Maha Shivratri 2026: 15th or 16th February? Correct Fasting Date, Puja Muhurat, Nishith Kaal, Paran Time & Mistakes to Avoid in Shiv Puja
Know the correct Maha Shivratri 2026 date, Nishith Kaal puja time, fasting rules, paran time, mistakes to avoid, and expert puja guidance. Maha Shivratri is one of the most sacred and spiritually powerful festivals in Hinduism. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this auspicious fast is observed with deep devotion, night-long worship, and strict spiritual discipline. It is believed that sincere worship of the Shivling on Maha Shivratri removes past karmic obstacles, fulfills wishes, and grants divine protection.
Every year, devotees remain confused about the exact Maha Shivratri date, especially when Chaturdashi Tithi spans two days. In 2026, many people are asking:
Is Maha Shivratri on 15th February or 16th February 2026?
This detailed guide answers all your questions with Shastra-based calculations, auspicious timings, fasting rules, Paran time, Shiv Puja do’s and don’ts, and FAQs.
When Is Maha Shivratri in 2026?
Maha Shivratri is observed on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi in the Hindu month of Phalguna.
According to Dharma Shastra rules, the festival is celebrated on the day when Chaturdashi Tithi prevails during Nishith Kaal (midnight).
✅ Final & Correct Date of Maha Shivratri 2026
Maha Shivratri will be observed on:
📅 Sunday, 15 February 2026
Maha Shivratri 2026 Panchang Details (Rankable Table)
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Maha Shivratri Date | 15 February 2026 (Sunday) |
| Chaturdashi Tithi Begins | 15 Feb 2026 at 5:04 PM |
| Chaturdashi Tithi Ends | 16 Feb 2026 at 5:34 PM |
| Nishith Kaal Puja Time | 12:09 AM – 1:01 AM (Night of 15 Feb) |
| Fast Breaking (Paran) Date | 16 February 2026 |
| Paran Time | 6:59 AM – 3:24 PM |
Conclusion:
Since Chaturdashi Tithi is present during Nishith Kaal on 15 February night, Maha Shivratri fasting and puja must be done on 15 February 2026.
Maha Shivratri 2026 Puja Muhurat (Most Auspicious Time)
According to scriptures, Nishith Kaal is the most powerful time for Shiva worship, as it symbolizes the cosmic union of Shiva and Shakti.
Nishith Kaal Puja Time 2026
12:09 AM to 1:01 AM
(Night of Sunday, 15 February 2026)
Devotees should perform:
- Abhishek of Shivling
- Mantra Jaap (Om Namah Shivaya)
- Rudrabhishek or Panchamrit Abhishek
- Night vigil (Jagran)
Maha Shivratri Fast Breaking (Paran) Rules
Paran should always be done after sunrise and before Chaturdashi Tithi ends.
✅ Maha Shivratri Paran 2026
- Date: 16 February 2026 (Monday)
- Time: 6:59 AM to 3:24 PM
Important Rules of Maha Shivratri Fast
To receive complete spiritual benefits, devotees must strictly follow traditional fasting rules:
- Observe Nirjal or Phalahar fast as per capacity
- Maintain celibacy and purity
- Avoid anger, lies, and negativity
- Stay awake at night chanting Shiva mantras
- Perform Shiv Puja with proper materials only
Do Not Make These Mistakes in Shiv Puja (Very Important)
❌ Do Not Offer Broken Bel Leaves
- Never offer torn or broken Bel Patra
- Always offer fresh, smooth, three-leaf Bel Patra
❌ Do Not Offer Ketaki Flower or Tulsi
- Ketaki flower is prohibited in Shiva worship
- Tulsi leaves should not be offered on Shivling
❌ Do Not Use Turmeric, Kumkum, or Vermilion
- These are not used in Shiva Puja
- Use Chandan (Sandalwood) or Bhasma (Vibhuti) instead
❌ Do Not Offer Coconut Water or Conch Water
- Coconut water and Shankh water are avoided in Shiv Abhishek
❌ Do Not Offer Broken Rice (Akshat)
- Always use whole, unbroken rice grains
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Spiritual Significance of Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri is not just a fast; it is a gateway to inner purification, moksha, and divine grace. Worshipping Lord Shiva on this night helps in:
- Removal of planetary doshas
- Peace of mind
- Health, wealth, and protection
- Liberation from negative karmas
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FAQs for Maha Shivratri 2026
Q1. When is Maha Shivratri in 2026 – 15th or 16th February?
Answer: Maha Shivratri in 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 15 February 2026. According to Hindu Panchang rules, Maha Shivratri is observed on the day when Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi Tithi prevails during Nishith Kaal (midnight), which occurs on the night of 15 February.
Q2. Why is Maha Shivratri 2026 not on 16 February?
Answer: Although Chaturdashi Tithi continues until 16 February evening, Nishith Kaal falls on the night of 15 February, making it the correct date for Maha Shivratri fasting and worship as per Dharma Shastra and Shiv Purana guidelines.
Q3. What is the exact Nishith Kaal Puja time on Maha Shivratri 2026?
Answer: The most auspicious Nishith Kaal Puja time on Maha Shivratri 2026 is from 12:09 AM to 1:01 AM, during the midnight of 15 February 2026.
Q4. When should Maha Shivratri fast be broken in 2026?
Answer: Maha Shivratri fast (Paran) should be broken on Monday, 16 February 2026, after sunrise and before Chaturdashi Tithi ends. The ideal Paran time is 6:59 AM to 3:24 PM.
Q5. Is night-long Jagran compulsory on Maha Shivratri?
Answer: Yes, staying awake during the night of Maha Shivratri is highly recommended. Night vigil (Jagran) with mantra chanting and Shiv Puja multiplies the spiritual benefits of fasting and pleases Lord Shiva quickly.
Q6. Which items should not be offered on Shivling during Maha Shivratri?
Answer: Devotees should avoid offering Tulsi leaves, Ketaki flowers, turmeric, kumkum, vermilion, coconut water, conch water, broken rice, and torn Bel leaves, as these are prohibited in Lord Shiva worship according to scriptures.
Q7. Can women observe Maha Shivratri fast in 2026?
Answer: Yes, women can and should observe Maha Shivratri fast. Married women pray for marital harmony, while unmarried women observe the fast to seek a suitable life partner, as per traditional beliefs.
Q8. What is the spiritual significance of Maha Shivratri?
Answer: Maha Shivratri symbolizes the cosmic union of Shiva and Shakti, destruction of ignorance, and attainment of moksha. Worship on this night helps remove karmic burdens, planetary doshas, and negative energies.
Q9. Is Rudrabhishek beneficial on Maha Shivratri 2026?
Answer: Yes, performing Rudrabhishek on Maha Shivratri is extremely auspicious. It brings health, prosperity, peace of mind, and relief from ongoing problems.
Q10. What is the best way to worship Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri?
Answer: The best way is to perform Shivling Abhishek during Nishith Kaal using water, milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar, chant Om Namah Shivaya, and maintain purity in thoughts and actions.
Q11. Where can I book Maha Shivratri Puja with expert Pandits?
Answer: You can book authentic Maha Shivratri Puja, Rudrabhishek, and Havan through Panditji On Way, India’s first and largest online pooja booking portal.
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Conclusion
Maha Shivratri 2026 will be observed on 15 February (Sunday) as per Nishith Kaal and Chaturdashi Tithi rules. Observing the fast correctly, performing Shiv Puja at the right time, and avoiding prohibited offerings helps devotees receive maximum spiritual benefits. This sacred night is a powerful opportunity to cleanse karmas, strengthen devotion, and receive the blessings of Lord Shiva. For authentic puja services and expert guidance, Panditji On Way remains the most trusted platform.