Devotees traditionally observe a night-long vigil, offering prayers to Lord Shivan through four Kaala Poojais (ritual worship sessions) conducted throughout the night. However, those unable to stay awake all night can still partake in the observance by worshiping during specific hours. Fasting on Maha Shivarathiri is also believed to grant devotees the same spiritual merit as staying awake, along with Lord Shivan’s grace and success in their endeavours.
The most sacred time for worship..
Maha Shivarathiri pooja begins at 6 PM and continues until 7 AM the next day. While all four Kaala Poojais are important, the third Kaala Poojai, held between 12 AM and 3 AM, is considered the most powerful.
Within this period, the Nishita Kala Poojai, occurring between 12:09 AM and 12:59 AM, is regarded as the most auspicious moment to worship Lord Shivan.
Prayers offered during this time are believed to be especially potent and fulfilled.
The timeless worship of Lord Shivan
Lord Shivan is revered as the God of Time, meaning that worshiping Him is not bound by conventional time constraints. Unlike other rituals that may be affected by inauspicious time periods such as Rahu Kalam or Emakandam, Shiva’s worship remains uninterrupted and unaffected by planetary influences.
Source / Image Credit : Tamil Samayam, Level Supermind