As the night deepens and the world observes silence, millions of devotees across India and beyond turn their focus to Shiva — the supreme ascetic, the Lord of yoga and the cosmic destroyer of ignorance. Maha Shivaratri, literally “the Great Night of Shiva”, is a powerful festival of introspection, meditation and devotion that harnesses the stillness of night for spiritual awakening. On this sacred occasion, devotees fast, keep vigil, chant mantras and perform special pujas, seeking the grace of Lord Shiva to dispel darkness and usher in higher consciousness.
Date & Puja Shubh Muhurat
According to the panchāng information from Drik Panchang, Maha Shivaratri 2026 falls on Sunday, 15 February 2026 in India.
For the New Delhi / NCT region, the key muhurat is:
- Nishita Kaal puja time: 12:09 AM to 01:01 AM on 16 February 2026.
This midnight hour is considered the most auspicious moment to perform the main Shiva puja and abhishekam. It is during this time that devotees believe Lord Shiva’s energy is most receptive. - The Chaturdashi tithi (14th lunar day of Krishna Paksha) begins approximately in the evening of 15 February and continues into the early hours of the next day, making the night vigil especially meaningful.
Since local timings can vary by city and state (given differences in sunset, moon phase and regional calendars), it is wise to check one’s regional panchāng for precise timing.
Significance of Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri carries deep layers of spiritual, mythological and psychological meaning:
1. Triumph of Light over Darkness
At its core, Maha Shivaratri marks the victory of awareness (light) over ignorance (darkness). Devotees stay awake through the night, keep vigil, chant “Om Namah Shivaya”, and thus symbolically refuse to succumb to sleep—the darkness of unawareness.
2. Mythological Roots
There are multiple legends tied to this festival:
- One belief holds that on this night Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance, the Tandava, representing creation, preservation and destruction.
- Another narrative states this is the night when Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati were married, making it a symbol of divine union and cosmic harmony.
- Yet another tale speaks of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), when Shiva swallowed the deadly poison (Halahala) to protect the world, and his blue throat (Neelkantha) became an icon of selfless sacrifice.
3. Rituals & Spiritual Practice
- Fasting and abstinence: Many observe a strict fast (consuming only fruits, milk or even water) as a means of self-discipline and purification.
- Night vigil: Staying awake all night at a shrine or temple of Lord Shiva is a hallmark of Maha Shivaratri. Devotees offer abhisheka (ritual bathing) of the Shiva Linga with milk, honey, bilva leaves, water and water-sprinkled flowers.
- Chanting and meditation: The mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” is repeated thousands of times, and meditation on Shiva’s form, attributes and timelessness is encouraged.
- Temple visits: Major Shiva temples see large gatherings, late-night ceremonies and elaborate rituals, making this night an intense spiritual experience.
How to Observe on 15 February 2026
- Begin your vigil in the evening of 15 February, prepare a clean puja space or visit your nearest Shiva temple.
- Wear simple attire, keep away from distractions, and hold a sincere intention for spiritual growth, peace and self-transformation.
- At midnight (12:09 AM–01:01 AM on 16 February in Delhi region), perform the main Shiva puja, abhishekam of the Linga, offer water, milk, bilva leaves, flowers and chant the mantras.
- Maintain awareness through the night — read sacred texts, listen to Shiva hymns, meditate or keep company with like-minded seekers.
- At dawn or after the Chaturdashi tithi ends, one may break the fast (parana) if following a strict fast, and pray for the well-being of family, for spiritual awakening and for liberation from life’s cycle of ignorance and suffering.
Why This Festival Matters
In today’s fast-paced, distraction-laden world, Maha Shivaratri offers a rare moment of stillness, depth and inner reflection. As one honours Lord Shiva, one is essentially honouring the deeper self — the witness, the silence, the ever-aware presence behind life’s motions. This night reminds us that within the might of destruction lies the seed of creation; within the dance of chaos lies the rhythm of order; and within the seeming nothingness of midnight lies the spark of awakening.
On 15 February 2026, may your heart align with this sacred rhythm — may you find stillness, may you transcend the routine, and may you receive Lord Shiva’s blessing for clarity, peace and spiritual growth. Happy Maha Shivaratri! 🙏