Maha Shivratri is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is celebrated with deep devotion through fasting, overnight worship, meditation and chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivay’. Devotees believe that true prayer on this holy night leads to peace, prosperity and spiritual growth. In 2026, Maha Shivratri will be celebrated with great faith across India and other parts of the world.
Maha Shivratri 2026
According to the calendar, Maha Shivratri means “Great Night of Shiva.” It symbolizes the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is also considered to be the night when Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. Unlike other festivals, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated through silence, meditation, fasting and self-reflection, symbolizing victory over ignorance and darkness.
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Mahashivratri 2026: date and puja timings
According to Drik Panchang, the important dates and puja timings of Maha Shivratri 2026 are:
chaturdashi date
Start: February 15, 2026 – 05:04 pm
ends: February 16, 2026 – 05:34 pm
night watch puja time
First phase: February 15 – 06:11 pm to 09:23 pm
Second phase: 15 to 16 February – 09:23 pm to 12:35 am
Third quarter: 16th February- 12:35 AM to 03:47 AM
Fourth quarter: February 16- 03:47 am to 06:59 am
nishita kaal puja time
February 16, 2026 – 12:09 am to 01:01 am
shivratri parana time
February 16, 2026 – 06:59 am to 03:24 pm
Importance of Maha Shivratri
According to Drik Panchang, Maha Shivratri symbolizes the balance between energy (Shakti) and consciousness (Shiva), which maintains harmony in the universe. It is considered a powerful night for spiritual awakening, meditation and inner transformation. Devotees believe that fasting and worshiping on this day helps in removing negativity, forgiving past sins and bringing strength, peace and divine blessings in life.
fast story of maha shivratri
According to Drik Panchang, the fast of Maha Shivratri is considered extremely powerful and beneficial. It is believed to be a supreme religious practice that brings welfare to all living beings.
On the day of Maha Shivratri, devotees should wake up early in the morning, take bath, complete daily rituals and visit a Shiva temple. After saluting Lord Shiva, the devotee takes a pledge to observe Shivratri fast with devotion and faith.
Then the devotee installs the sacred Shivalinga in a clean and sacred place and starts the puja after purification. Devotees offer prayers with devotion, music and bhajans while chanting the mantra “Om Namah Shivay”. The puja should be performed with complete dedication and spiritual discipline during all four night vigils.
A sacred clay (earthly) Shivalinga is prepared by continuously chanting the mantra. After completing the puja, devotees offer heartfelt prayers, bow their heads humbly and request Lord Shiva to accept their fast and bless them.
At the end of the fast, flowers are offered to Lord Shiva, donations are made as per one’s capacity and food is offered to Shaiva Brahmins and Sannyasis. Only after this does the devotee break the fast and complete the sacred rituals with gratitude and devotion.
Maha Shivratri 2026 is not just a festival but a spiritual journey that teaches discipline, devotion and inner peace. By observing the fast, following the puja timings and understanding the vrat katha, devotees can experience a deeper connection with Lord Shiva. May this Maha Shivratri bring strength, positivity and divine blessings in your life.
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