Maha Shivratri 2026 is being celebrated with immense devotion as several auspicious yogas and rajyogas enhance the spiritual importance of the day. Devotees are observing fasts, performing jalabhishek, and offering belpatra and dhatura to Lord Shiva during the four prahar puja timings.
Four Prahar Puja Timings Mark Spiritual Significance of Maha Shivratri Festival
New Delhi: Today, Mahashivratri is being celebrated with great devotion and reverence across the country. This year, several auspicious yogas and Rajyogas have formed on Mahashivratri, which are considered extremely fruitful in astrology. According to the almanac, there is a combination of Shiva Yoga, Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga, Ayushmaan Yoga, Saubhagya Yoga, Shobhan Yoga, Preeti Yoga, Sadhy Yoga, Shukla Yoga, Dhruva Yoga, Variyaan Yoga, and Vyatipat Yoga. Furthermore, Rajyogas like Budhaditya, Shukraditya, Navapancham, Lakshmi Narayan, and Chaturgrahi are also making this day special.
PM Modi wishes people on Mahashivratri
There is a tradition of performing worship during the four Prahar on the night of Mahashivratri. The first prahar (peripheral worship) can be performed from 6:39 pm to 9:45 pm, the second prahar from 9:45 am to 12:52 am, the third prahar from 12:52 am to 3:59 am, and the fourth prahar from 3:59 am to 7:06 am. It is believed that performing puja with proper rituals during these times brings special virtuous results and removes obstacles in life.
Jalabhishek is considered the simplest and most effective way to please Lord Shiva. On Mahashivratri, performing Jalabhishek from 8:24 am to 12:35 pm is considered auspicious. Water can also be offered in the evening from 6:11 pm to 7:47 pm. Chanting the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" during this time increases spiritual benefits and brings peace to the mind.
On Mahashivratri, bathe in the morning and take a vow to fast. Spread a chapati on a clean surface and place rice on it. Place an idol of Lord Shiva or a Shivalinga on top of the rice. Fill a pot with water, draw a swastika on it, add a betel nut and a coin, and place it in front of Lord Shiva. Light a ghee lamp and perform Jalabhishek on the Shivalinga. Afterward, offer Belpatra (wood apple leaves), Dhatura (sweet gram flour), Bhang (cannabis), Shami leaves, and flowers. Finally, perform Shiva Aarti, as worship is considered incomplete without Aarti.
Mahashivratri is not only a religious festival but also a symbol of self-purification, restraint, and spiritual practice. Devotees strive to obtain Lord Shiva's blessings through fasting, night vigils, and chanting mantras. It is believed that worship performed with true devotion brings happiness, peace, and prosperity in life.
