Masik Shivratri is a powerful and sacred fast observed by the majority of women in India. The vrat is dedicated to the Supreme Lord of the universe, Lord Shiva. Masik Shivratri is a special vrat that is observed every month on the Chaturdasi (14th day) of the Krishna Paksha (the waning or diminishing phase of the moon). Masik Shivratri is observed every month whereas Mahashivratri falls just once a year. Devotees, who want to observe Masik Shivaratri Vrat, can start it from Maha Shivaratri day and continue it for a year.
Significance of Masik Shivratri
The significance of Masik Shivratri has great weightage and importance in Hindu mythology.
- According to the Puranas, the observer of the Mashik Shivaratri fast earns the divine power to deal with the two natural forces that create hindrances in a person’s success. The two forces are called ‘Tamas guna’ and ‘Rajas guna’.
- Those who observe the vrat are known to overcome their ill emotions like anger, jealousy and fear.
- The ardent devotees of Lord Shiva believe that keeping the Mashik Shivratri Vrat is equal to or even more auspicious than conducting the vigorous Ashwamedha Yagna.
- A person who keeps the Mashik Shivaratri fast with full devotion and sincerity while following all the rules is said to get a chance to get rid of his/her past sins.
- Such devotees are believed to get unified with the divine Supreme power and live a peaceful life in Lord Shiva’s abode. That devotee also gets freedom from the monotonous repeated cycle of birth and death.
Masik Shivratri Puja Rituals
Masik Shivratri vrat is known to get fulfilled only when performed by strictly adhering to the rules and rituals, giving attention to integrities. Let’s take a look at the details of Masik Shivratri Puja Rituals:
- Firstly, the observer should get up early in the morning, before dawn on puja day and meditate while taking Lord Shiva’s name. Then he should take a bath and wear fresh clothes.
- The devotee should wear a ‘Rudraksha Mala’ and apply ‘Vibhuti’ on his/her forehead throughout the day since it’s considered very auspicious.
- Then the observer of the vrat visits a nearby Shiva temple and performs the ritual of bathing the Shivling with Panchamrit. The devotees seek blessings and forgiveness for their sins while performing the Panchamrit bath ritual.
- After that, incense sticks and oil lamps are lit in front of the Shivling and a lotus garland is offered to Lord Shiva. Then the devotees apply Haldi and kumkum on the Linga and ring the temple bells as a vital part of the puja ceremony.
- The devotees fast all throughout the day and sing bhajans and mantras of Lord Shiva to please him. It is also believed that one who stays up vigil all night and chants “Om Namah Shivaya” is blessed with all his/her wishes and desires.
- In some places, during the Masik Shivratri fast, it’s mandatory to give a holy bath to the Shivling every three hours. The main puja is conducted in the evening and a special bhog in the form of fruits is offered to Lord Shiva. The vrat is broken the next day by consuming the prasad.
Masik Shivratri 2023 Dates and Muhurat
- January 20, 2023, Friday
12:09 a.m to 12:58 a.m, January 21
- February 18, 2023, Saturday
12:12 a.m to 01:00 a.m, February 19
- March 20, 2023, Monday
12:06 a.m to 12:53 a.m, March 21
- April 18, 2023, Tuesday
11:58 p.m to 12:45 a.m, April 19
- May 17, 2023, Wednesday
11:56 p.m to 12:42 a.m, May 18
- June 16, 2023, Friday
12:00 a.m to 12:46 a.m, June 17
12:05 a.m to 12:51 a.m, July 16
- August 14, 2023, Monday – Aadhik Maas Shivratri
12:04 a.m to 12:50 a.m, August 15
- September 13, 2023, Wednesday
11:54 p.m to 12:42 a.m, September 14
- October 12, 2023, Thursday
11:45 p.m to 12:33 a.m, October 13
- November 11, 2023, Saturday
11:42 p.m to 12:31 a.m, November 12
- December 11, 2023, Monday
11:51 p.m to 12:40 a.m, December 12
About DevDarshan
Started by IIT graduates, DevDarshan is a Devotional Platform for 5000+ Hindu Temples in the Indian Subcontinent. DevDarshan’s long-term vision is to provide a digital platform to Temples and Gurus for sharing the millennia-old teachings of Indian culture in the world and by doing so, projecting Bharat (India) as Vishwa Guru (Universal Leader) through its rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
DevDarshan facilitates online Daily Darshan, Pujas and digital donations for Devotees. Due to the present state of the pandemic, the majority of the Temples have shifted to conducting online Masik Shivratri Puja for the convenience of the Devotees. However, it becomes a bit of a hassle to connect to the Mandir priests to get the puja conducted. DevDarshan can come to your rescue at that moment. DevDarshan is a platform which provides a smooth interaction between the Temples, Pandits and Devotees without much worry and hassle. It also conducts online Pujas such as online Masik Shivratri Puja. Check out the online services provided by DevDarshan here and get your bookings done in one click.
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