Maha Shivaratri

Sunday, February 15, 2026

The Great Night of Lord Shiva. Devotees observe a day-long fast and perform night-long worship with Rudrabhishek, offering bael leaves, milk, and water on the Shiva Linga. Commemorates the night Shiva performed the Tandava dance and his marriage to Parvati.

1. 1

   Day-long Fast and Bathing

   Observe a day-long fast (nirahara or phalahara). Bathe in the evening and wear clean white or light clothes. Clean the puja area thoroughly.

2. 2

   Sankalp

   Sit facing north-east with water, akshat, and a bilva leaf in your palm. Take the Sankalp to worship Lord Shiva through all four praharas of the night, praying for liberation from sins and the blessings of Lord Shiva.

   ॐ विष्णुर्विष्णुर्विष्णुः। अद्य माघ/फाल्गुन कृष्ण चतुर्दश्यां महाशिवरात्र्यां श्रीशिव पूजनम् करिष्ये।

3. 3

   Kalash Sthapana and Ganesha Puja

   Place a kalash of water with mango leaves and coconut on the right of the Shiva Linga. Worship Lord Ganesha first with durva, flowers, and a modak.

   ॐ गं गणपतये नमः॥

4. 4

   Shiva Avahana

   Invoke Lord Shiva into the Linga by chanting the Pranapratishtha mantra and placing a bilva patra on top. Chant 'Om Namah Shivaya' continuously while preparing for abhishek.

   ॐ नमः शिवाय॥

5. 5

   First Prahar Rudrabhishek — Milk

   At sunset (first prahar), perform abhishek with raw milk while chanting the Rudrashtadhyayi or a short form of the Rudram. After the abhishek, wipe the Linga dry, apply chandan, and offer bilva leaves one by one with the Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali.

   ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥

6. 6

   Second Prahar — Curd

   At the second prahar (around 9 PM), perform abhishek with curd. Offer more bilva leaves and white flowers. Recite the Shiva Mahimna Stotra.

7. 7

   Third Prahar (Nishita Kaal) — Ghee

   At midnight — the most sacred Nishita Kaal — perform abhishek with ghee. This is when Shiva is most accessible to devotees. Offer the central bilva leaves and chant 'Om Namah Shivaya' 108 times on a rudraksha mala. Recite the Lingashtakam and Rudrashtakam.

   ॐ नमः शिवाय॥ (108 times)

8. 8

   Fourth Prahar — Honey / Sugarcane Juice

   Before dawn, perform the final abhishek with honey (or sugarcane juice). Offer dhatura and dhoop. Recite the Shiva Tandava Stotra.

9. 9

   Aarti and Shayan

   After the final prahar, perform the Shiva Aarti with camphor — singing 'Om Jai Shiv Omkara'. Put the Linga to symbolic rest (shayan) with white flowers.

   ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा स्वामी जय शिव ओंकारा। ब्रह्मा विष्णु सदाशिव अर्धांगी धारा॥

10. 10

    Break Fast with Prasad

    At sunrise (after Chaturdashi tithi ends or per tradition), break your fast by consuming the naivedya prasad. Distribute bilva leaves and kheer as prasad. Donate black sesame and rice to the needy.

This guide reflects classical Parashari tradition. Regional variations exist — consult a family priest for specifics.