Maha Shivratri 2026: Festival Being Celebrated Today, Know Puja Timings, Nishita Kaal And Rituals

New Delhi: Today, on Mahashivratri, across the country, hymns of Lord Shiva will be resonating in temples with great pomp and show, and people will be observing fasts and offering water to Shivalinga. According to the Hindu calendar, this festival falls on the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month. It is believed that the marriage of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati took place on this holy night. Devotees stay awake all night, worship in Shiva temples, and observe fasts.

What is the auspicious time of Char Prahar Puja?

On Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva is worshiped in four prahars, and it is considered very fruitful. The timings of this year (2026) are (according to Delhi/North India, there may be slight differences in local time): and it is being celebrated with devotion.

• First Prahar: 6:11 pm to 9:23 pm
• Second Prahar: 9:23 pm to 12:35 am
• Third Prahar: 12:35 am to 3:47 am
• Fourth Prahar: 3:47 am to 6:59 am

Worshiping with full devotion at these four times gives special results. Those who keep vigil throughout the night perform different anointments in these prahars – like with milk, curd, ghee, and honey.

Why is the time of Nishith period special?

Nishith Kaal is the most important part of Mahashivratri – the midnight time when Shiva element is most effective. This year Nishith Kaal is from 12:09 am to 1:01 am (morning of 16th February). During this time, chanting Jalabhishek, Rudrabhishek or just 'Om Namah Shivay' on Shivling gives great results. It is believed that by worshiping at this time, wishes are fulfilled and sins are removed.

When is the right time for Jalabhishek?

There are many auspicious times to offer water to Shivalinga. These are good times of the day:

• 8:24 am to 9:48 am
• 9:48 to 11:11 pm
• From 11:11 am to 12:35 pm (this is considered the most special)
• 6:11 pm to 7:47 pm

Offer water, milk or Ganges water with a true heart; offer Belpatra, Dhatura, fruits and flowers – Mahadev becomes happy soon.

What auspicious combinations are being formed this year?

This time many tremendous yogas are being formed on Mahashivratri! The most important ones are Vyatipat Yoga all day and Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga from 7 am to 7:48 pm. On top of that, Rajyoga is also being formed due to the position of Sun, Mercury and Venus. Uttarashadha and Shravan Nakshatra are also supporting. By fasting and worshiping in such yogas, obstacles are removed, success is achieved, and spiritual benefits are immense.

How to worship on Mahashivratri?

Wake up in the morning and take bath, then resolve to fast. Do Abhishekam on Shivalinga – with water, milk, Panchamrit. Offer Belpatra (without breaking), Dhatura, Aak flowers, fruits, sweets. Chant the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivay’ – as much as you can. Stay awake the whole night, listen to bhajans, and listen to stories. When worshiped with true devotion, Bholenath becomes happy and fulfills all the wishes.