When is Mahashivratri 2026?

Mahashivratri 2026 falls on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi).

How do I fast on Mahashivratri?

Devotees observe a full-day fast, eating only fruits, milk, and sabudana. Strict devotees observe nirjala (waterless) fast. The fast is broken the next morning after puja.

Can I book Mahashivratri puja online?

Yes. YourDarshan offers Mahashivratri special puja at Jyotirlinga temples with verified pandits. Book at yourdarshan.com/puja.

🔱 Mahashivratri 2026 — Complete Guide

Updated: April 2, 2026 · Reading time: 9 min · By YourDarshan Team

Mahashivratri ("The Great Night of Shiva") is the most sacred festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna. It is believed that on this night, Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction (Tandava), and married Goddess Parvati.

📅 Mahashivratri 2026 Date & Timing

Detail	Information
Date	Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Tithi	Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi
Nishita Kaal Puja	12:00 AM – 12:48 AM (most auspicious)
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins	Feb 17, 2026, 3:22 PM
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends	Feb 18, 2026, 5:45 PM

🌙 Four Prahar (Night Watch) Puja Schedule

Mahashivratri is unique — devotees stay awake all night performing puja in four prahars (watches):

Prahar	Time	Offering
First Prahar	6:00 PM – 9:00 PM	Milk abhishek
Second Prahar	9:00 PM – 12:00 AM	Curd (dahi) abhishek
Third Prahar	12:00 AM – 3:00 AM	Ghee abhishek (most powerful)
Fourth Prahar	3:00 AM – 6:00 AM	Honey abhishek

During each prahar, chant "Om Namah Shivaya" 108 times, offer bel patra, and recite Shiv Tandav Stotram.

🕉️ Step-by-Step Mahashivratri Puja Vidhi

Begin fast at sunrise — consume only fruits, milk, or sabudana
Evening: Bathe and wear clean clothes (white preferred)
Set up Shivling with Gangajal and flowers
Perform abhishek with Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar)
Offer bel patra, dhatura, white flowers, and vibhuti
Chant Om Namah Shivaya 108 times each prahar
Recite Mahamrityunjaya Mantra for health and protection
Read Shiv Puran or Rudri Path during night vigil
Perform aarti at the end of each prahar
Break fast the next morning after final puja

🔱 Book Mahashivratri Puja at Jyotirlinga Temples

🍽️ Mahashivratri Fasting Rules

Fruit fast — Fruits, dry fruits, milk, and sabudana khichdi
Strict fast — Only water and milk (no solid food)
Nirjala fast — No food or water (for advanced devotees)
Avoid rice, wheat, lentils, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food
Break fast the next morning with prasad after puja

🛕 Best Temples for Mahashivratri Celebration

Visit or watch live darshan from these temples:

Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi — The holiest Shiva temple
Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain — Famous Bhasma Aarti on Mahashivratri
Somnath, Gujarat — First among the 12 Jyotirlingas
Kedarnath, Uttarakhand — Himalayan Shiva abode

📺 Watch live Mahashivratri darshan on Darshan TV

🗺️ Explore all 12 Jyotirlinga temples

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When is Mahashivratri 2026?: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi).
How do I fast on Mahashivratri?: Eat only fruits, milk, and sabudana. Strict devotees observe nirjala fast. Break fast next morning after puja.
Can I book Mahashivratri puja online?: Yes. YourDarshan offers Mahashivratri puja at Jyotirlinga temples with verified pandits and HD video proof.
Why do we stay awake on Mahashivratri?: Night vigil (jagran) is central to Mahashivratri. It's believed that staying awake and worshipping Shiva all night grants immense spiritual merit and pleases Mahadeva.

📚 Related Guides

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