As the sacred night of Maha Shivratri dawns on February 15, devotees prepare for a spiritual extravaganza honoring Shiva and Gauri. This isn’t just any festival; it’s the cosmic night when Shiva’s energy fully awakens, rewarding worship with unparalleled siddhis and grace.
Rooted in the legend of Shiva-Parvati’s celestial wedding, the day falls on Phalgun Krishna Chaturdashi. Observances include day-long fasts, elaborate abhishekam with sacred offerings, and nocturnal jaagrans echoing with ‘Om Namah Shivaya’.
Astrological alignments are stellar: Chaturdashi activates post 5:04 PM February 14. Sunday’s skies feature Uttara Ashadha till 7:48 PM, then Shravana Nakshatra; Vyatipata Yoga till 2:47 AM next day; Capricorn Moon transit. Sun rises at 7 AM, sets at 6:11 PM.
Prime shubh muhurats include Brahma from 5:17-6:08 AM, Abhijit 12:13-12:58 PM, and Amrit Kaal 12:59 PM-2:41 PM. Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga, the game-changer for success in all tasks, runs 7 AM to 7:48 PM—perfect for poojas.
Heed the warnings: No activities during Rahu Kaal (4:47-6:11 PM), Yamaganda (12:35 PM-1:59 PM), or Gulikai (3:23-4:47 PM). Bhadra’s shadow from 5:04 PM Feb 14 to 5:23 AM Feb 16 demands caution; postpone auspicious starts.
Midnight Nishita Kaal reigns supreme for pooja, amplifying fruits of devotion. From grand shrines like Somnath to local mandirs, the nation pulses with bhakti. Maha Shivratri offers a rare gateway to purge darkness, embrace positivity, and align with divine will.