Maha Shivratri 2026: Today Mahashivratri, know 4 Prahar Puja Muhurta, Nishith Kaal, Jalabhishek time and complete method

Mahashivratri 2026: Today, on 15th February, the holy festival of Mahashivratri is being celebrated with reverence and devotion across the country. According to the Hindu calendar, this great festival falls on the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month. It is believed that the marriage of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati took place on this divine night.

There are a total of 12 Shivratri in a year, but Mahashivratri is considered the most fruitful and important. On this day, devotees observe fast, keep vigil at night and pray to Shiva at all four times and pray for special blessings.

Mahashivratri 2026: Time of worship of Char Prahar

• The auspicious time for worship of first Prahar will be from 6:11 pm to 9:23 pm today.
• The time of worship of the second Prahar will be from 9:23 pm tonight to 12:35 midnight on 16th February.
• The auspicious time of the third prahar is from 12:35 pm on 16 February to 3:47 am.
• The worship of the fourth Prahar can be done from 3:47 am to 6:59 am on 16th February.

Special virtues are attained by worshiping in all the four Prahars in the prescribed manner.

Auspicious time of Nishith Kaal

Nishith period has special significance on Mahashivratri. This year Nishith Kaal will be from 12:09 pm to 1:01 am on 16th February. During this period, worshiping Shiva is considered extremely auspicious and fruitful.

Auspicious time for Jalabhishek

Today many best Muhurats are available for Jalabhishek:

• First Muhurta: 8:24 am to 9:48 am
• Second Muhurta: 9:48 am to 11:11 am
• Third Muhurta (Amrit Best): 11:11 am to 12:35 am
• Fourth Muhurta: 6:11 to 7:47 pm

During these times, offering water to Shivling with devotion is considered extremely fruitful.

Auspicious results of Mahashivratri 2026

On this auspicious day, Vyatipat Yoga will remain from 3:18 am to 2:47 pm on 16th February.
Sarvarthasiddhi Yoga will be effective from 7:00 am to 7:48 pm.

Apart from this, Preeti, Ayushman, Saubhagya, Sadhya, Shiv, Shukla, Shobhan, Chandramangal, Trigrahi, Raj and Dhruv yogas are also being formed. Due to the conjunction of Sun, Mercury and Venus, major Rajyoga like Budhaditya, Lakshmi Narayan and Shukraditya are also being formed.

method of worship

Get up in the morning at Brahma Muhurta, take bath and take a pledge to fast. Wear clean clothes and go to Shiva temple. Anoint Shivling with water, milk, ghee or sugarcane juice. Offer Belpatra, Dhatura, Bhang, fruits, flowers and sweets. After this, chant ‘Om Namah Shivay’, read Shiv Chalisa and perform Aarti. Keeping vigil at night is considered auspicious.

mahashivratri mantra

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra

Om Trimbakam Yajamahe Sugandhi Pushtivardhanam.
Urvarukamiv Bandhananmrityormukshiya Mamritat ॥

Rudra Gayatri Mantra

Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi.
Tanno Rudra: Prachodayat.

Mahashivratri story

According to the story described in Garuda Purana, a hunter unknowingly worshiped Shiva. The leaves fallen from the Bilva tree and the water of the pond were offered to Shivalinga. When the Yamdoots came after his death, the Lord Shiva protected him. This story tells that even a small work done with a true heart is dear to Lord Shiva.