Masik Shivaratri is a significant monthly festivity that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is celebrated every month on the Chaturdashi Tithi (fourteenth day) of Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase). The devotees of Lord Shiva perform special pujas, pray, and fast on this day to seek the great blessings of Lord Shiva.
According to the Hindu calendar, Masik Shivaratri will be celebrated in Vaishakha on the 26th of April, 2025 (Saturday). This is observed during the Vikrama Samvat 2079-80 and Krishna Chaturdashi.
Importance of Masik Shivaratri
What is the significance of Masik Shivaratri? There is a great need to answer this question since Masik Shivaratri has a special place in spirituality. By keeping a vrat (fast) on Masik Shivaratri, it is believed that devotees are able to remove all the negativity surrounding them. By worshipping Lord Shiva on this day, one can attain immense peace, prosperity, and good health.
In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is worshipped for keeping a fast on this day so he can get the wish of marrying Goddess Parvati. Also, these fasts make devotees of Lord Shiva very happy by fulfilling their wishes. Many devotees believe that not only fasting but rituals performed on this day help wash away all the past sins and lead one towards a prosperous future.
Puja Vidhi (Rituals of Worship)
Giving yourself fully to the Shivaratri puja rituals is imperative. Below are the details:
- Early Morning Bath: Clean bathing and changing to fresh clothes is a must before the start of the puja.
- Temple Visit: Several worshipers go to the temples of Lord Shiva and say the required prayers.
- Abhishekam (Sacred Bath): The bathing of the Linga is done with milk, honey, ghee and water, a mantra is recited continuously – the Shiva mantras.
- Offering Bilva Leaves: Lord Shiva is offered Bilva leaves which is also known as Bel Patra, for he will be the one receiving a grand offering made for lords.
- Chanting Mantras: Lord Shiva is gladdened by the reciting of “Om Namah Shivaya” as well as other Shiva mantras.
- Fasting: There are lots of worshippers who fast for the whole day or do a partial fast, limiting their intake to fruits and milk.
- Lighting Diyas and Incense: Devotees light lamps and incense sticks to create a holy ambiance.
- Night Vigil (Jagran): At night, staying awake while singing Shiva bhajans is another key part of the worship.
- Reading Scriptures: A few devotees read stories and other literature of Lord Shiva such as the Shiva Purana.
- Breaking the Fast: Offering prayers in the morning to Lord Shiva completes the fast.
Fasting Guidelines Masik Shivaratri
Fasting during Masik Shivaratri has its own rules and requirements. Check them out below:
- Devotees do not partake in grains or pulses, and forgo their daily meals.
- They partake in the consumption of fruits, milk, and dry fruits.
- Drinking herbal beverages such as coconut water along with water is permitted.
- Some devotees follow the nirjala fast, which means they do not take any solid or liquid during the fasting period.
- Chanting and meditation are helpful during the fast to keep the spiritual discipline in check.
- The fast is broken the next morning after performing the puja (prayer).
Also Read = Pradosh Vrat 2025: Significance, Dates, Timings, Vrat Katha & Puja Vidhi
Advantages of Watching Masik Shivaratri
The devotees of lord Shiva gain several advantages by observing this day:
- Maalokshya: The devotees achieve peace and a feeling of divinity during meditation.
- Health benefits: It is believed that fasting helps clean the body and improves willpower.
- Most sins evaporate: It is believed that following the Shivratri vrat allows one to get rid of the maximum possible deceits.
- Welfare and success: Lord Shiva’s blessings help to gain wealth and also enhance success at work.
- Negative impacts: Following the fast allows to remove any negative effects and bad spirits.
- Family balance: Couples fasting Masik Shivaratri are blessed with a happy and fulfilling family life.
Masik Shivaratri Celebrations Across Different Regions
The fervor with which devotees in India perform the Masik Shivratri rituals is something to admire. The following are the varied customs celebrated in various locations:
- Devotees in Northern India pay their respects at well-known Shiva temples like Kashi Vishwanath and Kedarnath.
- In South India, thousands flock to Rameshwaram and Chidambaram temples.
- In Maharashtra, devotees pour Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar) over the idol in honor of Lord Shiva’s Mahabhishekham.
- The night-long kirtan chanting of bhajan or devotional songs is most characteristic of West Bengal.
- Shiva temples in Gujarat and Rajasthan are unusually decorated, and procession celebrations make for grander Shiva temples.
Conclusion
Every month on this day, devotees can seek Lord Shiva’s divine blessings and deepen their devotion to the observance of Masik Shivaratri. This day can be observed with faith and understanding for a positive impact on well-being, prosperity, and peace.
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