Mahashivratri 2026Image Credit source: PTI
Shiv Pujan Method: The festival of Mahashivratri is considered very special to please Lord Shiva. This day has great religious and spiritual importance in Hindu religion. According to the Panchang, in the year 2026, the fast of Mahashivratri will be observed on 15 February. On this day, devotees observe fast for Lord Shiva and especially perform Rudrabhishek. It is believed that by performing Rudrabhishek in the correct manner, Lord Shiva becomes happy quickly and the problems of life go away. But many times people unknowingly make some mistakes, due to which they do not get the full results of the puja. Let us know the correct method of Rudrabhishek and important things related to it.
What is Rudrabhishek and why is it special?
Rudra is a fierce form of Lord Shiva and Abhishek means bathing. Offering sacred objects on Shivalinga along with chanting mantras is called Rudrabhishek. It is believed that by performing Rudrabhishek on Mahashivratri, the planetary defects are removed and the wishes are fulfilled quickly.
Correct method of Rudrabhishek
First of all, purify yourself and wear clean clothes. Sit facing north or east. Taking water and Akshat in hand, meditating about your wishes, take a resolution to worship. Worship of Lord Ganesha is mandatory before any auspicious work. Meditate on them so that the puja is completed smoothly. Anoint Shivling with water, Ganga water, raw milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar i.e. Panchamrit. After Abhishek, apply sandalwood tilak to Lord Shiva. Offer them uncut Bilva leaves with 3 leaves, Dhatura and Shami leaves. At the end, perform Aarti with incense sticks and ask for forgiveness for the mistakes committed unknowingly.
Do not make these mistakes while worshiping Shiva!
Ketaki flower: According to mythology, Lord Shiva had banned Ketaki flower from his worship.
Basil leaves: Tulsi is never offered to Lord Shiva (due to the legend of Jalandhar).
Turmeric and Sindoor: Shivalinga is a symbol of the male element, hence turmeric or vermillion, a symbol of good luck, is not applied on it. You can use white sandalwood.
Water from conch: Lord Shiva had killed Shankhchud, hence conch should not be used in his worship especially for offering water.
Broken Rice: Akshat (rice) should always be whole. Offering broken rice is considered inauspicious.
Also read: Why is the night of Mahashivratri considered the most powerful and sacred? Learn religious and spiritual secrets
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on information from religious beliefs and mythology. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.