Mahashivratri 2026 Puja Time: The auspicious festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated every year with devotion and reverence on the Chaturdashi (14th) day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Phalguna month. On this day, special prayers and rituals are performed for Lord Shiva, and devotees observe a fast to receive his blessings. On the occasion of Mahashivratri, the Shivalinga is anointed with water, milk, and other sacred substances. From the Brahma Muhurta (early morning), a large crowd of devotees throngs the Shiva temples, remaining engrossed in the worship of Lord Shiva throughout the day.

According to religious beliefs, performing puja and Rudrabhishek (ritualistic bathing of the Shivalinga) on Mahashivratri brings happiness, prosperity, progress, and mental peace in life. It is also believed to alleviate planetary defects in one's horoscope. This festival is also known as Phalguna Masik Shivratri and holds special spiritual significance. Therefore, it becomes important for devotees to know when Mahashivratri will be celebrated, its correct date, the auspicious time for puja, and the religious significance of this festival.

When is Mahashivratri?

In 2026, the auspicious festival of Mahashivratri will be celebrated in February. According to the Hindu calendar, the Chaturdashi tithi of the Krishna Paksha of the Phalguna month will begin on February 15, 2026, at 5:04 PM and end on February 16, 2026, at 5:34 PM. Since the Chaturdashi tithi begins on Sunday, the festival of Mahashivratri will be celebrated on February 15, 2026.

According to religious beliefs, performing the Mahashivratri puja during the Nishita Kaal is considered most fruitful, as this is the most auspicious time for the special worship of Lord Shiva. In 2026, the auspicious time for Nishita Kaal will be from 11:55 PM to 12:56 AM. Performing Jalabhishek, Rudrabhishek, and other rituals during this time brings special merit. The Mahashivratri fast can be broken on February 16, 2026, from 6:42 AM to 3:10 PM. Thus, February 15th will be an extremely auspicious day for devotees for the Mahashivratri puja and fasting.

Mahashivratri 2026 Four Prahar Puja Timings

On Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva is worshipped during the four periods (prahars) of the night, which is considered to have special religious significance. It is believed that performing Shiva puja properly during all four prahars fulfills all the wishes of the devotees and brings happiness and prosperity into their lives. In 2026, the auspicious timings for the four prahar pujas on Mahashivratri are as follows:

Prahar    Puja Time
First Prahar    February 15, 2026, 06:11 PM to 09:23 PM
Second Prahar    February 15, 2026, 09:23 PM to 12:36 AM (midnight)
Third Prahar    February 15, 2026, 12:36 AM to 03:47 AM
Fourth Prahar    February 16, 2026, 03:47 AM to 06:59 AM

Significance of Mahashivratri 2026 Puja

The festival of Mahashivratri is considered extremely sacred and important in Hinduism. Several religious beliefs and stories are associated with this festival. According to one belief, it was on the night of Mahashivratri that Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance for the welfare of creation. Another belief is that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married on this auspicious day. ​​Therefore, the festival of Mahashivratri is considered a symbol of the sacred union of Shiva and Shakti, and on this day, special worship is offered to Goddess Parvati along with Lord Shiva.
According to religious beliefs, observing a fast on Mahashivratri and performing Shiva puja and Rudrabhishek properly infuses positive energy into one's life. This fast fulfills a person's wishes and maintains peace and harmony in marital and family life. It is also believed that observing this festival brings relief from mental stress, illness, suffering, and negative energies. It is said that Lord Shiva is easily pleased by sincere worship on Maha Shivaratri and blesses his devotees with happiness and prosperity, removing all kinds of sorrows from their lives.

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