Festival Overview

Maha Shivaratri, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, will be celebrated across India and globally on February 15, 2026. The festival commemorates the divine marriage of Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and is observed with fasting, temple visits, and special worship rituals.

Auspicious Timings for Puja

Devotees will observe fasts and engage in special worship throughout the night. Here’s a breakdown of the auspicious timings for the four Prahar (periods) of puja:

• First Prahar Puja: 6:11 PM to 9:23 PM
• Second Prahar Puja: 9:23 PM to 12:35 AM (February 16th)
• Third Prahar Puja: 12:35 AM to 3:47 AM (February 16th)
• Fourth Prahar Puja: 3:47 AM to 6:59 AM (February 16th)

The Nishith period, considered particularly auspicious, will be from 12:09 AM to 1:01 AM on February 16th.

Jalabhishek Muhurats

Several auspicious times are available for Jalabhishek (offering water) to Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri:

• 8:24 AM to 9:48 AM
• 9:48 AM to 11:11 AM
• 11:11 AM to 12:35 AM (Amrit Muhurta – considered the most fruitful)
• 6:11 PM to 7:47 PM

Devotees are encouraged to offer water to the Shivalinga with devotion and a true heart during these times to receive Lord Shiva’s blessings.

Favorable Yogas and Planetary Combinations

This year’s Maha Shivaratri is marked by several auspicious yogas:

• Vyatipat Yoga: February 15th, 3:18 AM to February 16th, 2:47 AM
• Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga: February 15th, 7:00 AM to 7:48 PM

Preeti, Ayushman, Saubhagya, Sadhya, Shiva, Shukla, Shobhan, Chandramangal, Trigrahi, Raj, and Dhruva yogas will also be present.

The conjunction of Sun, Mercury, and Venus will form four significant Rajyogas: Budhaditya, Lakshmi Narayan, and Shukraditya.

Puja Vidhi (Worship Procedure)

The traditional Puja Vidhi involves waking up at Brahma Muhurta, bathing, and taking a vow to fast. Devotees then wear clean clothes and visit a Shiva temple. The Shivalinga is anointed with water, milk, ghee, or sugarcane juice, and offerings of Belpatra, Dhatura, Bhang, fruits, flowers, and sweets are made. Chanting Om Namah Shivay, reciting the Shiv Chalisa, and performing Aarti are also integral parts of the worship.

Mantras for Maha Shivaratri

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra: OM TRYAMBAKA WE PRAY FOR YOUR SUGANDHI AND PUSHTI. Free me from the bondage of death like Urvashi from the nectar. – Garuda Purana

Rudra Gayatri Mantra: ऊँ Tatpurushaya विद्महे Mahadevaya धीमहि। May Rudra pray for us.

The Story of the Hunter

According to the Garuda Purana, a hunter unknowingly worshiped Shiva. While searching for prey, he sat under a Bilva tree near a Shivalinga and unintentionally dropped Bilva leaves and water onto the deity. Lord Shiva, pleased with his devotion, protected him after death. This story highlights that sincere devotion, even unintentional, is highly valued by Lord Shiva.

FAQ

What is Maha Shivaratri?

Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrating the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

When is Maha Shivaratri in 2026?

Maha Shivaratri will be celebrated on February 15, 2026.

What is Jalabhishek?

Jalabhishek is the ritual of offering water to the Shivalinga.