Maha Shivratri 2026 in Mahakaleshwar Temple: Shiv Navratri celebration in Ujjain

Mahakaleshwar temple is the most powerful temple in India. This is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is the only dakshina mukhi jyotirlinga. This is situated in the city of Ujjain. This shivalingam is believed to be self manifested in this temple, also known as swayambhu shivalingam. The temple was built in 18th century but before that temple faced destruction so many times and in 13th century it was destroyed by iltutmish and it remained like this for another hundreds of years but finally it was constructed by the Maratha ruler, Ranoji Rao shinde in 18th century. The temple is known for the unique shringar of Shivalingam.Mahashivratri festival is celebrated with great grandeur in Mahakaleshwar temple. The temple is decorated with real flowers, lights and management make other arrangements to decorate the temple. The temple holds special pujas during Mahashivratri festival. A large number of devotees visit the temple to see the glimpse of the decorated temple and shivalingam. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati vivah ceremony is conducted with great enthusiasm and fervor. As we all know that Mahashivratri festival is going to be celebrated on February 15, 2026 but the celebration will start from February 6th and it will continue till the main auspicious day. These nine days are known as Shiv Navratri that is celebrated with immense devotion and purity. Shiva Navratri festival is going to start from this day. Lord Mahakaal will be adorned beautifully with sandalwood paste and turmeric and 11 Brahmins will perform Rudrabhishekam.On the second day of Shiva Navratri, Lord Mahakal will be adorned with new clothes and special puja rituals will be performed.On the third day, Sheshnaag shringar will be done to Lord Mahakaal.Lord Mahakaal will be adorned with Katra, Mekhala, Dupatta, Mukut, Mundmal, Umbrella, mundamala and garland of fruits.On this day, Lord Mahakal will be decorated and the Lord will be dressed in yellow colour clothes. Lord Mahakal will be decorated with Holkar and Lord Shri Chandramoleshwar will also be worshiped.On the seventh day of Shiva Navratri, Lord Mahakal will be worshiped in the form of Uma-Mahesh and dressed in brown colored clothes, wear a crown, mundamaal and a garland of fruits.Lord Mahakal will be decorated with red colored clothes, a crown, mundamaal and garland of fruits.On the ninth day of Shiva Navratri, Lord Mahakaal will appear to the devotees in the form of Shiva Tandava.This is the final day when the whole country will celebrate Mahashivratri. Lord Mahakal is adorned like a king. On this day, Lord Mahakal give darshan to the devotees for about 44 hours.