Maha Shivratri is celebrated annually with much fervour and enthusiasm to honour Lord Shiva. Maha Shivratri is celebrated in the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) on the 13th night or 14th day of Maagha or Phalguna (February or March). Pujas offered on the day of Maha shivratri gets amplified many folds, Mahashivratri is the best day to purify one's thoughts or to undertake one's spiritual journey.
Legends associated with Maha Shivratri:
On the day of Maha Shivratri at midnight, Lord Shiva revealed his Lingam form. Thus devotees perform the Rudra Abhishek at midnight of Mahashivratri to worship the formless Sadashiv.
Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati got married on the day of Maha Shivratri. Thus, from 'Nirgun Brahman' He became "Sagun Brahman" due to the Maya power of Parvati.
Lord Shiva drank the poison Halahal that emerged during the churning of Kshir Sagar or the milky ocean and saved the world from humanity on this day. Due to the poison, the Lord's throat turned as He came to be known as 'Neelkantha'.
Lord Shiva had revealed to Maa Parvati that the 14th night of the Krishna Paksha is His favorite night and that devotees who worship Him on this night will surely receive His blessings.
Also on the night of Mahashivratri Lord Shiva is said to have revealed the Tandava, the dance of primordial conception, preservation, sustenance and destruction. On the day of Mahashivratri, Maa Parvati performed strict penance for Lord Shiva.
SHITAL invites you, your family and friends to join us to celebrate Maha Shivratri on Sunday, 15th Feb 2026.
Festival Schedule for Sunday, 15th Feb:-
For Wembley and Leicester Temple :
08.00am : Temple Opens.
08:30am : Kakad Aarti.
09:10am : Baba's Mangal Snan.
09:45am : Baba's Chota Aarti.
10:15am : Lord Shiv Abhishek with Milk and Bilva starts. (and continues the whole day)
12:00pm : Madhyan Aarti followed by Lord Shiv Aarti.
06:00pm : Dhoop Aarti followed by Lord Shiv Aarti.
12:00am : Rudra Abhishek
02:30am : Lord Shiv Aarti. (This time may vary depending upon the completion of Rudra Abhishek)
06:00am : Baba's Mangal Snan.
07:00am : Baba's Chota Aarti.
(Temple will close on Monday, 16th Feb. at 09:00 pm)
For Reading Temple :
08:00am : Temple opens.
08:45am : Chotta Aarti.
09:10am : Shiv Abhishek with Milk starts. ( and continues the whole day)
12:00am : Baba's Madhyan Aarti.
07:00pm : Baba's Dhoop Aarti.
08:00pm : Rudra Abhishek.
11:00pm : Bhajans.
11:45pm : Lord Shiv Aarti.
11:55pm : 108 Bilva-Patra pooja.
12:00am : Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Chanting.
12:15am : Chotta Aarti.
12:30am : Temple Closes.
Please note that there will be no Shej aarti on Sunday, the 15th and no Kakad aarti on Monday, the 16th. The Temple remains open throughout the night on Sunday,15th.
Volunteers Needed:
We require volunteers to help us during these times.
Please let us know if you can provide voluntary services. Please see the contact details below for any further information/queries
Leicester leicester@shirdisai.org.uk
Wembley: info@shirdisai.org.uk
Reading: info.reading@shirdisai.org.uk