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Maha Shivratri 2026 Live Updates: Date, puja time, mantra, history, nishita kaal, puja vidhi and significance

Mahashivratri festival is the most prominent festival. The festival is celebrated to honor Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This ye...

The Times of India | Feb 15, 2026, 18:35:28 IST

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18:35 (IST), Feb, 15

The color of bangles you can offer to Mata Parvati:

Green color represents new beginning, fertility, growth and prosperity. This is the symbol of marital bliss and unmarried women should offer it the Goddess to seek blessings on this auspicious night of Mahashivratri.

17:31 (IST), Feb, 15

Which fruit you should offer to Mata Parvati?

You can offer pomegranate to Goddess Parvati on this auspicious day of Mahashivratri. This fruit represents fertility, new beginnings, growth and success. This will fulfill all your wishes if you offer it the Goddess tonight.

16:58 (IST), Feb, 15

The night of awakening

Shiva represents stillness. Mahashivratri aligns the body and mind with that principle. When you fast, stay awake, or observe silence, energy stops flowing outward. It turns inward. That inward movement creates awareness. You start noticing thoughts, emotions, and patterns instead of being controlled by them. That noticing is awakening.

By Astrologer: Sidhharrth S Kumaar, Chief Astrologer, NumroVani

16:36 (IST), Feb, 15

Do you want to know the benefits of this miraculous mantra - Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra:

1. This is the life saving mantra
2. It can remove the fear of death.
3. This mantra helps to remove kaal sarpa dosha
4. It increases the concentration level of a person.
5. This mantra protects people from diseases and ailments.
6. This powerful mantra protects against accidents and mishaps.

16:04 (IST), Feb, 15

Fear of death? Chant this powerful mantra

One of the most powerful Shiva mantra is "Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra". This is a healing mantra, which is mentioned in Rig Veda. It is believed that by chanting this mantra you can overcome the fear of death. The terms "Jaya" represents triumph or victory, "Mrityu" means death, and "Maha" implies great. This is considered as most potent mantra for conquering death. You can chant this mantra tonight as many times as you can. Here is the below mentioned mantra:

Mantra: "Om Trayambhakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urvarukmiv Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat"


15:26 (IST), Feb, 15

Facing health issues? Do this powerful remedy on Mahashivratri

Are you facing health issues for so long and don't know what to do to get rid of that? then this is the right place, where you can get the perfect remedy, which you can perform today and get relieved from that so let's move ahead and check the below mentioned remedy:

  • You need to take 108 unbroken bilva leaves and write "Ram" on those leaves by using sandalwood paste. It could be tiring but this is the most powerful remedy to appease Mahadev and seek his blessings on this powerful night of Mahashivratri. Then, you should offer it to Lord Shiva one by one while chanting "Om Namah Shivaye". This will definitely help you to get relieved from your health problem.

For example: An umbrella can protect you from rain but it can not stop the rain similarly remedies can give you protection from the problems that you are facing in your life but your problem is the result of your past karma and those karma's can not be removed completely so you have to take a shield and remedies work a protective shield. This above mentioned remedy is only for the believers and non believers can ignore it.

15:08 (IST), Feb, 15

Delay marriage? Perfect day to perform this remedy

Do you know, Mahashivratri is not just the festival but people celebrate the union of Shiva and Shakti, which means when masculine energy meets the feminine energy and the devotees, who worship Shiva and Shakti with pure devotion get blessed with the desired wish fulfillment. So, if you are unmarried and looking for a good partner then you must do the below mentioned remedies:

1. You should make a turmeric garland by using 11 roots and tie it with a mauli and offer it to the Goddess Parvati.
2. Perform a gathbandhan of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati seven times by using mauli (sacred red thread).
3. Worship Goddess Gauri by chanting "Jai Jai Girivar Raj Kishori" and offer your sincere prayers to Goddess Parvati asking for the desired partner.
4. Offer 16 types of shringar (solah shringar) items to Goddess Gauri.

14:43 (IST), Feb, 15

Living abroad and don't know how to worship Lord Shiva there?

People, who are living abroad usually have this query that if they can perform puja at home and if yes then how? we will explain you here that you can easily perform puja at home so here are the below mentioned rituals, which you can perform at home and seek blessings of Lord Shiva on this auspicious festival of Mahashivratri:

1. You can prepare the parthiv shivalingam at home by using clay or soil.
2. Offer simple water and chant "Om Namah Shivaye"
3. You can offer milk, curd, honey, sugar powder and ghee. You can even make the mixture of these five items, which is called Panchamrit.
4. Again offer water to Shivalingam.
5. If you have bel patra (bilva leaves) then offer at least 5/7/11.
6. You can offer five fruits, dry fruits, any sweet for bhog.
7. You can chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times.
8. Perform night vigil, do meditation, read any holy book if you have otherwise spend the night chanting "Panchakshari Mantra" or "Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra"

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14:26 (IST), Feb, 15

Mahashivratri: The union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati

This is the most prominent day when Lord Shiva accepted Goddess Parvati as his wife. The day holds a great religious and spiritual significance and the people across the country celebrate this day with great grandeur and enthusiasm. This day celebrates the union of masculine and feminine energy that's why people do night vigil on this festival as the cosmic energies are very high.

13:56 (IST), Feb, 15

Mahashivrartri 2026: Parana Time

Parana Date: February 16, 2026
Parana Time: 06:59 AM to 03:24 PM

13:54 (IST), Feb, 15

When to break Mahashivratri fast?

Breaking the fast is an important ritual. Mahashivratri fast will start from February 15, 2026 and the fast will be broken on the next day, February 16, 2026 during the parana time.

13:46 (IST), Feb, 15

Pisces will receive blessings

Pisceans are ruled by Jupiter. Saturn is transiting in Pisces zodiac sign. They won't need to put in much effort to find a job if they are looking for one. If they want to launch a new company, it is a good moment to do so. Their love relationship will get better after this Mahashivratri.


13:38 (IST), Feb, 15

Leo's will be blessed by Lord Shiva

The Sun rules Leos. Together with Venus, Mercury, and Rahu, the planet is currently traveling through the sign of Aquarius. This time, Lord Shiva will undoubtedly eliminate their enemies. Since, Mahashivratri is a significant occasion for them, they must ask Lord Shiva for his blessings on that day. Someone with love and good fortune is going to enter in their life.

13:27 (IST), Feb, 15

Aquarius

Aquarians are ruled by Shani or Saturn. They will be blessed this Mahashivratri by Lord Shiva. They are receiving blessings from Lord Shiva, and they will undoubtedly receive what they deserve such as success, money and luck. Some one special is also coming in their life.

13:24 (IST), Feb, 15

Want to know which zodiac signs will be blessed this Mahashivratri?

The country is celebrating Mahashivratri today, February 15, 2026. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped on this auspicious day. Devotees observe fast and offer their sincere prayers to them. There are certain zodiac signs who will be blessed by Lord Shiva this Mahashivratri. Let's check out:

13:12 (IST), Feb, 15

Mahashivratri: Bhog prasad you should offer to Lord Shiva

You can offer these below mentioned bhog prasad items to Lord Shiva on this special event of Mahashivratri:

  • Rice kheer
  • Makhana Kheer
  • Panjeeri
  • White khoya barfi
  • Panchamrti
  • Semolina (Soojhi) Halwa

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13:03 (IST), Feb, 15

Which type of fast are you observing this Mahashivratri?

There are three types of fast observances: Nirjala Fast, Phalahar Fast and Partial Fast. You can choose the type of fast according to your suitability.

12:44 (IST), Feb, 15

Are you on your periods? then what to do?

If you are following your days then its is very important to know the do's and don'ts for the day so let's check out the below mentioned things which you should keep in your mind for this Mahashivratri:

1. You can observe fast.
2. You can not touch the shivalingam or an idol of Lord Shiva.
3. You should not enter in the temple.
4. You can not do mantra chanting.
5. You can do nama japa - you can chant any name of shiva.
6. You can do meditation by sitting at a quiet place in a sukhasana.

12:30 (IST), Feb, 15

Maha Shivratri 2026: A Once-in-Years Alignment Signalling Karma, Discipline and Reset

Maha Shivratri 2026 is very unique astrologically as it unfolds under a strong Aquarius stellium, with the Moon, Mars and Pluto activating Saturn-ruled zones and nearly all planets falling under Saturn’s direct or indirect influence.

With Saturn emphasizing karma, discipline and accountability, Mars intensifying action, the Moon stirring emotional responses and Pluto pushing deep transformation, this alignment turns the night into more than a ritual observance. Falling on a Sunday and close to the eclipse corridor, it becomes a rare window to release old patterns, stabilize the mind, confront truth and consciously realign one’s life path.

Shiva worship on this Shivratri is therefore not only devotional, but deeply transformative, supporting karmic cleansing, emotional maturity and long-term life direction.

By: Sidhharrth S Kumaar, Chief Astrologer, NumroVani​

12:19 (IST), Feb, 15

Want to know about that one powerful mantra to chant this Mahashivratri?

Different types of mantras are there, which you can chant on this Mahashivratri festival but that one mantra that has the capability of removing all sorrows from your life then you must chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra - "Om Trayambhakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urva rukmiv Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat". This mantra will eliminate all the obstacles, health issues, mental and psychological problems and sufferings.

11:49 (IST), Feb, 15

How to get rid of Kaal Sarpa Dosha on Mahashivrati?

If you are suffering from Kaal Sarpa dosha and want to get rid of that dosha then we must tell you that this dosha can not eliminated completely just by one remedy but the bad effct of this dosha can be reduced by doing this powerful remedy on Mahashivrati. So, you should take a silver pair of serpent and chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times then dip this pair in milk thrice and offer it to Shivalingam then offer milk. This powerful remedy will help you to get rid of the bad effects of Kaal sarpa dosha.

11:15 (IST), Feb, 15

Mahashivratri Puja Rituals

  • Cleansing: Wake up early in the morning and take bath.
  • Puja set up: Take a wooden plank and place an idol of Lord Shiva or Shivalingam.
  • Offerings: You can offer the sacred items to Lord Shiva.
  • Abhishekam: You can perform abhishekam to shivalingam.
  • Mantra chanting: Its important to chant mantras if you want to seek blessings of Lord Shiva.
  • Aarti: In the end, you should perform Shiva arti and seek blessings.

11:00 (IST), Feb, 15

Mahashivratri Don'ts

  • Avoid negative thoughts
  • Stay away from tamasik activities
  • Control negative thoughts

10:23 (IST), Feb, 15

Mahashivratri Do's

  • Choose your type of fast
  • Maintain celiac Visit ,Vishnu temple
  • Chant mantras
  • Stay hydrated

09:49 (IST), Feb, 15

Mahashivratri Guidelines

While observing Mahashivratri fast you need to follow some rules so that you can seek blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati without any hindrance so let's check out some do's and don'ts in the next slide.

09:33 (IST), Feb, 15

Mahashivratri Prahar Puja Muhurat

  • Ratri First Prahar Puja Time: February 15, 2026 - 06:11 PM to 09:23 PM
  • Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time: February 16, 2026 - 09:23 PM to 12:35 AM
  • Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time: February 16, 2026 - 12:35 AM to 03:47 AM
  • Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time: February 16, 2026 - 03:47 AM to 06:59 AM

09:01 (IST), Feb, 15

Mahashivratri 2026: Chaturdashi Tithi Begins and Ends

The festival is celebrated on Chaturdashi tithi and the Chaturdashi tithi begins from February 15, 2026 - 05:04 PM and ends on February 16, 2026 at - 05:34 PM so people can perform puja during that time.

08:40 (IST), Feb, 15

Mahashivratri Fourth Prahar Puja

Doing meditation is one of the most powerful thing, which you can do during the fourth prahar because fourth prahar will fall at the time of brahma muhurat and we all know that importance of brahma muhurat. Be positive during that time period, maintain the silence, sit in the position of shukhasana with closed eyes and the cosmic energies will automatically fall on you.

08:21 (IST), Feb, 15

Mahashivratri 2026: Third Prahar Puja

You should recite Shiva chalisa, Rudrashtakam, Shiva tandav stotram and other powerful hymns and prayers.

08:04 (IST), Feb, 15

Mahashivratri Second Prahar Puja

You can perform Rudrabhishekam during that time period if you want by adding various sacred items and offer it to the Shiva lingam and offer shringar items to Goddess Parvati. This will bring auspiciousness in your life.

07:47 (IST), Feb, 15

Mahashivratri First Prahar Puja

  • You can make the shivalingam at home by using clay or soil then start with normal water and milk.
  • You should offer Belpatra, Bhang, Datura,flowers and fruits.
  • Then invoke the Lord by chanting mantras - Om Namah Shivaye or Maha Mrityunjaya mantra 108 times.
  • In the end, perform aarti of Lord Shiva by using camphor.

07:28 (IST), Feb, 15

Mahashivratri festival: Importance of "Prahar"

Maha Shivratri night is divided into four parts or "Prahars." Lord Shiva is worshipped during these prahars. It is believed to bring happiness, prosperity and devotees receive blessings of Lord Shiva if they worship during the powerful prahar period.

07:08 (IST), Feb, 15

Mahashivratri: How to perform abhishekam

Performing abhishekam is a ritual in which people offer various sacred items to shivalingam and these holy items are mentioned below:
  • Water (Ganga Jal): tranquility and cleansing
  • Milk: Blessings and nourishment
  • Honey: Devotion and sweetness
  • Yogurt: Health and prosperity
  • Bilva leaves: The most revered sacrifice, signifying dedication
  • Sandalwood paste: a cool, pure substance

06:33 (IST), Feb, 15

How to appease Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri?

Devotees can observe fast from dawn till parana time, chant mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva, perform night vigil and do meditation and visit temple to perform abhishek. These are the easiest ways through, which you can seek blessings of Lord Shiva.

06:25 (IST), Feb, 15

Did Lord Shiva perform cosmic dance on Mahashivratri?

According to scriptures, it is believed that Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, a cosmic dance, which represents the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction.

06:23 (IST), Feb, 15

What is the importance of night vigil on Mahashivratri?

This night is considered as the most powerful night when the cosmic energies are very high and people perform various spiritual activities during that night to appease Lord Shiva. This night is for conquering ignorance and darkness.

06:20 (IST), Feb, 15

How is Mahashivratri celebrated?

Devotees observe fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati by performing various puja rituals and spiritual activities.

06:19 (IST), Feb, 15

Why Mahashivratri festival is celebrated?

Mahashivratri festival celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This was the auspicious day, when Lord Shiva married to Mata Parvati.

06:16 (IST), Feb, 15

When is Maha Shivratri 2026?

Mahashivratri festival is the most prominent festival. The festival is celebrated to honor Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This year, Mahashivratri festival is being celebrated today i.e., on February 15, 2026, chaturdashi tithi of krishna paksha in the month of phalguna.



Mahashivratri festival is one of the major festivals of Hindus. The festival is purely dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This Hindu festival is celebrated on Chaturdashi tithi of krishna paksha in phalguna month. This year, Mahashivratri festival is being celebrated today, on February 15, 2026.One of the main Hindu holidays, Mahashivratri, is celebrated with great vigor and grandeur. All around the nation, people celebrate this occasion with joy and fervor. The event honors Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's nuptials. This is where masculine and feminine energy come together. There is a lot of religious and spiritual significance to the day. Devotees can pursue awareness and enlightenment by worshiping Lord Shiva on this auspicious day and participating in night vigils, which symbolize the triumph of light over ignorance. On this holy night, it is thought that Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance known as tandav. This is referred to as the "great night of Lord Shiva," when people nationwide awaken and participate in a variety of spiritual and religious practices, such as retelling the stories of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati, meditating, rudrabhishekam, and mantra chanting. According to one of the traditions, a hunter concealed himself in a tree and unintentionally worshipped Lord Shiva by flinging bilva leaves onto a Shiva Linga. He was freed as a result of this deed, highlighting the significance of true commitment. Every city has their own tradition and rituals, which they perform to please Lord Shiva on this sacred day of Mahashivratri. In order to please Lord Shiva, people from many cities celebrate this event with great fervor and adhere to their customs and rituals. The festival is seen to have enormous potential for obtaining spiritual enlightenment, sin-cleansing, and moksha (liberation). Reciting stotrams devoted to Lord Shiva, such as Shiva tandav stotram, Shiva chalisa, and lingashtakam, is seen as meritorious. During this most potent day, people can visit well-known Shiva temples like Mahakaleshwar Temple and Kashi Vishwanath Temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Devotees chant various mantras to appease Lord Shiva such as panchakshari mantra - "Om Namah Shivaye and Mahamrityunjaya mantra - "Om Tryamabhakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urvarukmiv Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat" to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. Devotees, particularly single women, follow rituals and fasts in order to ask Lord Shiva for a good husband. On Maha Shivratri, giving food, clothing, and Dakshina to the underprivileged is considered as extremely meritorious.
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Comments (3)

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Sundararaman SrinivasanMost Interacted
102 days ago

Why not cover Maha Sivaratri Abhishek from ancient temples live ??? GOK ð ...Read More

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