New Delhi: Maha Shivratri 2026 is falling on Sunday, 15 February, drawing millions of devotees into a night of profound devotion to Lord Shiva. This sacred festival, celebrated with fervent fasting, all-night vigils, and rhythmic chants of “Om Namah Shivaya,” marks the triumph of good over evil and the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. Imagine the air thick with incense, temples aglow under moonlight, as families gather for the iconic Char Pahar Puja – four watches of the night where Shiva’s blessings are believed to shower abundantly. For first-timers, it’s more than ritual; it’s a soul-stirring journey into spirituality that promises wish fulfilment and inner peace. This guide unlocks the timings and essentials to make your puja seamless and blessed.
Ever wondered why Maha Shivratri stands out among Hindu festivals? It’s that rare night when the divine energy peaks, especially during Nishita Kaal, urging devotees to stay awake through Char Pahar for multiplied merits. Picture offering bilva leaves to the Shiva Lingam as the clock ticks through each prahar – a practice rooted in ancient texts that even beginners can master with the right timings and samagri. Get ready to dive deep, so your 2026 observance feels personal, powerful, and perfectly timed.
Maha Shivratri 2026 muhurat: Char pahar muhurat and puja timings
Fancy turning novice into pro? Char Pahar Puja divides MahaShivratri’s night into four roughly three-hour slots, each linked to Shiva’s divine forms – Ishaan, Tatpurush, Aghor, and Vamdev. Rooted in the Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi tithi (starting 15 Feb 2026, 5:04 PM, ending 16 Feb, 5:34 PM), could vary slightly by location – always check local panchang.
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Chaturdashi Tithi Details: Begins 15 Feb, 5:04 PM; ends 16 Feb, 5:34 PM. This waning moon phase amplifies Shiva’s grace; fast from dawn 15 Feb, break post-sunrise 16 Feb (6:59 AM–3:24 PM).
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Nishita Kaal (Peak Muhurat): 16 Feb, 12:09 AM–1:01 AM. The midnight powerhouse for abhishek – Shiva manifests strongest here; don’t miss it for mantra japa and offerings.
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Ratri First Prahar: 15 Feb, 6:11 PM–9:23 PM (Ishaan face). Kick off with dusk lamp-lighting and initial sankalp; ideal for families starting the vigil with bhajans.
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Ratri Second Prahar: 15 Feb, 9:23 PM–16 Feb, 12:35 AM (Tatpurush face). Deepen devotion with milk abhishek; energy builds as night falls thicker.
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Ratri Third Prahar: 16 Feb, 12:35 AM–3:47 AM (Aghor face). Chant Mahamrityunjaya; fatigue tests faith, but rewards are legendary for health and prosperity.
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Ratri Fourth Prahar: 16 Feb, 3:47 AM–6:59 AM (Vamdev face). Conclude with final aarti before dawn; perfect for personal prayers as birds herald sunrise.
Mahashivratri 2026 pooja samagri
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Shiva Lingam or Idol: The centrepiece symbolising Shiva’s formless energy; clean with Ganga jal first, then perform 16-step abhishek – it’s the heart of all four prahars for divine connection.
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Bilva Patra (Bael Leaves): Sacred trifoliate leaves dear to Shiva; offer 21-51 in threes (stem towards lingam), representing creation-preservation-destruction; fresh ones amplify wishes during each prahar.
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Ganga Jal: Holy Ganges water for initial sprinkling and final abhishek; purifies space and lingam, warding off negativity – essential opener for every prahar’s rituals.
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Dudh (Milk), Dahi, Honey, Ghee: Panchamrit ingredients for ritual bath; pour sequentially over lingam chanting mantras – milk for purity, honey for sweetness, nourishing Shiva’s cosmic form across prahars.
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Chandan (Sandalwood Paste): Cooling tilak for lingam and devotees; apply in tripundra (three lines) post-abhishek, invoking peace and focus – use raw for potent fragrance in night vigils.
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Bhasm (Vibhuti Sacred Ash): Shiva’s eternal symbol; smear on forehead and offer to lingam, reminding mortality’s triumph – key for third prahar’s transformative energy.
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Dhatura Flowers/Seeds & Bhang: Shiva’s favourites for trance-like devotion; offer sparingly (3-5) with care, especially in second prahar – boosts spiritual highs but avoid excess.
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Fresh Flowers (White/Jasmine, Lotus): Garland lingam for beauty; white hues honour Shiva’s calm – renew per prahar to keep altar vibrant amid long night worship.
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Agarbatti, Dhoop, Camphor: Incense trio for aromatic aura; light sequentially – agarbatti first prahar, dhoop mid, camphor finale – clears mind for deeper meditation.
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Mitti ke Deepak and Ghee: 5 or 11 clay lamps with wicks; ignite ghee diyas per prahar for light-over-darkness theme – cotton wicks burn steady through vigils.
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Fruits, Dry Fruits, Sweets (Panchmeva, Kheer): Prasad bounty – bananas, apples, five nuts mix; offer as bhog, distribute post-puja for community blessings and vrat break.
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Puja Thali, Bell, Conch: Brass essentials for organisation; ring bell during aarti, blow conch to start – ties rituals together, amplifying vibrations in home temples.
As MahaShivratri 2026 unfolds on 15 February, embrace these Char Pahar timings and samagri for a heartfelt puja that invites Shiva’s grace into your life. Stay devoted, share the joy, and watch blessings flow.