Lucknow · Uttar Pradesh
ಮಹಾ ಶಿವರಾತ್ರಿ 2026in Lucknow
Exact puja times & muhurta computed for Lucknow coordinates (26.85°N, 80.95°E)
Key Timings
Festival Date
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Nishita Kaal Puja
23:54 – 00:45
Sunrise
06:42
Sunset
17:58
Why This Date?
Nishita Kaal (Midnight) Rule: Observed on the day when the Chaturdashi tithi prevails during Nishita Kaal (the 8th muhurta of the night, ~11:40 PM – 12:28 AM). Shiva manifested at midnight, making this the sacred observation window.
Tithi Determination Rule
The tithi must prevail during Nishita Kaal (midnight). Used for festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Janmashtami.
Source: Dharmasindhu & Nirnayasindhu — classical Kala-Vyapti system
Puja Vidhi
Puja Steps
- 1
Vrat Sankalpa and Preparation
Begin the fast from morning. Take a bath, wear clean clothes, and make the formal sankalpa for the Shivaratri vrat at th...
- 2
Achamana and Pranayama
Perform achamana (water sipping) for purification, followed by three rounds of pranayama (breath control) to calm the mi...
- 3
Dhyana (Meditation on Shiva)
Meditate on Lord Shiva — three-eyed, moon-crested, blue-throated, holding the trident, damaru, and blessing mudra, seate...
Vrat Phala (Fasting Benefits)
Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death), complete destruction of accumulated sins (Papa Nashana), Shiva's direct grace and darshan, fulfillment of all righteous wishes, and spiritual awakening
Calculation Proof — Transparent Audit Trail
Deity
ಶಿವ
Legend & History
Multiple stories surround this night: It is when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava — the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. It is also when Shiva drank the Halahala poison during Samudra Manthan...Read full legend →
Multiple stories surround this night: It is when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava — the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. It is also when Shiva drank the Halahala poison during Samudra Manthan to save the universe, turning his throat blue (Neelakantha). Some traditions hold it as the wedding night of Shiva and Parvati.
How to Observe
Observe a strict fast (nirjala or with fruits). Stay awake all night (jagaran). Offer Bel leaves, milk, water, and honey to the Shiva Lingam during four Praharas (night quarters). Chant "Om Namah Shivaya". Visit Shiva temples.
Significance
The darkest night of the year — symbolizing the overcoming of darkness and ignorance. Considered the night when Shiva's energy is most accessible. Fasting and meditation on this night is said to be equivalent to a year of spiritual practice.
Fasting
Strict fast (nirjala or fruits only). Break fast next morning after puja.