All about Nishita Kala – Nishit Kaal

It is period/ time  usually of duration of less than an hour and fall during the midnight.

Nishita Kala is defined as the 8th muhurta of the night and it is attained after doing complex calculation. It is of great importance to the Panchang makers and Jyothishis as this period is essential for calculating festival and auspicious days.

Nishita Kala period is chosen to do pujas and worship on the Shivaratri day. This period is of great importance to some Hindu communities. For a festival to be fixed there should be a Nishita Kala on the day.

For example a festival falling on Ashtami, there should be a nishita Kala on Ashtami day.
During Shivaratri, Nishita time is the time when Lord Shiva appeared on the Earth in the form of Linga and the time window to break the fast on next day.

Nishita Kala is the most perfect time to observe Shiva Pooja. In all Shiva temples the most auspecious Lingodbhava pooja is performed during this time. Nishita Kala or the time when Lord Shiva manifested as Shiva Lingam on earth is the most important time of the night for Shiva puja.

NISHITA KAAL PUJA TIME = 24:26+ to 25:15+      (12:26 PM to  1:15 PM IST,  Midnight)
( Nishita time when Lord Shiva appeared on the Earth in the form of Linga)

Duration = 0 Hours 49 Mins

Shiva Puja should be done during night. Shivaratri Puja can be performed one time or four times during the night. The whole night duration can be divided into four to get four Prahar  to perform Shiva Puja four times. Devotees who want to perform single Puja should do it during midnight.

As per the pooja vidhi of maha shivratri, Shiva linga abisheka has to be done with six different materials. The materials are as follows,

* Milk is for the blessing of purity and piousness.

* Yogurt is for prosperity and progeny.

* Honey is for sweet speech.

* Ghee is for victory.

* Sugar is for happiness.

* Water is for purity.

After the Abhishek ritual, Shiva Linga is adorned with the garland made of Bilva leaves. It is believed that Bilva leaves cool down Lord Shiva.

After that Chandan is applied to the Shiva Linga which is followed by lighting lamp and Dhupa. The other items which are used to adorn Lord Shiva include flower of Madar (मदार) which is also known as Aak (आक), Vibhuti which is also known as Bhasm. Vibhuti is sacred ash which is made using dried cow dung.

The mantra to chant during Puja duration is ॐ नमः शिवाय (Om Namah Shivaya).

OR

|| Om Trayambakam Yajaamahe
Suganghim Pushtivardhanam

Urvaarukmiva Bandhanaan
Mrityor Mokshiya Mamritaat ||

[The meaning of the Mantra is as follows:]

I worship thee, O sweet Lord of transcendental vision (the three -eyed one or Lord Siva). O giver of health and prosperity to all, may I be free from the bonds of death, just as a melon (or cucumber) is severed effortlessly from its bondage or attachment to the creeper.

Devotees should break the fast next day after taking bath. Devotees should break the fast between sunrise and before the end of Chaturdashi Tithi to get maximum benefit of the Vrat.