Shravan Shivratri is a sacred night for Lord Shiva worship during Sawan. Devotees observe a vrat, perform Jalabhishek, offer bilva leaves, chant mantras and complete the main puja during Nishita Kaal around midnight.
In 2026, Shravan Shivratri falls on Tuesday, 11 August. For Delhi, Nishita Kaal is 12:05 am to 12:48 am on 12 August. Timings change by city, so check a local panchang before planning the ritual.
Shravan Shivratri 2026 Date and Timings
The key timings for Delhi are:
- Shravan Shivratri: Tuesday, 11 August 2026
- Nishita Kaal Puja: 12:05 am to 12:48 am on 12 August
- Krishna Chaturdashi begins: 4:54 am on 11 August
- Krishna Chaturdashi ends: 1:52 am on 12 August
These timings are location-specific. The festival is commonly called Sawan Shivratri in North Indian regions following the Purnimanta calendar. Regional calendars may use a different month name.
Nishita Kaal is the midnight period used for Shivratri worship. It is the central puja window, linked with night prayer, stillness and meditation.
Devotees who cannot remain awake through all four prahars may perform the main puja during Nishita Kaal. Prepare every item beforehand so the ritual finishes within the local muhurat.
Shravan Shivratri Puja Samagri List
Keep these essentials ready:
- Shivling or an image of Lord Shiva
- Clean chowki and altar cloth
- Deep plate for the Shivling
- Copper or steel lota
- Clean water and Gangajal
- Milk or panchamrit, if followed in your tradition
- Bilva leaves and white flowers
- Chandan paste, roli and akshat
- Fruits, dry fruits and vrat-friendly prasad
- Diya, ghee or oil and cotton wicks
- Incense sticks, dhoop and secure holders
- Camphor, bell and aarti thali
- Rudraksha mala or mantra book
- Clean cloth for wiping the altar
Clean the puja room in the evening and bathe before worship. Place the Shivling in a deep vessel so the abhishek water does not spill. Keep the lota, Gangajal, bilva leaves, flowers and prasad within easy reach.
Light the diya and incense shortly before Nishita Kaal. Keep burning items away from clothes, curtains, flowers and electrical decorations. Maintain gentle ventilation.
Step-by-Step Nishita Kaal Puja Vidhi
Sit facing the altar and remember Lord Ganesha. Take a little water and akshat in your hand. Make a sankalp to observe Shravan Shivratri with discipline, prayer and a peaceful mind.
Sprinkle a small amount of Gangajal around the altar. DevDarshan Pure Gangajal – The Holy Water can be kept for the puja, Jalabhishek and purification of the worship space.
Mix a small quantity of Gangajal with clean water. Pour it slowly over the Shivling while chanting “Om Namah Shivaya”. A steady stream is enough; there is no need to use excessive water.
Some families offer milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar as panchamrit. If used, offer small quantities and finish with a clean-water rinse.
4. Offer Chandan and Bilva Leaves
Apply chandan gently to the Shivling. Offer fresh bilva leaves with the smooth side placed according to your family practice. Add white flowers, fruits and other offerings without crowding the altar.
Avoid offering kumkum directly to the Shivling unless this forms part of your household tradition.
Sandalwood and guggal fragrances suit the quiet character of Shiva worship. DevDarshan Magic Sandal Incense Sticks can accompany mantra chanting, while Aura Guggal Dry Dhoop Sticks create a deeper traditional aroma.
Use one fragrance at a time. Place it in a heat-resistant holder away from the abhishek vessel. Never leave the diya, incense, dhoop or camphor unattended.
Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” 11, 21 or 108 times. Devotees may also recite the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, Shiva Chalisa, Rudrashtakam or a familiar Shiva stotra.
Keep the chanting unhurried. The purpose is focused prayer rather than completing a number quickly.
7. Offer Bhog and Perform Aarti
Offer fruits, makhana, dry fruits, milk-based sweets or vrat-friendly prasad. Place clean water beside the bhog.
Perform aarti with the diya or DevDarshan Pure Camphor/Shudh Kapur. Ring the bell gently, bow before Lord Shiva and pray for clarity, health, restraint and peace.
Shravan Shivratri Vrat and Parana
Many devotees eat once on the previous day, take a fasting sankalp on Shivratri and break the fast after sunrise the next morning. Some observe a fruit-and-milk fast, while others choose a single satvik meal.
Strict fasting is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, older adults, children and people managing health conditions should follow safe guidance.
Parana timing also varies by city. Check your local panchang and follow your household practice before breaking the vrat.
Q: When is Shravan Shivratri in 2026?
Shravan Shivratri falls on Tuesday, 11 August 2026. The midnight Nishita Kaal puja takes place after midnight, during the early hours of 12 August.
Q: What is the Nishita Kaal time in Delhi?
The Delhi Nishita Kaal puja window is 12:05 am to 12:48 am on 12 August 2026. Other cities will have different timings.
Q: What should be offered during Nishita Kaal puja?
Devotees may offer water, Gangajal, bilva leaves, chandan, white flowers, fruits, incense, diya and prasad. Milk or panchamrit may be included according to family tradition.
Q: Can Shravan Shivratri puja be performed at home?
Yes. A clean Shivling setup, simple Jalabhishek, mantra chanting, bilva leaves and aarti are enough for a respectful home puja.
Q: Which fragrance suits Shiva puja?
Sandalwood and guggal are suitable for a calm, traditional setting. Use a moderate amount in a ventilated room.
A Night of Stillness and Shiva Bhakti
Shravan Shivratri invites devotees to worship Lord Shiva through water, mantra, fragrance and flame. Prepare early, confirm the local Nishita Kaal and perform the midnight puja with calm attention and faith.
0 comments