Mahashivratri 2026: Maha Shivratri, or the “Great Night of Shiva,” is an immensely significant Hindu spiritual event. It is observed once a year, on the first day of the lunar month of Phalguna, which
falls sometimes between February and March. The ancient festival celebrates the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. In this article, we will look at the date, Muhurat and rituals of the day, the story and significance of Mahashivratri, and more.
Mahashivratri 2026: Date & Muhurat
Mahashivratri falls on Sunday, February 15, this year. As per the Drik Panchang website, the Nishita Kaal timing for Mahashivratri is from 12:09 a.m. on February 15 to 01:01 a.m. on February 16. The Shivaratri Parana time starts at 06:59 a.m. on February 16, and lasts till 03:24 p.m. Other relevant muhurats are given below.
- Ratri First Prahar Puja Time – 06:11 PM to 09:23 PM
- Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time – 09:23 PM to 12:35 AM, Feb 16
- Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time – 12:35 AM to 03:47 AM, Feb 16
- Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time – 03:47 AM to 06:59 AM, Feb 16
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – 05:04 PM on Feb 15, 2026
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – 05:34 PM on Feb 16, 2026
Mahashivratri 2026: Story & Significance
Mahashivratri not only marks the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. As per the Puranas, Shiva performed the Tandava, or the dance of creation and destruction, and drank the deadly Halahala poison to save the universe, during the Samudra Manthan.
Mahashivratri represents transformation. It is about dispelling darkness and ignorance and experiencing spiritual growth.
Mahashivratri 2026: Rituals & Traditions
- Bathing: Devotees should take a bath, preferably during the Brahma Muhurta, early in the morning, in a sacred river. In the evening, a second bath is taken before starting the main night-long Shiva worship at a temple or at home. A symbolic cleansing can also be undertaken by sprinkling oneself with Ganga Jal, if bath is not possible.
- Clothing: Cotton, silk, muslin and Chanderi are considered the best materials during Maha Shivratri. Devotees dress in white or saffron, specifically for the Puja. Green, yellow, red, orange and pink are also acceptable.
- Fasting: Worshippers should ideally take only one meal the day before Maha Shivratri. The fast can be maintained for the entire day and broken after sunrise, the following day. Devotees should eat after a morning bath, but before the close of the Chaturdashi Tithi.
- Food: Consume Sattvic food such as vegetables, dairy, nuts and seeds, pseudo-grains & millets. Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu ki Poori, fruit chaats and Makhana Kheer are usually consumed in North Indian states. Onion and garlic, rice, wheat, lentils and legumes, and any processed items must be strictly avoided.
- Puja: With an oil lamp lit, the Shiva linga is placed on a wooden platform and covered with a clean, white cloth. The Shivling is cleaned with water, then Panchamrit, with milk, curd, honey and ghee, is poured on it. Following this, the lingam is wiped clean and Bilva leaves are placed on top of it as devotees chant the Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of Lord Shiva). The night-long worship of Mahadev can be performed as a single Puja, or as four separate pujas during the four “Prahars” mentioned above.
- Naivedya: Panchamrit, fruits, milk-based sweets, Thandai and Halwa are traditionally offered to Lord Shiva during the Maha Shivratri rituals.
Mahashivratri 2026: Mantras & Chants
Om Namah Shivaya॥
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityormukshiya Mamritat॥
Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi, Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat॥
Om Mahadevaya Vidmahe Rudramurtaye Dhimahi, Tannah Shivah Prachodayat॥
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityormukshiya Mamritat॥
Mahashivratri 2026: Wishes
- Have a blessed Maha Shivratri. Om Namah Shivaya!
- May Mahadev remove all your obstacles. Om Namah Shivaya!
- May Lord Shiva answer all of your prayers. Om Namah Shivaya!
- On this Maha Shivratri, may you be blessed with success, prosperity and happiness.
- May the power and wisdom of Lord Shiva help you achieve all your goals in life.
- As we celebrate the glory of Lord Shiva, may his blessings guide you on the path of righteousness. Happy Maha Shivratri.
- On this auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, may Lord Shiva bless you with health, wealth, and happiness. Jai Bholenath!
- On this auspicious day of Maha Shivratri, may the divine light of Lord Shiva brighten your heart and spirit. Happy Maha Shivratri.
- May Lord Shiva provide you happiness, wealth and serenity on this Maha Shivratri. Om Namah Shivaya!
- On this sacred night of Maha Shivratri, may Lord Shiva’s blessings surround you and your loved ones.
