Maha Shivaratri, also known by the names of Mahashivratri and Maha Shivratri, is one of the most sacred festivals in Hinduism. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the festival symbolizes the divine union of Shiva and Shakti, representing creation, balance, and spiritual awakening. Maha Shivaratri 2026 will occur on Sunday, February 15, and will be celebrated across most parts of India.
If you’re celebrating this festival, here’s all you need to know about Maha Shivaratri.
Maha Shivaratri 2026: Significance, How To Celebrate, Fasting, And More Information
Significance Of Maha Shivaratri 2026
‘Maha Shivaratri’ is a word that literally translates to the ‘great night of Lord Shiva’. This Hindu festival is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the Krishna Paksha of the Phalgun or Falgun month.
The festival has several myths and legends associated with it, and devotees believe in them to varying degrees. Here is one popular legend that many devotees believe in:
Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva wished to marry each other; however, her father was strongly opposed to the marriage because of Shiva’s ascetic life.
When her father humiliated Shiva, Goddess Sati gave up her life. Following her demise, Lord Shiva fell into a profound state of meditation and begged the gods to bring her to life. Eventually, the gods reincarnated Sati as Goddess Parvati, and she married Shiva.
While this is a popular legend, another legend ties Maha Shivaratri’s association with the Samudra Manthan or the ‘churning of the cosmic ocean’.
During this event in Hindu mythology, the gods and asuras engaged in a churning of the cosmic ocean against each other to obtain valuable ‘gems’.
From this churning, a deadly poison called ‘halahala’ emerged. To save the world from the devastation it would cause, Lord Shiva consumed the poison.
When this poison turned his throat blue, doctors advised Shiva to stay awake all night. Other gods kept him entertained with music and dance to ensure that he stayed awake.
This is why most devotees believe in fasting, keeping vigil, and staying awake all night on the day of the Maha Shivaratri.
How Is Maha Shivaratri Celebrated?
The festival begins with devotees visiting Shiva temples early in the morning. They offer bel leaves, milk, honey, and water to the ‘shiva lingam’ in a ritual called the ‘abhishekam’.
On this day, devotees also hold rigorous fasts that end the next day. Some devotees do not even consume water during this fast!
Many temples hold elaborate rituals and religious ceremonies to honor Lord Shiva. This includes bhajans and kirtans where devotees sing devotional songs, sermons led by religious and spiritual leaders, and other programs dedicated to the Hindu god.
Devotees also engage in night-long prayer and meditation to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Foods And Fasting Practices On The Day Of Maha Shivaratri 2026
Maha Shivaratri fasting rituals are essential to the celebration of the festival. Many devotees hold fast on the day of the festival and break it the next day. However, it is not compulsory to follow a strict fast – you can choose between a few kinds of fasting. These are as follows:
- Strict fast: No food, only water
- Fruit & milk fast: Only fruits and milk are allowed
- Single meal fast: Only one light meal after prayers
Depending on your health and body needs, choose if you want to fast, and if so, choose the kind of fasting you could perform.
Here are some foods that are allowed and not allowed during fasting:
Foods allowed during a fast: Fruits, milk and dairy products, sago, potato and sweet potato, nuts and dry fruits, vegetables like bottle gourd, cucumber, pumpkin, yam.
Foods not allowed during a fast: Grains (wheat, rice, etc), onion-garlic, meat and eggs, alcohol, tobacco, and fried and spicy food.
Maha Shivaratri 2026 Date And Time
Dates: 15th and 16th February
Chaturdashi Tithi begins: 15th February – 5:04 PM
Chaturdashi Tithi ends: 16th February – 5:34 PM
First prahar puja: 15th February – 6:39 PM to 9:45 PM
Second prahar puja: 15th February – 9:45 PM to 16th February, 12:52 AM
Third prahar puja: 16th February – 12:52 AM to 3:59 AM
Fourth prahar puja: 16th February – 3:59 AM to 7:06 AM
Nishita Kaal puja: 16th February – 12:28 AM to 1:17 AM
Source: Drikpanchang.com
Timings can vary by a few minutes depending on your location; consider consulting a spiritual advisor or astrologer to get accurate timings.
Popular Temples And Places To Visit On The Day Of Maha Shivratri 2026
- Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra: It is situated in Nashik near the origin of the Godavari River. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, twelve spiritually important Shiva temples.
- Somnath, Gujarat: Many believe it to be the first Jyotirlingam on Earth. Though the temple has been destroyed and reconstructed several times throughout history, it is an important spiritual destination in India.
- Kashi Vishwanath, Uttar Pradesh: Located in the spiritual capital of India, Kashi or Varanasi, it is called the ‘Golden Temple of Kashi’ thanks to its gold-plated spire.
- Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu: Many believe that it is here that Rama prayed to Lord Shiva to seek forgiveness for killing Ravana in the Hindu epic of Ramayana.
- Babulnath Temple, Maharashtra: The temple in Mumbai is one of the oldest in the city, dating back to the 12th century. It is particularly crowded during Maha Shivaratri, on Mondays, and in the Hindu month of Shravan.
- Isha Yoga Center, Tamil Nadu: Founded by spiritual guru Sadhguru, this meditation center in Coimbatore is renowned for its Maha Shivaratri celebrations. Devotees, including celebrities, attend music and dance events, spiritual sermons, and night-long satsangs.
You May Like Also: Mahashivratri 2026: Temples to Visit In Maharashtra For Lord Shiva Blessings
Summing Up
Maha Shivaratri 2026 is a celebration dedicated to Lord Shiva. It celebrates Lord Shiva’s and Shakti’s union, representing a divine union of cosmic energies.
Millions of devotees celebrate the festival, both within and outside India. In this guide, we’ve given you the Maha Shivaratri date and time, as well as fasting rituals and important places to visit.
