetness in devotion, reflecting hopes for harmonious outcomes.
Honey
Honey represents sweetness in speech and relationships, encouraging compassion and kindness.
Sugar or Mishri
Mishri symbolises purity of intention and clarity of thought, reflecting truthfulness and simplicity.
Rice Grains
Rice represents nourishment, continuity and grounding spiritual values into daily responsibilities.
Red Masoor Dal
Red masoor dal symbolises discipline and karmic balance, reflecting prayers for releasing past burdens and achieving stability.
Incense or Dhoop
Incense symbolises transformation, turning matter into fragrance and representing purification of both surroundings and inner state.
Camphor
Camphor burns completely without residue, symbolising complete surrender of ego and merging with divine consciousness.
Diya
A ghee diya represents awakening of inner light and spiritual awareness, symbolising the journey from ignorance to clarity.
Together, these sacred items form a deeply symbolic puja thali, reflecting not just ritual practice but a spiritual journey centred on transformation, surrender and conscious living during Maha Shivaratri.
