Masik Shivratri

The Shivratri that falls on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha in every month is called Masik Shivratri. It is very virtuous, beneficial and fulfills all the wishes like Kamdhenu.

According to the Shiva Purana, when Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a radiant pillar of light, Brahma and Vishnu worshipped him first. Pleased by their devotion, Shiva smiled and said, "Today is a very special day. I am very pleased with your worship. Therefore, this day will be extremely auspicious and great. This date, known as 'Shivaratri,' will be very dear to me. Whoever worships my formless Linga (symbol of formless existence) with devotion today will attain supreme knowledge. Whoever observes Shivaratri by fasting throughout the day and night, controlling their senses, and worshipping me with a pure heart and mind according to the prescribed rituals will immediately receive the benefits equivalent to those obtained by worshipping me continuously for a year."

During the monthly Shivaratri, a joyful festival is celebrated where worship and devotional songs are offered to Lord Shiva. On this day, along with worshiping Lord Shiva, it is considered very auspicious to have the darshan (sight) of Lord Shiva along with Parvati.

Worship method of Shivratri fast: -

On the day of Shivaratri, after completing daily rituals and activities, if possible, one should devoutly visit a Shiva temple or shrine and perform worship according to rituals with full devotion. If going to a temple is not feasible, one can meditate upon Lord Shiva's linga or, if that's not available, his idol at home, while lighting incense and lamps and making a vow for the fast. After making the vow, one should perform the worship of Lord Shiva according to the prescribed rituals. During the worship, first offer water, milk, and Ganga water to the Shiva Linga, followed by offerings of bilva leaves, pure ghee, honey, yogurt, and dhatura, among others. Offer arati to Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati with incense and lamps. Recite special mantras of Lord Shiva and if possible, chant the Shiva Chalisa and Shiva Tandava Stotram. Those devotees who worship Lord Shiva with complete devotion and pure heart receive happiness, prosperity, and wealth in their lives. Additionally, peace and harmony prevail in their marital life.

Importance of donating:-

In the scriptures, donating on the day of Shivaratri is highly praised. Just as the scriptures recommend donating cows, land, gold, or any other metal on the auspicious occasion of Shivaratri, similarly in today's time, if you are capable of donating cows, land, money, gold, or any other metal, you should definitely do so. Because by giving donations and performing acts of charity, many sins of a person are forgiven, and one attains liberation from the five thieves residing in the mind (anger, attachment, greed). However, in today's time, it may not be easy for everyone to make such donations, so according to your ability, even if you donate a little with love, it brings great benefits. In the age of Kali Yuga, which is the present situation, chanting the name of the Lord is considered the best practice. So, in any religious observance or vow, engage in chanting and donate according to your willingness, and you will still receive beneficial results. One should never boast about their donations. Boasting about one's donations leads to the loss of the benefits of the donation.

Verified from Puran………………

Related shiv vrat topics-

• Mahashivratri  
• Mahesh Navami
• Dyuta Krida 
• Kedar Gauri Vrat
• Masik Karthigai
• Shravan Somwar Vrat