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Maha Shivaratri: The divine night of Shiva

Shivaratri is the night dedicated to Mahadeva, observed on the fourteenth day of each Lunar month before a new moon during Krishna Paksha, in a year there are twelve Shivaratri’s and these nights are considered to be the cosmic union of Shakti and Shiva, representing the balance of seraphic energy. These nights are also known as the miniature of one of the greatest divine night called Maha Shivaratri.

What is Maha Shivaratri?

Maha Shivaratri, one of the greatest Shivaratri celebrated to worship the celestial act of Shiva, a night of self-introspection, that blesses devotees with inner peace and well-being, it fall’s on the fourteenth day of Krishna Paksha, during Phalguna month (February or March).

When is Maha Shivaratri in 2026, Day, Date and Timing?

In 2026, Maha Shivaratri will be celebrated on February 15, the tithi will begin at 5:04 PM, on February 15 and will end at 05:34 PM, February 16. The whole night is spilt into four parts, called Prahars, and each part has different pooja times:

First Prahar: 6:19PM to 9:26PM on February 15th
Second Prahar: 9:26PM to 12:34AM on February 16th
Third Prahar: 12:34AM to 3:41AM on February 16th
Fourth Prahar: 3:41AM to 6:48AM on Febraury16th

Why do we celebrate Mahashivratri?

There are many significances of Mahashivratri,

This special night celebrates Shiva and his marriage to Goddess Parvati defining their divine love. Shiva symbolizes Purusha, which is the mind or consciousness, and Parvati symbolizes Prakriti, which is nature. When they come together, they create energy and life.
Another important belief behind this auspicious celebration is that, at the time of Samudra Manthan, the gods and demons found the deadly poison called ‘Halahala’, that could destroy everything. To protect the world, Shiva drank the poison and saved everyone. (Due to this, he is also known as Neelakanta). Because of this, the Maha Shivaratri festival is a time for his devotees to thank him for saving the universe.
It is the night, that he manifested himself as an infinite pillar of light “Lingodbhava”, to end a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu.
It is also said that on this night, Shiva did a cosmic dance called the ‘Rudra Tandav’, the dance of creation, protection and destruction.

How to do Maha Shivaratri?

Fasting on this day helps an individual’s soul to feel clean and become more spiritual. One can do strict fast without eating or drinking anything also called Nirjala Vrat. If not Nirjala one can also do this fast by consuming fruits and milk. People also avoid eating meat, grains, onion, garlic and drinking alcohol.

What to do on Mahashivaratri?

There are certain rituals one should follow during this fast. Devotees can perform Abishekam of Shivling with panchamrit, offer bilva leaves, datura, fruits, and flowers. Ghee diyas and fragrance sticks are lit to make the place feel sacred. Mantra chanting of ‘Om Namaha Shivaya’ or any other stutis can be recited throughout the night. We can also sing kirtans and bhajans all night, read sacred scriptures like ‘Shiva Purana’ or do Yoga and Meditation to feel closer to the divine energy.

Traditional Pooja performed with Pandit:

Rudra Abishekam
Mahamrityunjay Jaap
Rudra Havan
Bilva Archana
4 Prahar Pooja

Through these poojas invite divine blessings at your home, through BookMyPooja, book a Pandit Ji at your comfort and experience a blissful connect, with the divine and make your Maha Shivaratri special. The link for the website is https://bookmypoojaonline.com/ or feel free to contact us at 9869929292.

Maha Shivaratri is a reminder for us of the divine power of Shiva and remind us of divine peace, self-discipline In our life. As the night of worship passes by, We are left with renewed energy, clarity and blessings to face life with strength. May Shiva bestoy your life with happiness this Shivaratri.

Happy Maha Shivaratri.