Maha Shivaratri 2026: Date, Vrat, Puja Muhurat & Mantras

Maha Shivaratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of transformation and destruction. Observed annually on the 14th night of the lunar month (Chaturdashi Tithi) in the Hindu calendar, it is a night of spiritual awakening, devotion, fasting, and meditation.

In 2026, Maha Shivaratri falls on Sunday, February 15. Devotees across the world observe fasts (vrat), perform special pujas, chant powerful mantras, and meditate throughout the night to seek Lord Shiva’s divine blessings.

This article provides a detailed insight into Maha Shivaratri 2026, covering:

• Date & Puja Muhurat

• Significance & Legends

• Fasting (Vrat) Rituals & Rules

• Puja Vidhi (Worship Procedure)

• Mantras & Their Benefits

• Meditation Techniques for Maha Shivaratri

• Scientific & Spiritual Benefits of Observing Maha Shivaratri

• Celebrations in Different Parts of India

Let’s dive into the depth of Maha Shivaratri and its spiritual essence.

Maha Shivaratri 2026 Date & Puja Muhurat

Maha Shivaratri 2026 Date & Day

• Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026

• Tithi: Chaturdashi (14th lunar day) of Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Phalguna

  Maha Shivaratri 2026 Date & Puja Muhurat

  Maha Shivaratri 2026 Date & Day

  • Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026

  • Tithi: Chaturdashi (14th lunar day) of Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Phalguna

  Maha Shivaratri 2026 Puja Muhurat (Auspicious Timings)

  • Nishita Kaal Puja Time: 12:12 AM – 01:01 AM (Feb 16) (Duration: 49 minutes)

  • Ratri First Prahar Puja Time: 06:30 PM – 09:33 PM

  • Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time: 09:33 PM – 12:36 AM (Feb 16)

  • Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time: 12:36 AM – 03:39 AM (Feb 16)

  • Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time: 03:39 AM – 06:43 AM (Feb 16)

  • Shivaratri Parana Time: 06:43 AM – 03:33 PM (Feb 16)

  • Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 05:04 PM on February 15, 2026

  • Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 05:34 PM on February 16, 2026

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  Significance of Maha Shivaratri

  Maha Shivaratri is celebrated to honor Lord Shiva, who is known as Mahadev, the Supreme Being, and the Destroyer of Evil. Unlike other Hindu festivals that focus on celebration, Maha Shivaratri is a night of intense devotion, meditation, fasting, and spiritual awakening.

  Why is Maha Shivaratri Celebrated?

  1. Marriage of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati: According to Hindu mythology, Maha Shivaratri marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, making it an auspicious day for married couples and those seeking a life partner.

  2. The Day Shiva Drank the Halahala Poison: It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva consumed the deadly poison (Halahala) during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) to save the universe.

  3. Manifestation of Lord Shiva as Lingodbhava: On Maha Shivaratri, Shiva is believed to have appeared in the form of an infinite Jyotirlinga (pillar of fire), symbolizing the beginning and end of the universe.

  4. Spiritual Awakening & Moksha: Maha Shivaratri is considered the best time for meditation, self-realization, and seeking liberation (Moksha).

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  Maha Shivaratri Vrat (Fasting) Rules & Rituals

  Fasting on Maha Shivaratri is a way to purify the body, mind, and soul, helping devotees stay focused on Lord Shiva and attain spiritual upliftment.

  Types of Maha Shivaratri Fasting (Vrat)

  1. Nirjala Vrat: Complete fast without food or water.

  2. Phalahar Vrat: Devotees consume fruits, milk, and non-grain foods.

  3. Ek Bhukt Vrat: Eating only once during the day before sunset.

  Rules for Observing Maha Shivaratri Vrat

  • Wake up early & take a holy bath (preferably in the Ganga or by adding black sesame seeds to water).

  • Visit a Shiva temple & offer prayers.

  • Abstain from grains, pulses, and regular food. Consume fruits, milk, and water.

  • Observe silence & avoid negative thoughts.

  • Engage in Shiva meditation, mantra chanting, and puja.

  • Break the fast the next day after performing Shiva Puja.

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  Maha Shivaratri Puja Vidhi (Worship Rituals)

  Shiva Puja on Maha Shivaratri is performed four times during the night (each Prahar) to align with the cosmic energy of Lord Shiva.

  Step-by-Step Maha Shivaratri Puja Vidhi

  1. Take a Sankalp (Vow): Promise to observe the vrat with devotion and purity.

  2. Prepare a Puja Altar: Place a Shivling or an image of Lord Shiva with Bilva leaves, flowers, and offerings.

  3. Abhishek (Sacred Bath of Shivling): Offer water, milk, honey, curd, ghee, and ganga jal to the Shivling.

  4. Offer Bilva Leaves, Dhatura, and Flowers: These are considered sacred to Lord Shiva.

  5. Light Incense & Diyas: Symbolizing the removal of darkness.

  6. Chant Shiva Mantras: Recite powerful Shiva Stotras, Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, and Om Namah Shivaya.

  7. Perform Aarti & Offer Prasadam: Conclude the puja with Shiva Aarti.

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  Maha Shivaratri Mantras & Their Benefits

  Chanting Shiva mantras during Maha Shivaratri enhances spiritual vibrations, purifies the aura, and brings inner peace.

  Powerful Shiva Mantras to Chant on Maha Shivaratri

  1. Om Namah Shivaya – The universal Shiva mantra for peace and protection.

  2. Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra – For health, longevity, and spiritual awakening:
     "Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
     Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat."

  3. Shiva Panchakshari Mantra: "Om Namah Shivaya."

  4. Rudra Gayatri Mantra: "Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat."

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  Meditation & Spiritual Practices on Maha Shivaratri

  Maha Shivaratri is the best time for deep meditation and spiritual progress.

  How to Meditate on Maha Shivaratri?

  1. Choose a Quiet Place: Sit in a calm and sacred space.

  2. Practice Deep Breathing: Perform Pranayama (Anulom Vilom, Bhramari) to calm the mind.

  3. Focus on Lord Shiva: Visualize Shiva in meditation or chant mantras.

  4. Maintain Silence & Mindfulness: Absorb the divine energy of Maha Shivaratri.

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  Conclusion

  Maha Shivaratri 2026, falling on Sunday, February 15, is a divine opportunity to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings, practice devotion, and attain inner peace. Through fasting, puja, mantra chanting, and meditation, devotees purify their souls and align with Shiva consciousness.

  May Lord Shiva bless everyone with wisdom, health, and spiritual liberation on this sacred Maha Shivaratri!