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Happy Maha Shivratri 2026: Maha Shivratri is not confined to just one evening of devotion; its most powerful spiritual window unfolds deep into the night during the sacred Nishith Kaal. Devotees who observe the night-long worship can still perform rituals and seek Lord Shiva’s blessings during these highly auspicious hours.
The Sacred Nishith Kaal Muhurat (Most Auspicious Time)
According to the traditional Panchang, Maha Shivratri puja is especially performed during Nishith Kaal, which represents the stillness of midnight, a time believed to be closest to divine consciousness.
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Nishith Kaal Muhurat:
February 16, 12:09 AM to 1:01 AM
This period is considered the most spiritually charged moment to worship Lord Shiva, meditate, and chant mantras for inner transformation and liberation.
Maha Shivratri 2026 Four Prahar Puja Timings
The night of Maha Shivratri is divided into four prahars (phases), each symbolising a stage of spiritual awakening. Here are the timings as per Drik Panchang.
First Prahar: 6:11 PM to 9:23 PM (Feb 15)
Second Prahar: 9:23 PM (Feb 15) to 12:35 AM (Feb 16)
Third Prahar: 12:35 AM to 3:47 AM (Feb 16)
Fourth Prahar: 3:47 AM to 6:59 AM (Feb 16)
Devotees who perform worship across all four prahars are believed to receive heightened spiritual merit and divine grace.
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Rare Planetary Alignment On Maha Shivratri 2026
This year’s Maha Shivratri carries added significance due to powerful astrological combinations. The conjunction of Sun, Mercury, and Venus is forming auspicious yogas such as:
1. Budhaditya Yoga
2. Lakshmi Narayan Yoga
3. Shukraditya Yoga
These Rajyogas are believed to amplify prosperity, wisdom, and spiritual elevation, making this Shivratri especially potent for prayers and new beginnings.
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Maha Shivratri 2026 Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Ritual)
Observing the correct ritual method enhances the spiritual impact of the fast and worship.
1. Wake up during Brahma Muhurat and take a holy bath.
2. Take a vow (sankalp) to observe the fast and worship sincerely.
3. Wear clean clothes and visit a Shiva temple, or prepare a shrine at home.
4. Perform Abhishek of the Shivling with:
- Water
- Milk
- Ghee or sugarcane juice
5. Offer Belpatra, Dhatura, Bhang, fruits, flowers, and sweets.
6. Chant “Om Namah Shivaya,” recite Shiva Chalisa, and perform aarti.
7. Staying awake at night (Jagaran) is considered highly auspicious.
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Powerful Mantras To Chant On Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri Mantra: Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityormukshiya Maamritat.
महामृत्युंजय मंत्र
ऊं त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्.
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥
This mantra is believed to grant healing, protection, and freedom from fear.
Rudra Gayatri Mantra
Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi
Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat.
रुद्र गायत्री मंत्र
ऊं तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि.
तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्॥
Chanting this invokes strength, clarity, and divine guidance.
The Sacred Maha Shivratri Katha
The significance of Maha Shivratri is beautifully described in the Garuda Purana.
It tells the story of a hunter who unknowingly performed Shiva worship. While searching for prey in the forest, he spent the night under a Bilva tree near a Shivling. As he plucked leaves to stay awake, they fell upon the Shivling. Drops of water from the nearby pond also fell during the night.
Without intention, he had completed the rituals of Maha Shivratri. After his death, when the messengers of Yama came to take him, Shiva’s attendants protected him and granted him liberation.
The message: Even an unintentional act performed with sincerity and purity can please Lord Shiva.
Why The Night Of Maha Shivratri Still Matters
Maha Shivratri is not merely a festival; it is a night symbolising the dissolution of darkness and awakening of consciousness. The late-night Nishith Kaal worship represents silence, stillness, and union with the divine, a time when devotees seek transformation, forgiveness, and inner strength.
Those who continue their prayers through the night are believed to receive blessings for spiritual growth, peace, and fulfillment of heartfelt wishes.
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(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)
