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New Delhi/Religion Desk. In Hindu religion, the festival of Mahashivratri is considered the highest peak of spiritual consciousness and devotion. Symbolizing the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati, this festival provides a rare opportunity to the devotees to connect with ‘Shiv-Shakti’. According to religious beliefs, worship performed as per rituals on this day not only fulfills the wishes of the devotees but also brings happiness, peace and harmony in marital life. Removing the dilemma regarding the date of Mahashivratri in the year 2026, astrologers have shared information about the auspicious time of worship and special yogas.
Exact date of Mahashivratri 2026 and solution to uncertainty
Every year Mahashivratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month. In the year 2026, Chaturdashi Tithi will start at 05:04 PM on 15th February and end at 05:34 PM on 16th February. According to the scriptures, the fast of Mahashivratri is observed on the day when Chaturdashi Tithi prevails during night time (Nishita Kaal). On this basis, Mahashivratri will be celebrated on 15 February 2026.
Mahashivratri puja time: Auspicious time of all four prahars
There is special significance in worshiping Lord Shiva in four prahars on Mahashivratri. For the convenience of the devotees, the timings of all four Prahar and Nishita Kaal puja are given here:
First Prahar Puja: From 06:39 pm to 09:45 pm.
Worship of the second hour: From 09:45 pm to 12:52 am.
Worship of the third hour: From 12:52 am to 03:59 am.
Worship of the fourth hour: From 03:59 am to 07:06 am.
Nishita Kaal Puja: From 12:28 pm to 01:17 am (morning).
Rare ‘Chaturgrahi Yoga’ and amazing combination of constellations
Mahashivratri of the year 2026 is also going to be very important from astrological point of view. On this day, the combination of Sun, Mercury, Rahu and Venus in Aquarius will create ‘Chaturgrahi Yoga’. Along with this, a combination of Uttara Ashada and Shravan Nakshatras will also be formed, which is considered very auspicious for spiritual practice. Vyatipat Yoga will also be effective throughout the day, which increases the results of Shiva devotion manifold.
Special mantra for worship of Char Prahar
According to the scriptures, by chanting specific mantras in the worship of every Prahar, Mahadev gets pleased quickly. These mantras should be chanted at least 108 times during the puja:
First Prahar Mantra: ‘Hreem Ishanaya Namah’
Second Prahar Mantra: ‘Hreem Aghorai Namah’
Third Prahar Mantra: ‘Hreem Vamdevaya Namah’
Fourth Prahar Mantra: ‘Hreem Sadyojataay Namah’
Other powerful mantras of Lord Shiva:
Om Sadho Jaatye Namah.
Om and devaay namah.
Om Aghorai Namah.
Om Tatpurushaya Namah.
Om Ishaanay Namah.
Om Hreem Hraun Namah Shivay.
Do not make these mistakes on Mahashivratri
It is believed that it is necessary to take some precautions on Mahashivratri. Purification of body and mind is mandatory before worship. While anointing Shivalinga, do not offer milk from a copper pot (steel or silver vessel is best for milk). Apart from this, offering Ketaki flower and vermillion on Shivalinga is considered prohibited. Pure mind and complete devotion are the biggest assets in worshiping Lord Shiva.