Bhadra Period On Mahashivratri 2026: Know The Auspicious Timing Of Puja

Mahashivratri 2026: Mahashivratri, the biggest festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, is being celebrated today. This Mahashivratri falls amidst special astrological coincidences. Celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Phalgun, this festival has brought some uncertainty for devotees this time, as the shadow of "Bhadra Kaal" also looms over this sacred occasion. Bhadra is often considered a taboo for auspicious activities, raising many questions among devotees regarding the timing of Jalabhishek and puja. Let's find out what astrology says and what the exact auspicious time for puja will be.

Shadow of Bhadra: Will puja be affected?

According to astrological calculations, Bhadra Kaal on Mahashivratri will begin at 5:04 pm on February 15th and last until 5:23 am on the next day, February 16th. Religious beliefs prohibit auspicious activities during Bhadra, but a welcome relief for Shiva devotees is that this time Bhadra resides in the 'Patal Lok' (underworld). According to scriptures, when Bhadra is in the underworld or heaven, its inauspicious effects do not affect the inhabitants of Earth. Therefore, devotees can perform Jalabhishek, fast, and perform rituals for Mahadev throughout the night without any fear or doubt.

Chaturdashi Tithi and Auspicious Time

This year, Mahashivratri fast is being observed today, February 15th. Chaturdashi Tithi will begin on February 15th at 5:04 pm. It will end on February 16th at 5:34 pm.

Key timings for the day's Jalabhishek

The first Muhurta will be from 8:24 am to 9:48 am. The second Muhurta will be from 9:48 am to 11:11 am. The third Muhurta will be from 11:11 am to 12:35 pm.

Four Prahar Puja

The 'Four Prahar' puja on Mahashivratri has special spiritual significance. For devotees who wish to stay awake all night, the timings and method are as follows:

The first Prahar will be from 6:39 pm to 9:45 pm. This puja, which begins in the evening, involves anointing Lord Shiva with milk. This is the time to attain mental peace and devotion.

The second Prahar will be from 9:45 pm to 12:52 midnight. During the late hours of the night, it is customary to offer curd to Lord Shiva. This period is considered to remove the troubles of life.

The third period will be from 12:52 am to 3:59 am. During this deep midnight period, abhishekam is performed with ghee. Offering ghee is believed to bring health and prosperity. The fourth period will be from 3:59 am to 7:06 am.

In this final period, near Brahmamuhurta, honey is offered to Lord Shiva. This period is a time for salvation and accomplishment of spiritual practice.

Nishita Kaal: The Most Powerful Time

The most important worship of Mahashivratri is considered to be during 'Nishita Kaal'. In the year 2026, the Nishita Kaal worship time will be from 12:28 am to 1:17 am. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a linga during this time, hence worship performed during this time is immediately fruitful.

Summary

Devotees are lining up to perform Jalabhishek. However, according to astrological calculations, the shadow of Bhadra will begin this evening and will last until tomorrow morning.