Masik Shivaratri (2089)
Dates and timings for Pune
About the Vrat & Significance
Masik Shivaratri is observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi (14th day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of every lunar month. It is a monthly festival dedicated to the supreme deity Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, on the night of Shivaratri, Lord Shiva performed the celestial dance of creation, preservation, and destruction (Tandava), and it is also believed to be the night when Shiva manifested as the pillar of fire (Jyotirlinga) to resolve a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu. Observing a fast on Masik Shivaratri helps devotees control their desires, dissolve their ego, and overcome negative emotions like anger and jealousy. Worshipping Shiva during the midnight hours (Nishita Kaal) is believed to liberate devotees from earthly bondages, heal physical illnesses, and ensure spiritual enlightenment and ultimate union with the divine.
The fast begins at sunrise on Chaturdashi and ends after sunrise on the next day (Amavasya). The main and most powerful puja window is the Nishita Kaal (solar midnight, which is a 48-minute period around solar midnight). The fast must be broken the following morning after performing morning prayers.
- Shiva Lingam (placed in a copper or brass tray)
- Bael leaves (Bilva patra) - preferably 118 or 108
- Dhatura flowers, Dhatura fruits, and Shami leaves
- Raw cow milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar, and gangajal (for Panchamrit)
- Sandalwood paste (Chandan) and Vibhuti
- Incense sticks, Dhoop, and multiple ghee lamps
- Camphor (Kapur) for Aarti
- Whole rice grains (Akshat) and white sesame seeds
- Fresh coconut, fruits (especially seasonal fruits like wood-apple)
- Sweets (Kheer or milk sweets) as Naivedya
- Janeu (sacred thread) for Lord Shiva
- Wake up early, take a purifying bath, wear clean clothes, and take a solemn vow (Sankalpa) to observe the Masik Shivaratri fast.
- Perform a morning puja by pouring water on the Shiva Lingam, applying sandalwood paste, and offering Bael leaves.
- Observe a strict fast during the day and night, spending time chanting Shiva hymns and reading Shiva scriptures.
- In the late evening, prepare for the elaborate night puja, which is traditionally performed during the Nishita Kaal (midnight).
- Place the Shiva Lingam in a copper vessel and perform a detailed Abhishek using water, milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar, and gangajal while chanting "Om Namah Shivaya".
- Wipe the Lingam dry, apply Vibhuti and white sandalwood paste, and offer the Janeu (sacred thread).
- Offer Akshat, Bael leaves, Dhatura flowers, Shami leaves, and seasonal fruits to the deity.
- Light multiple ghee lamps and incense sticks, filling the space with sacred fragrance.
- Chant the Shiva Tandava Stotram, Shiva Mahimna Stotram, or repeat the Panchakshari mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" 108 times.
- Perform the midnight Aarti with camphor, pray for spiritual growth and peace, and offer sweets as Naivedya.
- Remain awake during the night (Jagran) in prayer if possible. The next morning, perform a simple bath and morning puja, offer food to the needy, and break the fast after sunrise.
Yearly Vrat Calendar Dates
| # | Date | Day | Month / Tithi | Auspicious Muhurat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No dates found for this year. | ||||
