On February 15, 2026, the Maha Shivaratri holiday will be here. Millions of Hindus in India are getting ready for one of the most important spiritual travels of the year. To aid with this big job, the Indian Railways is sending out a lot of special trains. Many people are visiting the big Shiva temples in Ujjain, Varanasi, and other sacred spots. Those who desire a quiet and spiritual vacation need to know how to plan these special trains and get ready for the festivities. This page has all the information you need regarding IRCTC’s special trains during Maha Shivaratri. It explains you how to get tickets, gives you travel tips, and talks about the traditions of the event and what they symbolize.
Maha Shivaratri is a day to commemorate Lord Shiva. It happens on the 14th night of Phalguna’s new moon. It is said that Shiva danced the Tandava on this night. The Tandava is the dance that makes, keeps, and breaks everything in the universe. People who worship Shiva travel to Shiva temples, don’t eat, and remain up all night praying for health, good luck, and spiritual growth. On Sunday, February 15, 2026, there will be a party. This is a great time for people and families to go on spiritual adventures.
IRCTC has built special trains to connect major cities with important Shiva pilgrimage destinations so that more people may go. These trains are meant to make it easier and more comfortable for religious people to travel by assigning them seats and letting them get on first. There will be special trains that run between the Dadar and Mumbai Central stations and Ujjain Junction. On the night of February 14 and the morning of February 15, the trains will leave. It takes pilgrims roughly 12 to 14 hours to walk, which is enough time for them to get to Ujjain in time for the important events. On February 14, special trains will leave New Delhi Railway Station and go to Varanasi Junction. A lot of individuals will go during the day. It takes 8 to 10 hours to travel there, which is enough time for pilgrims to see the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and other holy places. There will be special trains for pilgrims in South India that run between Chennai Central and Tiruvannamalai, where the Arunachaleswarar Temple is. This is a popular place for people who want to get there quickly because it takes 6 to 8 hours to get there.
During Maha Shivaratri, you can book special trains on the IRCTC website or app. You can sign up for an account on the IRCTC website or app by giving them your email address and phone number. Choose “Special Trains” from the menu on the page. Next, jot down the names of the cities you are traveling to and coming from. Choose a date: February 14 or 15, 2026. Look at the several trains and choose the one that works best for you. Choose the class you want: You can choose from AC 2-Tier, AC 3-Tier, or Sleeper. following, go on to the following step. Make a list of the names, ages, and sexes of everyone on the boat. Check to ensure if the information matches what is on the ID cards you will have with you. You can pay with a credit or debit card, UPI, or internet banking. When you pay, you will get an email and a text message with all the information on your ticket.
Many people want special trains for Maha Shivaratri, therefore you should buy your tickets as soon as you can. If you need to change your plans, you should know how to cancel and get your money back. Bring your ID, tickets, and any other medical documents you might need. Wear clothes that are light, airy, and appropriate for the weather. You should also be able to stand and walk for a long period. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and some light snacks if you decide to fast.Always have important medicines, bandages, and any prescriptions you need in your first aid box. Always have a power bank with you in case something goes wrong, and make sure your phone is charged.
Drink a lot of water if you aren’t eating. When there are a lot of people around, be careful and keep your things safe. Follow the rules and boundaries that the temples and pilgrimage sites have set. On February 15, the Maha Shivaratri vrat (fast) begins at sunrise and ends the next morning. Devout people don’t eat or drink much. They pray and contemplate instead. People could eat fruits, milk, or other items that are good for vrat. One of the most famous temples for Shiva is the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. Abhishek is the act of washing the Shiva lingam with sacred items like milk and honey. This is what those who worship Shiva do. A lot of people who go on pilgrimages also visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. A lot of people come to the evening aarti, which is a ceremony with lights, to pray. A lot of people know about the massive party at the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai. Arunachala, the holy hill, is also close by.
People who worship stay up all night doing puja, singing bhajans, and repeating mantras. People think that this vigil will aid them spiritually and bring them good luck from Lord Shiva. On Maha Shivaratri 2026, people can approach Lord Shiva for help and draw closer to him spiritually.IRCTC’s special trains make it easier than ever to plan a vacation to holy locations like Ujjain, Varanasi, and others.People who want to go on a pilgrimage can use the tips in this article to plan their journey and make sure they have fun and learn something. As the occasion approaches closer, I hope that everyone who asks for it feels Lord Shiva’s blessings in their hearts and homes.
How to Get IRCTC Special Trains to Ujjain and Varanasi for Pilgrimages During the Travel Boom during Maha Shivaratri in 2026
