Overview
- Drik Panchang lists Maha Shivratri on Sunday, February 15, with Chaturdashi from 5:04 pm Feb 15 to 5:34 pm Feb 16, Nishita Kaal 12:09–1:01 am Feb 16, four night-prahar pujas through 6:42 am, and Parana from 6:59 am to 3:24 pm on Feb 16.
- Astrologers report unusually auspicious alignments this year, including five Rajyogas and mentions of Maha Lakshmi Yoga, which they say heighten the night’s spiritual significance.
- Devotees are guided to keep fasts and a night-long vigil, perform Rudra Abhishek or Panchamrit abhishekam, chant Om Namah Shivaya or the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, offer bel leaves, milk and datura, and avoid Tulsi, ketaki and turmeric in Shiva puja.
- Isha Yoga Centre’s Feb 15 event will host Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and MoS L. Murugan, with Adiyogi light-and-sound, midnight Mahamantra initiation and Sadhguru leading the Yogeshwara Linga Maha Abhishekam for the first time.
- Temple administrations report expanded facilities and transport for heavy turnout, including 40 APSRTC special buses in Srikakulam, 2,243 TSRTC services to 43 major temples in Telangana, extended darshan, medical camps and crowd-management measures.