Maha Shivratri 2026: Lakhs of Devotees Flock to Temples Across India and Nepal.

Upendra, Jyotika & Shivani | HENB | New Delhi/Varanasi/Kathmandu |  Feb 15, 2026:: Maha Shivratri 2026 is being celebrated with highest devotion and spiritual fervour across India and Nepal, as lakhs of devotees thronged major Shiva temples to offer prayers, perform rituals, and participate in night-long vigils dedicated to Lord Shiva. From the western shores of Gujarat to the Himalayan foothills of Nepal, chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole” reverberated through temple corridors and city streets.

Maha Shivratri

Spiritual Fervour at Jyotirlingas and Sacred Shrines

At the iconic Somnath Temple in Gujarat, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the temple premises were illuminated with elaborate lighting and floral decorations. Devotees began arriving before dawn for Jalabhishek and special Rudrabhishek rituals. Long queues extended beyond the temple complex as security and administrative teams worked to manage the influx.

Similarly, the historic Lingaraj Temple in Odisha witnessed massive footfall. The temple’s towering spire was adorned with lights, while traditional priests conducted sacred ceremonies accompanied by Vedic chants.

In Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, an ocean of devotees gathered at the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The entire city appeared immersed in devotion, with pilgrims lining the ghats of the Ganga before proceeding for darshan. Authorities implemented elaborate crowd-control measures to ensure smooth access to the sanctum.

At the sacred Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, grand celebrations marked the occasion. The famous Bhasma Aarti, a pre-dawn ritual unique to this shrine, was performed following the traditional Panchamrit Abhishek. Devotees described the ceremony as spiritually uplifting, as temple bells and chants filled the air.

Devotion Spreads Nationwide

In Junagadh, Gujarat, heavy crowds were seen at the ancient Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, where local fairs and religious gatherings are customary during Maha Shivratri. Sadhus and pilgrims from across the region assembled for special prayers at the foothills of Mount Girnar.

Southern India too witnessed remarkable participation. At the sacred island shrine of Ramanathaswamy Temple—associated with Setuband Rameshwaram—devotees performed ritual baths in the temple’s 22 holy wells before offering prayers. The temple, another Jyotirlinga site, was beautifully decorated, and special night-long bhajans were organised.

In eastern India, thousands gathered at Baidyanath Temple, also known as Baba Baidyanathdham, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Continuous streams of pilgrims carried holy water for abhishek, maintaining the centuries-old tradition associated with the shrine.

Nepal Joins the Celebrations

Across the border in Nepal, the revered Pashupatinath Temple witnessed extraordinary turnout. Devotees lined up from early morning, while sadhus from India and Nepal congregated along the Bagmati River. The temple complex became a focal point of cross-border spiritual unity, highlighting the shared cultural reverence for Lord Shiva.

Rituals, Significance and Administration

Maha Shivratri, observed on the 14th night of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Phalguna, commemorates the cosmic dance (Tandava) of Lord Shiva and symbolises spiritual awakening and overcoming darkness. Devotees observe day-long fasts, perform Jalabhishek with water, milk, honey, and bel leaves, and remain awake through the night in prayer and meditation.

Authorities across states deployed additional security personnel, medical teams, and traffic arrangements to handle the surge in pilgrims. Many temples also arranged live telecasts of special aartis for devotees unable to attend physically.

As night-long bhajans and kirtans continue, Maha Shivratri 2026 stands as a vivid testament to the enduring faith and cultural continuity that binds millions in collective devotion to Lord Shiva.

Grand Online celebrations of Maha Shivratri