Telugu Festival
మహా శివరాత్రి
Maha Shivaratri
The great night of Shiva — 2026 date, Jagarana, Abhishekam timings
2026 Date
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
పుష్యం బహుళ undefined, విశ్వావసు నామ సంవత్సరం
Panchangam for Maha Shivaratri 2026
📍 Hyderabad, IST · February 10, 2026
Tithi
Krishna Paksha undefined
బహుళ undefined
Vara
Tuesday
మంగళవారం
Nakshatra
Yoga
Karana
Timings (Hyderabad IST)
Rahu Kalam
3:23 pm – 4:50 pm
Gulika Kalam
8:11 am – 9:38 am
Yamagandam
9:38 am – 11:04 am
Abhijit Muhurtham
12:07 pm – 12:55 pm
Sunrise / Sunset
6:45 am / 6:16 pm
Muhurta Guidance
The Nishita Kala (midnight period, approximately 12:00–12:48 AM) is the most powerful window for Shiva worship on Shivaratri — even a brief meditation or chant of Om Namah Shivaya at this time is considered equivalent to a full year of penance.
Significance — ప్రాధాన్యత
Maha Shivaratri — the Great Night of Shiva — falls on Krishna Chaturdashi in the month of Magha (or Phalguna per some traditions). In 2026, it is observed on February 10. It is among the most sacred nights in the Hindu calendar, second in reverence only to the auspicious days of Vishnu.
Multiple legends explain Shivaratri's significance. According to the Shiva Purana, this is the night when Shiva and Parvati were married. Another tradition holds that this is the night Shiva performed the Tandava — the cosmic dance of creation and dissolution. A third legend describes how a hunter accidentally kept vigil under a bilva tree, dropping leaves on a Shiva linga below, and was granted liberation despite having no conscious intent.
The night is divided into four praharas (three-hour watches), and devout Shaivites perform Abhishekam and recitation of Shiva Panchakshara ("Om Namah Shivaya") through each prahara without sleeping — the Jagarana tradition.
Rituals — పూజా విధానం
Fast from the morning of Shivaratri — many observe a nirjala (waterless) fast
Visit the Shiva temple for special Rudrabhishekam in the early evening
Keep vigil (Jagarana) through all four praharas of the night
First Prahara (evening 6–9 PM): Milk abhishekam — "Om Namah Shivaya"
Second Prahara (9 PM–midnight): Curd abhishekam with 108 bilva leaves
Third Prahara (midnight–3 AM): Ghee abhishekam with Shiva Sahasranama chanting
Fourth Prahara (3–6 AM): Honey abhishekam and Maha Aarti at sunrise
Break fast the following morning after morning puja
Telugu Traditions — తెలుగు సంప్రదాయాలు
Elaborate Kalyanam (divine wedding) of Shiva and Parvati enacted at major temples like Srisailam, Draksharamam, and Bhimeswaram
Bilva archana — 108 bilva (maredu) leaves offered individually with each name of Shiva
Bhasma (sacred ash) applied on the forehead and arms — especially significant on this night
Srisailam Jyotirlinga temple in AP draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims on Shivaratri
All-night bhajan sessions (Shiva Bhajana Kalyanam) held in neighbourhoods across Telangana
Panchamruta (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar) prepared at home for a personal abhishekam if temple visit is not possible
Traditional Foods — పండుగ వంటలు
Sabudana Khichdi
tapioca pearl upma eaten to break the fast
Phalahara
fruit-based fasting meal during the day
Milk, curd and honey
used in abhishekam and consumed as prasadam
Thandai (milk with dry fruits and bhang)
traditional Shivaratri drink in some communities
Ksheerannam (milk rice) prepared as naivedyam at home
Related Festivals
2026 Telugu Calendar
All festivals, Ekadashis, Pournami and auspicious dates