On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva is worshipped, which brings good fortune. It is believed that those who perform Rudrabhishek on this day are relieved of sorrow, suffering, and negativity from their lives. Long queues of devotees are seen at temples on this festival, celebrated on the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Phalguna month. Many people also observe a fast, consisting solely of fruit diets, in addition to the puja. This year, Mahashivratri will be celebrated on February 15, 2026. There are four special times for worship, which begin in the evening.
Timings of Mahashivratri
The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Phalguna month. According to the calendar, Uttarashadha Nakshatra will prevail in the first time of the evening on Sunday, February 15th, until 7:48 pm. Worshiping Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva during this time brings great benefits. In fact, Shravan Nakshatra is about to begin after that. This time, a great coincidence is being formed for Shiva worship in Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva during Shravan Nakshatra brings excellent results.
Why are the four prahars special for Mahashivratri worship?
Prahar means that the night is divided into four parts for worship. The first prahar begins at 6:32 pm and lasts until 9:23 am. The next prahar will last from 9:30 am to 12:35 am. Then it will continue from 12:35 am to 3:47 am. The last prahar will last from 3:47 am to 6:59 am. During this time, the Shivalinga is anointed and worshipped. Shiva mantras are also chanted.
Follow these steps for worship
Before following the four-hour worship ritual, purify your body and mind.
In the first prahar, perform Rudrabhishek of the Shivalinga at an auspicious time. Most people perform the abhishek with Panchamrit, but it can also be done with just water.
In the second prahar, perform the abhishek of the Shivalinga and chant mantras with complete purity. This will bestow the fruitful results of the puja.
During the puja in all prahars, a lamp is lit, and white flowers, Bel leaves, and Datura are offered to the Shivalinga.
In the fourth prahar, Lord Shiva’s Aarti is performed, and Prasad is distributed among all.
Use these materials for Rudrabhishek in all prahars
If you want to perform the abhishek of the Shivalinga according to the prahar, offer water and milk in the first prahar. It is believed that just as milk is the first food a child eats after birth, the amount of water and milk in the prahar is balanced. Similarly, after the water abhishekam, the Shivalinga is anointed with milk.
In the second prahar, anoint it with curd and honey. It is believed that anointing with curd protects us from going astray. Furthermore, a person experiences wisdom in life, which is as sweet as honey.
In the third prahar, anointing is done with ghee. Ghee signifies that a person goes through many stages in life. This means that after wandering and experiencing many ups and downs in life, he finds the right path.
In the fourth prahar, anointing is done with water, which indicates that when a person passes through all the stages, ultimately purity and cleanliness reside in his mind.
Those observing the fast on this day should keep these things in mind:
On Mahashivratri, wake up during the Brahma Muhurta, take a bath, and resolve to observe the fast.
After that, spread a red and yellow cloth in the temple at home and install idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
After that, offer them clothes and perform the abhishekam of the Shivalinga with full rituals. Also, perform puja.
Offer Belpatra, flowers, and O leaves during the puja.
On this day, married women should offer wedding items to Goddess Parvati. This brings auspicious results.
In addition, worship the Shiva family twice.
Know more about Mahashivratri puja and Rudhrabhishek, talk to our Astrologist now!
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