Maha Shivratri, the grand night dedicated to Lord Shiva, unfolds with fervor across Kozhikode’s temples on February 15, 2026. Temples are buzzing with preparations for special pujas, nama japams, and all-night celebrations, drawing devotees in large numbers.
Significance of Maha Shivratri
Rooted in Hindu mythology, Maha Shivratri commemorates Lord Shiva’s marriage to Parvati and his consumption of the Halahala poison during the Samudra Manthan. It falls on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Phalguna (Feb-Mar), with 2026’s exact date aligning for peak astrological potency Nishita Kaal Puja from 12:11 AM to 12:59 AM IST. Devotees fast rigorously, consuming only fruits, milk, or vratham foods, while staying awake (jagarana) through four prahars (six-hour phases). Chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” millions of times purifies the soul, promising moksha, health, and prosperity, as echoed in texts like Shivapurana. In Kerala, this night blends Shaivite fervor with local customs, where bilva leaves (bel patra) offerings to the Shiva Lingam hold profound symbolism each leaf representing the three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas).
Prominent Celebrating Temples
- Vezhuppur Sree Mahadeva Temple: Multi-day utsavam from February 9-15 with Kodiyettam, daily Deeparadhana, Ganapathi Homam, bhajans, discourses, and Chenda Melam.
- Sreekanthadeswara Temple (Kozhikode): Evening programs starting February 14 at 4 PM in temple premises, including key rituals and community gatherings.
- Kanjilassery Maha Siva Temple (Chemancheri): Observes as one of Kerala’s 108 Shiva temples with Rudra form worship and special Shivratri poojas.
- Malayamma Shiva Temple (Kattangal): Features Shiva-focused rituals amid its festival calendar, with devotees for jagarana and abhishekam.
- Tali Maha Shiva Temple: Central Kozhikode landmark hosting traditional pujas like Mrityunjaya Homam and Neivilakku during Shivratri.
As the sacred Nishita Kaal unfolds on this Maha Shivratri 2026, Kozhikode’s temples resonate with the timeless chant of “Om Namah Shivaya,” weaving devotees into a tapestry of divine unity and spiritual awakening.