Maha Shivaratri 2026 — Sunday 15 February
మహా శివరాత్రి 2026
Phalguna Bahula Chaturdashi · Shivaratri / Mahashivratri · Four prahar pujas: 18:30-21:30 / 21:30-00:30 / 00:30-03:30 / 03:30-06:30 IST (15-16 Feb, Hyderabad)
Maha Shivaratri 2026 (also called Shivaratri / Mahashivratri) falls on Sunday, 15 February 2026. The night of Lord Shiva — celebrates Shiva's Tandava dance and his marriage to Parvati. The only festival observed at night. Considered the most powerful night for Shiva sadhana and Linga abhishekam. Primary observance: All-night vigil (Jagaran), Linga Abhishekam (with milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar — Panchamrita), bilva leaf offering, Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra recitation, Shiva Tandava Stotram, Rudram chanting, full-day fast (Nirjala for advanced practitioners). Recommended muhurat: Four prahar pujas: 18:30-21:30 / 21:30-00:30 / 00:30-03:30 / 03:30-06:30 IST (15-16 Feb, Hyderabad).
Maha Shivaratri 2026 — Date & Muhurat
| Festival Date | Sunday, 15 February 2026 |
| Telugu Masa & Tithi | Phalguna Bahula Chaturdashi |
| Primary Muhurat | Four prahar pujas: 18:30-21:30 / 21:30-00:30 / 00:30-03:30 / 03:30-06:30 IST (15-16 Feb, Hyderabad) |
| Alternative Names | Shivaratri / Mahashivratri |
All timings computed using Lahiri Ayanamsa Swiss Ephemeris for Hyderabad (17.385°N, 78.486°E). For exact local timings in other cities use our Today's Panchangam tool.
Significance of Maha Shivaratri 2026
The night of Lord Shiva — celebrates Shiva's Tandava dance and his marriage to Parvati. The only festival observed at night. Considered the most powerful night for Shiva sadhana and Linga abhishekam.
Key Rituals on Maha Shivaratri 2026
All-night vigil (Jagaran), Linga Abhishekam (with milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar — Panchamrita), bilva leaf offering, Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra recitation, Shiva Tandava Stotram, Rudram chanting, full-day fast (Nirjala for advanced practitioners).
Maha Shivaratri 2026 Puja Samagri Checklist (Shopping List)
Items to procure 1-2 days before Maha Shivaratri 2026:
| # | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bilva (Maredu) leaves (3-leaf clusters) |
| 2 | Milk + curd + ghee + honey + sugar (panchamrita) |
| 3 | Gangajal |
| 4 | White flowers + datura flowers |
| 5 | Bhasma (sacred ash) |
| 6 | Rudraksha mala |
| 7 | Camphor + ghee lamp |
| 8 | Coconut + bananas |
| 9 | Shivalinga (clay/metal/stone) |
| 10 | Bel patra book or Rudram |
Regional Variations of Maha Shivaratri 2026
Andhra: Srisailam Mallikarjuna Shivaratri Brahmotsavam — one of India's most attended Shivaratri pilgrimages. Karnataka: Gokarna Mahabaleshwar all-night puja. North India: Varanasi Kashi Vishwanath. Tamil Nadu: Chidambaram Nataraja darshan. All-India: 4-prahar puja with rotating mantra recitation.