Maha Shivaratri 2026: Date, Puja Timings, Vrat Vidhi & Spiritual Significance
Maha Shivaratri 2026, also known as Mahashivratri, Maha Shivratri, or commonly searched spellings like Maha shiv ratri and Mahashiv raatri, is one of the most sacred nights in Hindu tradition. Devotees across India and around the world observe this powerful festival with fasting, night-long worship, and deep devotion to Lord Shiva — the supreme force of transformation and consciousness.
This holy night symbolizes the divine union of Shiva and Shakti, representing balance, creation, and spiritual awakening. In shivrratri 2026, devotees will come together to observe vrat, perform Shiva Puja, and seek inner purification through prayer and discipline.
Maha Shivaratri 2026 Date & Timings
Many devotees search online asking “Shivratri kab hai?” or “Mahashivratri kab hai?”
Here are the confirmed details for Mahashivratri 2026.
Maha Shivaratri Date
Sunday, February 15, 2026
This places shivratri february firmly in the mid-month spiritual calendar, making it one of the most anticipated Hindu festivals of the year.
Mahashivratri Puja Muhurat & Vrat Timings
Nishita Kaal Puja Time (Most Auspicious)
12:09 AM to 01:01 AM (February 16, 2026)
Duration: 51 minutes
This period is considered the most powerful Mahashivratri puja muhurat, when Lord Shiva manifested as the Shiva Linga.
Ratri Prahar Puja Timings
- First Prahar: 06:11 PM – 09:23 PM
- Second Prahar: 09:23 PM – 12:35 AM (Feb 16)
- Third Prahar: 12:35 AM – 03:47 AM (Feb 16)
- Fourth Prahar: 03:47 AM – 06:59 AM (Feb 16)
Chaturdashi Tithi
- Begins: 05:04 PM on February 15, 2026
- Ends: 05:34 PM on February 16, 2026
Shivaratri Parana Time (Fast Breaking)
06:59 AM to 03:24 PM (February 16, 2026)
Significance of Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri marks the cosmic convergence of Shiva and Shakti, symbolizing harmony between energy and consciousness. It is believed that worship performed during Nishita Kaal on this night yields immense spiritual merit.
According to traditions:
- South Indian Calendar: Shivaratri observed on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Magha month
- North Indian Calendar: Shivaratri observed in the Phalguna month
Despite differences in lunar month naming, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the same day across India, uniting devotees in shared devotion.
Maha Shivaratri Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rituals
Before Shivaratri (Trayodashi)
- Eat only once during the day
- Consume simple, sattvic food
On Shivaratri Day
- Wake up early and complete morning rituals
- Take a bath and wear clean clothes
- Visit a nearby Shiva temple or perform Puja at home
- Take Sankalp to observe the fast and break it the next day
This day marks the official shivratri fasting date, observed with devotion and discipline.
Evening & Night Rituals
- Take a second bath in the evening
- Perform Shiva Puja during one or all four Prahars
- Offer milk, water, bel leaves, fruits, and dhatura
- Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” throughout the night
Parana (Breaking the Fast)
- Break the fast after sunrise on February 16, 2026
- Ideally before Chaturdashi Tithi ends for maximum spiritual benefit
Importance of Four Prahar Shiva Puja
Shivaratri Puja can be performed:
- Once during Nishita Kaal, or
- Four times across all Prahars
Devotees who worship during all four Prahars are believed to receive greater spiritual merit, inner purification, and divine blessings.
Celebrate Maha Shivaratri 2026 with Diviniti Sacred Creations
Make your Mahashivratri 2026 celebrations more divine with Diviniti’s 24K Gold Plated Sacred Art:
- Shiva Parivar Gold Foil Frame – Ideal for home temples
- Lord Shiva Portrait on Gold – A timeless spiritual keepsake
- Sacred Tabletop Frames – Perfect for gifting on Shivaratri
Diviniti beautifully blends devotion, craftsmanship, and elegance, making it a meaningful choice for this sacred occasion.
Maha Shivaratri 2026 FAQs
Q1. Shivratri kab hai in 2026?
Maha Shivaratri falls on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Q2. What is the most auspicious time for Shiva Puja?
Nishita Kaal (12:09 AM – 01:01 AM, Feb 16) is the most sacred.
Q3. Can Shivaratri Puja be done only once?
Yes, Puja can be performed once or during all four Prahars.
Q4. Is fasting mandatory on Maha Shivaratri?
Fasting is not mandatory but highly recommended.
Q5. When should the Shivaratri fast be broken?
After sunrise on February 16 and before Chaturdashi Tithi ends
Maha Shivaratri 2026 — whether you call it Mahashivratri, Maha shivratri, or shivrratri 2026 — is a deeply powerful spiritual opportunity to connect with Lord Shiva through fasting, devotion, and night-long worship.
Celebrate this sacred night with faith, discipline, and timeless sacred art from Diviniti, where spirituality truly meets elegance.
Also Read:
108 Names of Lord Shiva | 12 Jyotirlinga in India | Mystery Behind Who Is Lord Shiva
ALSO CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLE ON HOW LORD SHIVA HELP TO REMOVE NEGATIVITY