Mahashivratri 2025: Get the special blessings of Bholenath by offering worship in all four prahars

Mahashivratri 2025 will be celebrated on February 26th, across the country. Devotees of Lord Shiva have made elaborate preparations for this festival. On this auspicious occasion, special worship is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati.

Temples will witness a large gathering of devotees, as fasting and regular worship hold great importance on Mahashivratri. It is believed that those who offer Belpatra to Shiva and remain awake throughout the night, chanting God's mantras, receive special blessings from Bholenath.

Worship during the four prahars (time periods) on Mahashivratri is considered particularly important. If you plan to worship Bholenath during these four prahars, here are the auspicious timings and the correct method of worship.

Auspicious Timings for Four Prahars of Worship on Mahashivratri

First Prahar: February 26 from 06:19 PM to 09:26 PM

Second Prahar: February 26 from 09:26 PM to February 27 12:34 AM

Third Prahar: February 27 from 12:34 AM to 03:41 AM

Fourth Prahar: February 27 from 03:41 AM to 06:44 AM

Method of Worshiping Lord Shiva in Four Prahars

First Prahar: Bathe the Shivling with milk and chant the mantra "Hreem Ishaanay Namah."

Second Prahar: Bathe the Shivling with curd and chant the mantra "Hreem Aghoraya Namah."

Third Prahar: Bathe the Shivling with ghee and chant the mantra "Hreem Vamadevay Namah."

Fourth Prahar: Bathe the Shivling with honey and chant the mantra "Hreem Sadyojatay Namah."

Additionally, scriptures suggest that during the second, third, and fourth prahars, the fasting person should perform Puja, offer Arghya, engage in Japa, and listen to the Shiv Katha. It is also recommended to recite stotras and bow down to the Lord.

Another tradition suggests beginning the worship with sandalwood paste, followed by offerings of sesame (til), rice, and ghee mixed bhaat (cooked rice) into the fire. After the havan, a whole fruit, often a dry coconut, should be offered. Finally, reciting the Shiv Katha and offering aahuti at midnight, during the third quarter of the night, and the fourth quarter is customary, concluding with the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" at sunrise the following day.