Maha Shivratri 2026 Mahakaleshwar: The doors of the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain will remain open for devotees for 44 hours on Mahashivratri. Devotees will be able to visit the temple from the morning of February 15th until the morning of February 16th.

Mahashivratri 2026

Maha Shivratri 2026 Mahakaleshwar: Mahashivratri is celebrated with great pomp and show at the world-famous Jyotirlinga Mahakaleshwar Temple. The city of Ujjain also becomes Shiva-filled on this occasion. The celebration of Mahadev's marriage, along with Shiv Navratri, began at Mahakaleshwar on February 6th and will continue until February 16, 2026.

Significance of Shiva Navratri 

Among the 12 Jyotirlingas, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain celebrates Shiv Navratri nine days before Mahashivratri. The belief behind this is that, just as Navratri is celebrated to worship Goddess Shakti, Shiv Navratri is also celebrated at Mahakaleshwar. Religious belief holds that Goddess Parvati performed rigorous penance and meditation during Shiv Navratri to win Shiva as her husband.

44 hours nonstop darshan of Mahakal on Mahashivratri 

Mahashivratri will be celebrated on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Mahakaleshwar is often visited by a large crowd of devotees on this occasion. The temple administration has announced that this time, the doors of Mahakaleshwar will remain open for darshan for 44 hours continuously. During this time, devotees from India and abroad will be able to visit Mahakal. On Mahashivratri, darshan at Mahakaleshwar will begin at 6:00 am on February 15 and will continue until the morning of February 16. During this time, the temple will remain open nonstop without any breaks. 

Afternoon Bhasma Aarti

On February 16th, at 12 noon, the Bhasma Aarti will be performed, marking the end of Shiva Navratri. It should be noted that the Noon Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar is performed only once a year. Before the Bhasma Aarti, Mahakal is adorned with a magnificent turban made of fruits, flowers, and seven grains.

Mahashivratri is a festival in which Lord Shiva is worshipped throughout the day and night. According to religious beliefs, this festival marks the wedding day of Shiva and Parvati. It is believed that fasting, worshipping, and chanting Shiva's name on this day fulfill desires and brings happiness and prosperity.