Shiva represents the pure and Shivratri is the night when this pure form appeared to annihilate the sufferings of human beings. Why we human beings suffer because we are unable to realize the Shiva in us? The formless, the all pervading one with no beginning and no end, took a form to pull us out from the never-ending suffering. Most festivals associated with Hindu tradition are noted for its mirth, fun and frolic but Shivratri is associated with contemplation, prayers and meditation. Shiva represents the truth and we humans are far removed from the truth. Shiva in human form represents the true human and Shivratri: Clear the inner "dust" obscuring your inner Shiva.we have become everything but human. Shivratri provides us with an opportunity to clear the dust that is covering the Shiva in us. The dusts of ignorance, attachments, ego, jealousy, anger, insecurity, prejudice and false ideas have hidden the Shiva in us. Realize the Shiva in us and life becomes bli...

Shivaratri puja is held during the night of February 15, 2026 and early hours of Feb 16. Some people opt for the Nishita Kala to perform pujas and rituals. All pujas and rituals are completed before Amavasya (No moon) starts. Detail Shivratri puja 2026 time is given below: Nishita kaal puja time is from 12:08 AM on February 16 to 1:00 AM on February 16 (most important pujat time) This is during midnight. Puja is to be performed four times on the day. Morning  Noon Pradosh period (1.5 hours before sunset) Nishita kaal puja Chaturdashi tithi time is from 5:05 PM on Feb 15 to 5:34 PM on Feb 16. Some people perform four pujas on Chaturdashi tithi and the time are as follows: First Prahar Puja – 6:21 PM to 9:25 PM on Feb 15 Second Prahar Puja - 9:26 PM on Feb 26 to 12:35 AM on Feb 16 Third Prahar Puja - 12:36 AM to 03:40 AM on Feb 16 Fourth Prahar Puja - 3:41 AM to 6:49 AM on Feb 16 It must be note that the whole day of Shivratri is dedicated to Lord...

Baduli Mela is a distinctive and culturally significant festival held at the Baduli Khurung cave, located near Nagaon in Assam. This annual event takes place two days after the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, drawing thousands of devotees from various parts of the region and beyond. Baduli Mela 2026 date is February 17. Significance of Baduli Mela The name "Baduli Mela" derives from the Assamese word "Baduli," which means bat. This festival is intrinsically linked to the presence of millions of bats residing in the Baduli Khurung cave. The cave, normally inaccessible to the public, is opened specifically for this event, allowing devotees a rare opportunity to visit and participate in the rituals. Rituals and Beliefs Devotees flock to the Baduli Khurung cave with a deep-seated belief that lighting an earthen lamp with a pure and sacred mind will fulfill their prayers and wishes. This act of devotion is central to the festival's rituals, symbolizing ...

A total five pujas are held in temples and sacred places associated with Shiva during night on Shivaratri day. The five pujas on Mahashivratri day are performed at 8:30 PM, 11:00 PM, 1:30 AM, 4:00 AM and 6:30 AM. Chaturdashi tithi should be present during the period of five yama puja. It is believed that participating in the five Yama puja is equal to performing 1000 Pradosh Vrat. Shiva Panchakshari Mantra – Om Namah Shivaya should be chanted during the puja period. These pujas are usually performed on the Mahashivratri day but a devotee can also do this puja on all Shiva Chaturdashi day, which falls a day before Amavasya. A devotee needs to just offer water and bilva leaves to a Shivling during the period.

Kotappakonda Temple, situated on a sacred hill in the Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh, India, is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. The temple is famous for its Thirunallu festival, which is the biggest of its kind in the world. Kotappakonda Tirunallu festival 2026 date is February 15. Kotappakonda Thirunalu is a state festival of Andhra Pradesh. Annually, a grand festival known as Thirunallu is celebrated at this temple, making it one of the largest Tirunallas in India. The festivities occur on Mahashivaratri day, drawing thousands of participants from across the Telugu states. During the festival's nighttime hours, cultural activities are also organized around the beautifully crafted prabhas, which are triangular arrangements constructed from long tree sticks. These prabhas are sourced from various villages near Kotappakonda and serve as the festival's main attraction. Vibrantly hued rectangular fabric structures, known as "Prabhalu," arrive from diverse villa...

Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of each month is observed by Shiva devotees as Shivaratri. This falls a day or two before Amavasya or new moon day.  Shravan Shivratri 2026 date is August 11 as per traditional Hindi Calendar followed in North India.  The Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi day in Shravan or Sawan month is of great importance. Millions of people visit Shiva shrines on the day in North India and special Gangajal Abhishekam is performed.  The popular Mahashivratri is observed on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi in February or March. Staunch Shiva devotees observe it on all months in a year and it is known as Masa Shivaratri. सावन शिवरात्रि पूजा विधि शिव पुराण में सावन शिवरात्रि का विशेष रूप से वर्णन किया गया है।   सावन शिवरात्रि पर सच्चे मन से शिवलिंग का गंगाजल से अभिषेक करके उनकी आराधना करता है, उसकी सभी इच्छाएं भोले शंकर पूरी करते हैं। सावन शिवरात्रि पर भगवान शिव को भांग ,धतूर, बेल पत्र और गंगाजल अर्पित करके उन्हें प्रसन्न किया जा सकता है।  सा...

Numerous things are offered as abhishek (poured) on Shivling on Shivratri day. The best offering would be a drop of water and bilva leaf and the firm decision that – I would follow dharma. But again this is Kali Yuga and people want to offer various items for desire fulfillments. Here are the list of puja items and benefits of performing Shivling abhishek on Shivratri with each of the item: Itr or Ithar (Perfume or other scented water) – For fulfillment of materialistic desires like new house, television, mobile, car, bike etc. This is also offered for getting strength to keep the mind in control with good thoughts. Sugarcane Juice – It is poured on Shivling for solving wealth related problems and for good luck in lottery. Honey – Abhishek with honey is performed for the good health and long life of spouse. This is also performed for curing speech related issues. Cow Ghee – This offered for begetting healthy and intelligent children. Mustard Oil – To achieve v...

Shankaracharya of Kanchi explains the teachings of Shiva Lingodbhavamurti and important concept in Shivratri. If we go to any important Shiva temple we will find a niche on the outer wall of the sanctum sanctorum, exactly behind the spot where the deity is installed. In that niche we can find a representation of the Lingodbhavamurti, a form emerging out of a Linga. We can see neither the top half of the head nor the bottom half of the legs of that form. All the other attributes of Shiva will be found sculptured. We will also find depicted a swan in flight at the top of the Linga and a boar burrowing the earth at the bottom. According to tradition, Brahma took the form of a swan to find out the crown of Shiva’s head and failed. Similarly, Vishnu took the form of a boar and burrowed deep into the bowels of earth to locate the feet of Shiva and failed. Thus in Lingodbhavamurti we have a unique combination of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, impressing in our minds t...

In 2023, Maha Shivaratri is falling on Saturday, February 18, 2023. When Shivratri falls on Saturday, it is considered highly meritorious and important. In Hinduism, Saturday is dedicated to the worship of Bhagavan Shani or Shaneeshwara – one among the Navagrahas. For those believing in Hindu astrology and horoscope, Shani Bhagavan can create problems in life. It is believed that fasting and praying on Shivaratri day this year will help in removing the effects of Shaneeshwara in one’s life. It is widely believed that devotees of Shiva cannot be troubled by any of the Navagrahas including Rahu, Ketu and Shani. It is considered highly meritorious to observe puja in a Shiva Temple or Hanuman Temple or Bhairav Temple when Shivratri falls on Saturday. It must be noted here that Hanuman who is Rudra Avatar is worshipped widely on Saturdays to overcome a maleficent Shani. For a complete detail about Maha Shivaratri you can read the previous article here.

Maha Shivratri is the most auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva and is popularly known as the night of Siva. Shivratri 2026 date is February 15, Sunday as per panchangs in India. In Panchangs and Hindu calendars followed in Mauritius, United States, United Kingdom (Britain) and Canada , Shivaratri is marked on  February 15 . It is marked on  February 15   in Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, Australia and New Zealand. This holy night of Shiva is observed on the night before ‘amavasya’ in the Hindu month of Phalgun (February – March) as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . The corresponding period in other regions is the night before Magh Amavasya. Shivratri 2026 Date Puja Tithi and Timings The best time to perform puja is from 12:08 AM on February 16 to 1:00 AM on February 16 early hours midnight. Nishita Kala is chosen to perform pujas and rituals on Shivratri.  All pujas and rituals are completed before Amavasya (No mo...

Mahashivratri is a night of many possibilities. It is the darkest night of the month. Its very darkness is cause for celebration. Normally, we tend to resist darkness and opt for light. On Shivratri, however, darkness is venerated as the symbol of creation and destruction. The word Shiva literally means that which is not. That which is, is existence; that which is, is creation. That which is not is Shiva. That which is not means, if you open your eyes and look around, if your vision is for small things, you will see lots of creation. If your vision is really looking for big things, you will see that the biggest presence in existence is a vast emptiness. Just a few spots – which we call galaxies – are noticed, not the vast emptiness that holds. This vastness or unbounded emptiness is Shiva. When we say Shiva, we are referring to this vast emptiness of existence. It is in the lap of this vast emptiness that all Creation has happened. Our ancient prayers are not about saving ...

The best and easy mantra during Shivratri is the ‘Panchakshari Mantra’ – ‘ namah shivaya.’ Most people repeat it as ‘om namah shivaya.’ Not just during Shivaratri but this mantra can be chanted at anytime. Just close your eyes and chant it. You can experience a different feeling – a calmness. Repeat 'ॐ नमः शिवाय ' to attain mental strength and to overcome any kind of fear.  Most people want to know the result of repeating the mantra. If you are repeating a mantra to gain something, I don’t personally believe that it is going to be of any help. Never expect miracles to happen by repeating any mantras. All mantras are meant to improve ‘Shradha’ – one can say it as concentration although it has a wider meaning. When chanted during meditation these mantras provide an inner strength. With the help of inner strength or shradha gained during chanting, you can improve your skills. This will in return help you in gaining both spiritual and materialistic wealth. Greatest r...

Night usually represents evil then why is Shivratri celebrated during night? The night after Maha Shivratri is ‘amavasya’ (full dark night). A day when the world will be completely dark. Symbolically, nothing but only ignorance and injustice will prevail. This ‘amavasya’ also represents ‘Kaliyuga.’ Mahadev Shiva appeared just before the beginning of Kaliyuga to rid the world of ignorance and evil. This was during the night before ‘amavasya.’ Therefore special worship is done before ‘amavasya’ to please Shiva who is the remover of darkness, evil and ignorance. Then, almost all the legends associated with Shivratri happened during night and this is another reason. Related Link to other articles related to Shivratri

On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, Hindu devotees around the world observe Shivratri Vrat or Upvaas or fast. In 2026, Shivratri Vrat date is February 15. Vrat time is from Sunrise on Feb 15 to sunrise on Feb 16. The Maha Shivaratri fasting rules involve refraining from eating any food and not sleeping through out the night. Sivaratri literally means ‘the night of Mahadev Shiva’ and unlike other festivals associated with Hinduism there is no fun and merrymaking on the day. But the night provides an opportunity to cleanse the ignorance and realize that you are Brahman and open the door to bliss. The day after Shivaratri is Amavasai – the dark night or the no moon night. It symbolizes the evil forces – desire, greed, illusion, arrogance, jealousy, and anger – which dominate the Kaliyuga. Shiva is believed to have appeared in the form of ‘Lingodbhavamurti’ or Jyotirlinga on the Shivratri night. The Linga is an attempt to give form to the formless Brahman. Praying ...

If you are suffering from Kaal Sarp dosh, then you can find relief from it after performing puja and rituals on Shivratri. Kaal Sarp dosh nivaran puja should be performed at night on Shivratri. Here is a brief idea on how to perform Kaal Sarp dosh nivaran puja at home. How to Perform Kaal Sarp Dosh Nivaran Puja? The person performing the puja should wear white color dress. Before starting the puja offer prayers to Ganesha in mind. The puja should be performed facing northeast or north. On a white color cloth, keep a shivling. If you do not have a Shivling, you can make one using turmeric powder. This can be later put under a bilva or peepal tree. Keep a small silver sculpture of nag (male serpent) and nagin (female serpent). If this is not there then you can draw the figure using turmeric on a plate. Light lamp using mustard oil (sarson ka tel). Offer white and red color flowers. Offer karpur or camphor. Offer uncooked rice mixed with turmeric. Offer halwa as Prasa...

I find most people asking how to celebrate Shivaratri? Shivratri is the day when rituals and worship are given more importance. There is no fun or merrymaking as in other Hindu festivals. It is a day of renunciation and prayer. It is a day to realize the Brahman and cleanse ignorance. Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Jyotirlinga on this day. A lingam which had no end and beginning and it symbolizes Brahman. It is said that one should practice non-violence on this day. Then are things like not to lie, strict brahmacharya, be compassionate etc. But these things should be practiced on all days. So one need not wait for Shivaratri to be compassionate. Generally most people fast on Shivaratri day by uttering the panchakshari mantra – ‘om namah shivaya.’ The fast is from Shivratri morning to next day morning. Next is keeping vigil all night by worshipping Lord Shiva. Worshipping Shiva with Bilva leaves is considered highly auspicious. If you have a Shivling at home...

Shivratri is that of the time year when devotees can bring home certain symbols of Shiva to achieve peace and progress. Here are the list of things that can be brought home on Shivratri. Shiva is Bholenath and he can be pleased without much effort. He fulfills the desires of his devotees. But when the devotees turn evil, He will not also hesitate to burn them down into ashes. Things To Get on Shivratri Shivling   If you wish to perform Shiva puja daily at home then Shivratri is the day to bring Shivling home. It is said that on Shivratri night Shiva appears on all the Shivlings on earth. Nandi  Getting  a copper sculpture of Nandi and keeping it at home will help in avoiding financial problems. Naag or Snake Keeping silver or copper sculpture of Naag (serpent) near the front door will help in keeping out fights in home. There will be unity in the family. It also helps in keeping out obstacles faced by family members. Bhasma   Th...

Maha Shivaratri in 2022 is on Tuesday. Know the importance when Shivratri falls on Tuesday. Tuesday, Mangalwar in Hindi, is dedicated to Mangal or Mars – one of the nine navagrahas (planets in Hindu astrology). Importance of Shivratri on Tuesday There are numerous legends in Hindu scriptures that are associated with Mangal and Shiva. It is said that Bhaum had performed intense Tapas and he was blessed with Mangal Loka by Shiva. Mangal or Mars is a fiery red planet and its anger and ferocity can only be calmed by Neelkanth Shiva. Tuesday is also dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakti. There is a belief that Goddess Shakti as Maa Parvati married Shiva on a Shivratri night. The divine couple will be in a very good mood on the day and therefore it is easy to please them and get boons. Benefits of Puja and Vrat on Mahashivratri on Tuesday Moksha and liberation Peace and prosperity on earth. All sins and blemishes are destroyed. Thus helping in getting birth in a go...

Shivratri Fast begins on the morning of Shivaratri day and ends only on the next day morning. It is a 24-hour fast and some devotees observe a complete fast. But a full fasting on the day is not possible for many people due to various reasons like job, illness etc. So there are many devotees who eat certain types of food on Shivaratri. Here is a brief idea on the food that is eaten on Shivratri day. Majority of Hindus who observe Shivratri fast opt for a fruit diet – they eat fruits and drink lots of water on the day. Some people also drink milk. Some devotees consume a mid-day meal (noon) consisting of non-cereal food such as boiled potatoes which is made into a curry without onion, garlic, adrak (ginger) or haldi (turmeric). In some regions people eat Sabudana (Tapioca) Khichdi or Upma. Some Hindu communities eat a special meal known as ‘phalar’ at noon. Another food eaten on the day is pakora or Kuttu Singhare ki puri. No meal is eaten aft...

Shiva Navratri at Mahakal Temple in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh attracts thousands of the Shiva devotees. The unique nine-day rituals begin nine days before Shivratri. Shiva Navratri 2026 is from February 7 to February 15. Shivratri 2026 is on February 15. The festival concludes with Bhasma Aarti at 12:01 AM on February 16. Highlights of the Shiva Navratri Shiva will appear in nine different forms during the nine days Special abhishek and chanting of mantra - ekadasha rudra mantra by 11 priests Special puja After abhishek and puja, the Shivling will be adorned with special shringar. Mahakal Temple in Ujjain is the only temple where the nine-day Navratri is observed before Maha Shivratri. Shringar that can be seen during the nine days are Mahadev - Day 1 Sheshnaag Shringar - Day 2 Ghatatop - Day 3 Chabhina - Day 4 Holkar Mukut - Day 5 Manamahesh - Day 6 Uma Mahesh - Day 7 Shiv Tandav - Day 8 Bhasma Aarti Shringar - Day 9 ...