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The 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Phalguna month, known as Mahashivratri, is the greatest festival of the year for Shiva devotees. In the year 2026, this holy festival is being celebrated on February 15th (Sunday).
The night of Mahashivratri is called the 'Night of Siddhis' (spiritual attainments). Performing Jalabhishekam (water offering) and Rudrabhishekam on this day not only resolves your sufferings but also leads you on the path to Moksha (liberation). However, devotees often face the dilemma: "What materials (Samagri) are mandatory for the Puja?" and "What is the scripturally correct Puja procedure (Vidhi)?"
If there is a lack of materials or an error in the procedure, doubts linger in the mind. Therefore, in this detailed blog, we are providing you with the authentic Mahashivratri Puja Samagri list and a step-by-step Puja guide so that you can worship Mahadev with peace of mind.
Mahashivratri 2026: Auspicious Timings (Shubh Muhurat)
Before starting the Puja procedure, it is essential to know the correct timing. In 2026, the festival of Mahashivratri falls on February 15th.
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: February 15, 2026, Morning (Time may vary according to local Panchang).
Nishita Kaal Puja (Midnight): 12:09 AM to 01:00 AM (This is the best time for Shiva Puja).
Four Prahar Puja: On Mahashivratri, there is a tradition of staying awake all night and performing Puja in four Prahars (Evening, Midnight, Late Night, and Brahma Muhurta).
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Mahashivratri Puja Samagri List
We have categorized the materials below so you can easily create a checklist when going to the market. You can also take a screenshot of this.
1. Materials for Abhishek (Bathing)
'Abhishekam' is the most important part of Shiva Puja. Shiva is known as "Abhishek Priya" (Lover of Abhishekam).
Gangajal: (In sufficient quantity)
Pure Water: (In a copper or brass pot/Kalash)
Raw Milk: (Cow's milk is best; unboiled)
Curd: (Freshly set)
Desi Ghee: (Pure cow ghee)
Honey: (Pure)
Sugar: (Powdered sugar or Boora)
Panchamrit: (Mixture of Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey, and Sugar – can be prepared in advance)
Sugarcane Juice: (Specially for wealth/Lakshmi)
Attar (Perfume): (For scented bathing)
2. Materials for Decoration and Offering to Shiva
Bilva Patra (Bel leaves): 11, 21, or 108 (Ensure leaves are not torn; the smooth side faces the Shivling).
Bhang and Dhatura: Extremely dear to Lord Shiva.
Shami Leaves: To remove Shani (Saturn) doshas.
Madar (Aak) Flowers: White or blue.
Flowers: White Kaner, Harsingar (Parijat), or any white flower (Ketaki flower is prohibited).
Sandalwood: White sandalwood paste or Ashtagandha.
Bhasma (Vibhuti/Ash): For smearing on the Shivling.
Akshat: (Whole rice grains, unbroken).
Janeu (Sacred Thread): For Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha.
Cloth: Or Kalava (Mauli/Sacred red thread) as a symbol of clothing.
3. For Goddess Parvati (Suhag Samagri)
Mahashivratri is the festival of the union of Shiva and Shakti; hence, worship of Goddess Parvati is mandatory.
Red Chunri or Sari.
Kumkum/Sindoor (Note: Sindoor is not offered to the Shivling, only to Goddess Parvati).
Bangles, Bindi, Mehndi (Items of 16 Shringar).
4. Other Essential Puja Items
Lamp (Diya): (Earthen or metal, for both ghee and oil).
Cotton Wicks: (Long ones).
Incense Sticks/Dhoop.
Camphor (Kapoor): (For Aarti).
Naivedya (Bhog): Ber (Jujube), Carrots, Sweet Potato, Seasonal Fruits, Kheer, or Halwa.
Betel leaves (Paan) and Betel nuts (Supari).
Cloves, Cardamom.
Dakshina: (Coins or notes).
Mahashivratri Puja Vidhi at Home: Step-by-Step Guide
Due to crowds in temples, many devotees prefer to worship a Parthiv Shivling (made of clay/mud) or a Shivling established at home. Here is the scriptural procedure:
Step 1: Preparation and Purification
Take a bath and wear clean clothes (unstitched clothes like a Dhoti are best).
Clean the Puja area and spread a red or white cloth on a platform/chowki.
Face towards the East or North.
Achaman: Take water in your left hand and drink it three times with your right hand (Om Keshavaya Namah, Om Narayanaya Namah, Om Madhavaya Namah) and then wash your hands.
Step 2: Sankalp (Vow)
Take water, rice (Akshat), a flower, and a coin in your hand. Mentally recite your Name, Gotra (lineage), Location, and your Wish.
Mantra: "I (Your Name), on this holy festival of Mahashivratri, take this vow to perform worship to obtain the grace of Lord Shiva, for the destruction of sins, and for the welfare of my family."
Drop the water on the ground.
Step 3: Ganesh Pujan
First, invoke Lord Ganesha.
Bathe him and offer clothes (Kalava).
Offer Tilak, Akshat, Durva grass, and Ladoo.
Mantra: "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah"
Step 4: Shivling Abhishek
Now begin the Abhishek of Lord Shiva. This is the most crucial phase of Mahashivratri. Pour the liquids in a slow stream and continuously chant 'Om Namah Shivaya'.
Jal Snan: First, bathe with pure water.
Dugdha Snan: Offer raw milk (for progeny and peace).
Dadhi Snan: Offer curd (for seriousness and stability in life).
Ghrit Snan: Offer Desi Ghee (for radiance and power).
Madhu Snan: Offer honey (for sweet speech and relationships).
Sharkara Snan: Offer sugar (for happiness and prosperity).
Panchamrit Snan: Offer the mixture of all five items.
Shuddhodaka Snan: Finally, clean the Shivling thoroughly with Gangajal or pure water again.
Step 5: Decoration and Belpatra Offering
After Abhishek, wipe the Shivling with a dry cloth (if possible).
Sandalwood: Draw a Tripund (three horizontal lines) on the Shivling.
Bhasma: Apply holy ash.
Akshat: Offer wet whole rice grains.
Bilva Patra: The smooth surface of the Bel leaf should touch the Shivling. Hold it by the stem while offering.
Flowers and Garland: Offer Dhatura, Madar, and a flower garland.
Cloth/Janeu: Offer the sacred thread.
Step 6: Goddess Parvati Puja
Worship the idol of Goddess Gauri near the Shivling (or a betel nut considered as Gauri). Offer Sindoor, Kumkum, Chunri, and makeup items. Chant "Om Umayai Namah".
Step 7: Naivedya and Bhog (Offering Food)
Offer fruits (especially Ber/Jujube), sweets, or Kheer in front of the Shivling. Offer Paan, Supari, and Cloves. (Note: It is generally prohibited to consume the Prasad offered directly on top of the Shivling, unless it is a Shaligram or metal Shivling. Otherwise, place the Bhog near the Shivling, not on top).
Step 8: Aarti and Prayer for Forgiveness
Light incense and a lamp.
Perform the Aarti of Lord Shiva with Camphor ("Jai Shiv Omkara...").
Finally, offer flowers (Pushpanjali) and perform Parikrama (circumambulation - only half for Shivling).
Kshama Prarthana (Forgiveness Prayer): Fold your hands and say—"O Lord! I do not know the mantras, deeds, or procedures. Please forgive any mistakes made in the worship and accept my puja."
Do's and Don'ts on Mahashivratri
This section is vital for correct observance and helps in ranking.
Don'ts (Prohibited Items):
Turmeric (Haldi): The Shivling represents the masculine element, and turmeric is a cosmetic (feminine element); hence, do not offer turmeric on the Shivling (you can offer it on the Jaladhari).
Tulsi: Tulsi leaves are prohibited in Shiva Puja (can be placed on the Bhog, but not on the Shivling).
Kumudini and Ketaki Flowers: These are cursed for Shiva worship.
Water from Conch Shell (Shankh): Shiva killed the demon Shankhachuda, so water is not offered via a conch.
Coconut Water: You can offer a whole coconut, but coconut water is not used for Abhishek on the Shivling.
Do's:
Night Vigil (Jagran): The full fruit of Mahashivratri is obtained only when you observe a night vigil.
Silence (Maun Vrat): Instead of gossiping during Puja, remain silent or chant 'Namah Shivaya'.
Sattvic Diet: Even if you are not fasting, avoid onions, garlic, and Tamasic food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can women touch the Shivling?
Ans: Yes, women can perform Abhishek and touch the Shivling on Mahashivratri. Touching and worship are prohibited only during menstruation. Goddess Parvati herself worshipped the Shivling.
Q2: Can we offer water using a steel pot (Lota)?
Ans: Copper, Brass, Silver, or Ashtadhatu are best for Abhishek. If copper is unavailable, you can use steel. However, do not put milk in a copper pot (it turns into poison). Use steel or silver for milk.
Q3: Should one drink the water (Charanamrit) offered on the Shivling?
Ans: Generally, water offered on a stone Shivling is considered 'Chanda's share' and is not crossed or consumed. However, if the Shivling is a 'Banalinga' (Narmada stone) or made of metal (Mercury/Parad, Gold, Silver), its water can be consumed as Charanamrit.
Q4: What if we cannot stay awake all night?
Ans: If health does not permit, ensure you perform Puja at least during Midnight (Nishita Kaal around 12:00 AM) and then you may sleep.
Conclusion
In Mahashivratri Puja, the 'emotion' (Bhav) is more important than the materials. Shiva is 'Bholenath' (The Innocent Lord); if you do not have a grand feast (Chappan Bhog), he gets pleased even with just a pot of water and a single Bel leaf.