Maha Shivratri 2026: According to the Hindu calendar, Mahashivratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month. This is the holy night when Shiva and Shakti met. On this day devotees perform Abhishekam of Shivalinga and circumambulate the temple to seek the blessings of Mahadev. But do you know that the circumambulation of Shivalinga is completely different from the circumambulation of other gods and goddesses?

Let us know about the rules for circumambulating Shivalinga.

In the year 2026, the fast of Mahashivratri will be observed on Sunday, 15 February.
Beginning of Chaturdashi Tithi- From 05:04 pm on 15th February
End of Chaturdashi Tithi – On 16th February till 05:34 pm.
Auspicious time of Nishita period for worship – From 12:09 pm to 01:01 am on 16 February

According to the scriptures, Shivlinga is never completely circumambulated. Instead of going around the Shivlinga, there is a rule to do only half parikrama.
The place from where the anointing water comes out from Shivling is called ‘Somasutra’ or ‘Nirmali’. There is a religious belief that the tremendous energy of Shiva and Shakti flows in Somasutra. Exceeding it can have negative effects on a person’s body and energy cycles.
Parikrama of Shivalinga should always be started from the left side. After reaching the water reservoir, one should turn back without crossing it and come back to the water reservoir from the other side. This is called ‘moon shaped’ or ‘semi-circular’.

Always start from the left side of the water bearer.
Perform Parikrama only after completing the Abhishek and puja. On Mahashivratri, doing Parikrama after worshiping all four Prahars is considered extremely fruitful.
While doing parikrama, chant ‘Om Namah Shivay’ in your mind. Keep in mind that your feet should not touch Somasutra during parikrama.
According to Shiva Purana, doing half parikrama 1, 3, 5 or 7 times on the day of Mahashivratri is considered auspicious. Odd number of parikrama is best for spiritual progress.