Today, devotees across India are gathering at Shiva temples for Mahashivratri, a day believed to wash away sins through water offerings to the Shiva linga, with a crucial 52-minute auspicious time for rituals.
On Mahashivratri, which falls on February 15, 2026, devotees are flocking to Shiva temples across India to appease Lord Mahadev. It is believed that offering water to the Shiva linga on this holy day cleanses individuals of their sins and brings peace and happiness in life. The rituals on this day primarily occur at night, as this time is considered spiritually powerful and fruitful. If one plans to participate in the rituals, understanding the precise moment for water offerings is crucial for ensuring the efficacy of the worship.
The most significant time for performing the water offering, or Jalabhishek, on Mahashivratri is known as 'Nishita Kaal', or the midnight muhoort. For this year, the Nishita Kaal for Mahashivratri will commence on the night of February 16 at 12:09 AM and will last until 1:01 AM. According to religious beliefs, it was during this particular timeframe that Lord Mahadev manifested from the formless to the form, making it paramount for devotees to offer water during this fleeting 52-minute interval to maximize the benefits of their worship.
Devotees are encouraged to arrive at Shiva temples ahead of the Nishita Kaal to ensure they can participate in the rituals effectively and secure the blessings of Lord Mahadev. Understanding and respecting these auspicious timings is considered vital for the spiritual success of their prayers and efforts on this sanctified occasion, as participating within the specified timeframe is believed to enhance the spiritual rewards derived from the rituals.
