According to Hindu beliefs, the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place on Krishna Chaturdashi of the Phalguna month. Because of this sacred event, the night is celebrated as Mahashivratri.
In 2026, Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi will begin on 15 February at 5:04 PM and end on 16 February at 6:34 PM. Hence, Mahashivratri will be observed on 15 February 2026.
Mahashivratri 2026 Date and Time
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Festival: Mahashivratri
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Date: 15 February 2026
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Tithi Begins: 15 February, 5:04 PM
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Tithi Ends: 16 February, 6:34 PM
What Should Be Done on Mahashivratri?
On this auspicious day, devotees are advised to follow these spiritual practices:
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Observe a fast (Vrat)
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Perform Shivling Abhishek
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Stay awake during the night (Ratri Jagran)
- Perform Rudrabhishek personally or through learned Brahmins
Importance of Rudrabhishek
Rudrabhishek is considered one of the most powerful rituals to please Lord Shiva. According to the Mahabharata (Drona Parva), Lord Krishna explained the Rudrabhishek Vidhi to Arjuna.
This sacred ritual involves offering different substances to the Shivling for the fulfillment of various desires. Rudrabhishek is especially fruitful when performed on:
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Mahashivratri
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Mondays
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During the month of Savan
How to Perform Shivling Abhishek (Step-by-Step)
Follow this traditional sequence for Shivling Abhishek:
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First, bathe the Shivling with Ganga Jal
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Perform Abhishek one by one with:
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Milk
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Curd
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Honey
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Ghee
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Sugar
(After each offering, cleanse the Shivling with Ganga Jal)
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Apply Sandalwood (Chandan) paste
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Apply Sacred Ash (Bhasma)
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Offer flowers such as Datura, Madaar, Lotus, Bela, and Mogra
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Offer 11 or 21 Bilva leaves with “Ram” written on them using sandalwood, while chanting Om Namah Shivaya
Rudrabhishek Vidhi According to Mahabharata (Drona Parva)
As described in the Mahabharata, different substances used during Rudrabhishek provide specific spiritual and material benefits.
🔱 Rudrabhishek Substances and Their Benefits
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Rice – For progeny and child blessings
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Bilva Leaves – For wealth and prosperity
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Durva (Sacred Grass) – For long life and good health
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Cow Ghee – For animals, vehicles, land, and property
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Milk – For child happiness and fertility
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Curd – For honor, respect, and social prestige
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Ghee – For fame and recognition
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Sugarcane Juice or Honey – For blessings of Goddess Lakshmi
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Oil – For removal of obstacles and enemies
Flowers Dear to Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva is especially pleased with the following flowers:
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Datura
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Madaar
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Shami flowers
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Tulsi Manjari
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Lotus
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Blue Lotus
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Shivlingi flower
Flowers Not Offered to Lord Shiva
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Ketaki flower
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Kevda flower
These flowers are prohibited as per Hindu scriptures.
Major Benefits of Rudrabhishek
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Fulfillment of wishes
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Growth in wealth and prosperity
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Blessings of children
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Removal of obstacles and enemies
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Mental peace and positive energy
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Special grace of Lord Shiva
Conclusion
According to the Mahabharata, the Rudrabhishek Vidhi remains as powerful today as it was in ancient times. When performed with the right substances, pure intention, and deep devotion, Rudrabhishek brings peace, prosperity, and divine blessings into one’s life.
ॐ नमः शिवाय 🙏
