Mayur Pankh — cosmic peacock featherAdhyatmas

🪔 Hindu Festival · Phalguna Maas

Maha Shivaratri 2026

महाशिवरात्रि

Also known as: The Great Night of Shiva · Shivaratri

Date 2026

Sunday, 15 February 2026

Tithi

Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha, Phalguna Maas

Duration

1 Day

Sacred Mantra

ॐ नमः शिवाय

What is Maha Shivaratri?

Maha Shivaratri is one of the most sacred nights in the Hindu calendar. It is the night Lord Shiva performed the Tandava — the cosmic dance of creation, preservation and destruction. It is also celebrated as the divine wedding night of Shiva and Parvati. Fasting and night-long worship on this day is believed to wash away all sins and grant moksha (liberation).

📖 Source: Shiva Purana — the emergence of the infinite Jyotirlinga, and the marriage of Shiva and Parvati

How to Celebrate Maha Shivaratri — Rituals

  • 🪔Fasting (nirjala — without water, or phalahar — fruits only) for the full day and night
  • 🪔Shiva Linga abhishek with milk, honey, water, curd and bel leaves
  • 🪔Night-long jagran (vigil) with Shiva bhajans and chanting
  • 🪔Chanting Om Namah Shivaya 108 times with a mala
  • 🪔Offering bel patra (bilva leaves), dhatura flowers, and blue lotus to Shivlinga
  • 🪔Visiting Jyotirlinga temples for darshan
  • 🪔Reading or listening to Shiva Purana katha

Associated Deities

🔱 shiva🌺 parvati

Sacred Places

🕯️ varanasi⭐ ujjain

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ When is Maha Shivaratri 2026?
Maha Shivaratri 2026 falls on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The Chaturdashi tithi of Krishna Paksha in Phalguna month.
❓ Why is Maha Shivaratri celebrated?
Maha Shivaratri celebrates the cosmic dance (Tandava) of Lord Shiva and is also considered the night of his divine wedding with Parvati. It is a night for intense meditation, fasting, and devotion to Shiva.
❓ Can we eat during Maha Shivaratri fast?
Devotees observe either nirjala vrat (no food or water), or phalahar (fruits, milk, and nuts only). Grains, rice, and non-vegetarian food are strictly avoided.
❓ Which is the best Jyotirlinga to visit on Maha Shivaratri?
Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi), Somnath (Gujarat), Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain) and Kedarnath (Uttarakhand) are among the most auspicious Jyotirlingas to visit on Maha Shivaratri.

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