In 2026, Maha shivratri will fall on Sunday, February 15. Devotees across India will fast, stay awake all night (jagaran), and perform Shiva puja to seek blessings. The day holds deep social and spiritual meaning, with cosmic energies heightened by its alignment with the lunar calendar and Phalguna, the second month of the Hindu calendar, which mirrors seasonal changes similar to the Gregorian calendar.
According to Panchanga, the Chaturdashi Tithi for Maha shivratri 2026 begins at 05:04 PM on February 15, 2026, and ends at 05:34 PM on February 16, 2026.
Nakshatra and Time of Puja for Maha shivratri 2026
In the preparation of each of the four prahars (or “nightly divisions of time”), located between each of the four lunar days preceding February 15, 2026, a devotee must present their offerings with great care to experience the greatest amount of spiritual benefit available to them during this single night of worship:
- First Prahar for puja: 6:11 PM to 9:23 PM
- Second Prahar for puja: 9:23 PM to 12:35 AM February 16, 2026
- Third Prahar for puja: 12:35 AM to 3:47 AM February 16, 2026
- Fourth Prahar for puja: 3:47 AM to 6:59 AM February 16, 2026
Nishita Kaal, one of the four prahars in Mahashivratri, is the most effective and facilitates the deepest connection with Shiva, supporting spiritual awakening and karmic purification.
Why Maha Shivratri 2026 Is Astrologically Significant
The energies associated with Mahashivratri 2026 are occurring during a period of major transitions, primarily influenced by Saturn (discipline and karmic responsibility) and Rahu/Ketu (internally transformative). As a result, there is greater impetus for individuals to engage in spiritual practises.
Shiva, through the role of the destroyer of negative energy and the birth of consciousness from creation, is an energy source of lunar moons, as denoted above, and will be assisted during Mahashivratri by those that desire to accomplish career transformation, develop marriage stability, or enhance mental clarity as they transcend from their past to their new or present selves.
Performing Shiva puja during Mahashivratri can help balance planetary afflictions (the positions and energies associated with celestial bodies in their natal charts). By doing the following acts of devotion (i.e., Rudrabhishek, chanting mantras, and fasting), one can create a stronger spiritual basis that will allow for an energetic influence for each of the twelve zodiac signs.
Horoscope for Maha shivratri 2026: Zodiac-wise Predictions and Remedies
Aries
For Aries natives, the pressures of their careers may increase steadily throughout the year. Patience will play a role in their success this year. Careless financial decisions should be avoided. Do Abhishek with water and red flowers, and chant Om Namah Shivaya 108 times in the Second Prahar.
Taurus
Taurus natives may reevaluate their long-term goals, while their financial situation will become more stable. Open and honest communication will be necessary to maintain their relationships. Offer white sandalwood paste to Shivalinga, and recite the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra during Nishita Kaal for stability.
Gemini
Gemini natives may have confusion about their partnerships. Clarity will come from meaningful conversations about it. Do not overthink about the small things. Offer one grouping of three bel patra leaves. Chant Om Tryambakam Yajamahe for emotional balance.
Cancer
Cancer natives should focus on home harmony and will have the maturity to handle family issues. They will continue to make their career gains, but at a slow pace. Do the milk abhishek in the First Prahar. Light a pure ghee diya at your home for mental peace.
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Leo
Leo natives may experience receiving recognition for their professional accomplishments for the first time. More authority will come to them, but they must remain humble. They will also need to prioritise their health this year. Offer honey at their Radha-Krishna abhisheks. Chant the Shiva Ashtakam in the Third Prahar.
Virgo
Virgo natives may have the opportunity to analyse their financial plans for this year. They should avoid unnecessary spending. They may have more luck romantically in their future. Offer a sugar-and-water mixture at Shivalinga. Meditate quietly during Nishita Kaal.
Libra
Libra natives may experience relationship changes in the near future. Through open communications with each other, tensions can be resolved, while their career growth continues steadily. Determine which fragrant flowers to offer during the Fourth Prahar. Chant Om Namah Shivaya.
Scorpio
Scorpio natives may be experiencing a lot of emotional fluctuation—particularly regarding releasing feelings of hurt and resentment from past experiences. Their professional opportunities will gradually improve throughout this year. Perform Abhishek with Panchamrit. Chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 51 times at the time of the Abhishek.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius natives may have some additional guidance from their mentors this year, including possible travel opportunities and the ability to avoid risky investments. Offer turmeric water to Shivalinga. Recite Rudrashtakam during the Second Prahar.
Capricorn
Capricorn natives may feel strapped with a huge amount of responsibility at work, which can lead them to be recognised for their discipline at work. They may have to spend more time dealing with their family this year. During their Abhishek to Lord Shiva, Capricorn natives should offer black sesame seeds. They can also use Nishita Kaal for personal reflection through silent meditation.
Aquarius
Aquarius natives may be questioning the future of their careers right now. They will meet new business contacts, and it will continue to require an action plan (or structured planning) to achieve success. Offer coconut water to Abhishek at Shivalinga. Chant Shiva Chalisa during the First Prahar.
Pisces
Pisces natives may feel heightened intuition this year. They will likely begin to succeed through creative pursuits, but will need to learn to manage their emotions. Pisces natives should offer lotus flowers (if available) to Lord Shiva and recite Om Namah Shivaya during the night vigil.
2026 Special Maha shivratri Remedies for Key Areas of Life
Hindus worldwide will seek specific remedies on 2026 Mahashivratri, with each remedy focused on removing/solving issues and improving their current situations. Because Mahashivratri is a sacred night that allows both the creation of intentions and high-level worship, performing your remedies at the correct time with strong discipline enhances your spiritual connection. These remedies gain greater strength when performed on Maha Shivratri 2026 during the correct puja muhurat.
For Delayed Marriages
If you are experiencing a delayed marriage, offer a fresh Bel Patra (Betel Leaf) with the intention to Lord Shiva. Use an unbroken, clean leaf and recite the Maharudrayaya Mantra 108 times during the Nishita Kaal (midnight). Remain focused throughout the recitation and fast for 24 hours without negative thoughts. Performing the above will enhance the strength of Venus and remove any barriers to your marriage.
For Growth and/or Recognition Within Your Profession
Those seeking a stable professional career or recognition should perform Rudrabhishek on Nim nishikti Kaal (midnight period) and use measured amounts of water, milk, and honey while offering and praying with intention. Additionally, after you perform Rudrabhishek, do not talk for the next hour. Silence creates clarity and strengthens the positive influence of Saturn on your life. Practising this will build discipline in your work and lay a foundation for long-term success.
For Financial Stability
People looking to improve their finances should create an intention at the start of the night and then recite “Om Namah Shivaya 1008 times throughout the four prahars (four time frames) of the night. Once finished, ensure that you have spread out the recitation over the entire night and that you did not engage in any type of quarrel, argument or harsh speech at any time on this day. The following morning, perform charitable acts by donating food or clothes. Making charitable donations improves your karma and attracts continuous abundance to your life.
For Emotional Well-Being/Mental Peace
If you suffer from anxiety or emotional unrest, perform meditation during the Third Prahar of the night. During this period, you can look inward and engage in deep meditation to seek inner peace. While sitting in front of a Shivling deity (idol), using a diya filled with pure ghee, you should read the Shiva Sahasra Nama with focus and slow breathing. This practice soothes the mind and strengthens emotional resilience.
2026 Mahashivratri Creates a High Level of Opportunity for Greater Karmic Transformation. Actions performed on this night should be based on being sincere and intentional in your efforts. Performing Zodiac Remedies will work at a much greater level when done at the correct puja muhurta for your zodiac sign and with complete faith and devotion.