Mahashivratri 2026: When is Mahashivratri? It is the day dearest to Lord Shiva. It marks the union of Shiva and Shakti, and is crucial for pleasing Lord Shiva. Therefore, find out when Mahashivratri falls on February 15th or 16th.

Mahashivratri 2026

Mahashivratri 2026: Mahashivratri, the beloved night of Lord Shiva, is a major Hindu festival. Shivratri falls on the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of every month, and Mahashivratri falls on the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Phalgun. Religious belief holds that Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a Shivalinga on Mahashivratri. It is said that the mind, consciousness, Brahma, Maya, Jiva, intellect, sky, air, fire, water, and earth combine to form the Shivalinga. This is why Shiva worship performed on Mahashivratri fulfills every wish.

When is Mahashivratri 15 or 16 February 2026

• Chaturdashi date starts - February 15, 2026 at 05:04 pm 
• Chaturdashi Tithi ends on February 16, 2026 at 05:34 PM

In Hinduism, festivals are celebrated according to the rising date, but Mahashivratri is celebrated on the day when the Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi date is present in the Nishita Kaal Muhurta, hence Mahashivratri will be celebrated on  February 15, 2026 .

Nishita Kaal Muhurta - 12:09 am -  01:01 am

Auspicious time for all four watches on Mahashivratri

1. Night Prahar Puja Timings –  06:11 PM – 09:23 PM 
2. Night second prahar puja time –  09:23 pm – 12:35 am on February 16 
3. Night third prahar puja time –  February 16, 12:35 am – 03:47 am 
4. Night Fourth Prahar Puja Time –  February 16, 03:47 am – 06:59 am

Auspicious coincidence after 300 years on Mahashivratri

Mahashivratri is bringing a very rare coincidence after 300 years. On this day, the conjunction of Mercury and Venus will create Lakshmi Narayan Raja Yoga. The conjunction of Mercury and Sun will create Budhaditya Raja Yoga. The conjunction of Sun and Venus will create Shukraditya Yoga. Meanwhile, Saturn's presence in Aquarius is creating a great man named Shasha Raja Yoga. The presence of Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Rahu together in Aquarius is also creating Chaturgrahi Yoga. 

The story of Shiva's origin

According to the Shiva Purana, after creation, Lord Vishnu and Brahma disputed their power. When a mysterious, shining stone appeared, a voice from heaven declared that whoever could find its end would be omnipotent. Vishnu went down, and Brahma went up, but neither could find the stone's end. Vishnu conceded defeat, but Brahma claimed to have found its end.

At that very moment, another divine voice resounded. The voice from the sky said, "I am Shivalinga, and I have neither end nor beginning." At that very moment, Lord Shiva appeared. This event symbolizes Shiva's supreme power in the universe. This story also teaches us the importance of truth and honesty. Brahma's lie teaches us that truth always prevails.

Mahashivratri is an opportunity to attain success.

Mahashivratri is believed to protect his devotees from evil forces and grant them the power to control worldly desires such as lust, anger, and greed. The festival of Mahashivratri is considered especially auspicious for women. Married women pray for the safety of their husbands, while unmarried women pray for a husband as ideal as Lord Shiva.