Monthly Shivratri: The Festival of the Union of Shiva and Shakti
Monthly Shivratri is a special Shivaratri celebrated every month, symbolizing the union of Lord Shiva and Shakti. According to the Hindu calendar, this festival is celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of every month. While Mahashivratri is celebrated once a year, the monthly Shivratri fast is also considered very powerful.
The scriptures say that fasting and praying with a true heart on this day makes every difficult task easy and all life's problems go away. Unmarried women observe this fast to find a desired husband, while married women observe it for happiness, peace, and prosperity.
Method of Monthly Shivratri Fast
Anyone, man or woman, can observe the monthly Shivratri fast. It is considered very auspicious to start this fast from Mahashivratri.
- Take a bath in the morning: Wake up before sunrise on the day of monthly Shivratri and take a bath.
- Go to the temple: Go to any Shiva temple and worship Lord Shiva and his family.
- Rudrabhishek: Perform Rudrabhishek of Shivling with water, milk, ghee, sugar and honey.
- Offer: Offer Belpatra, Dhatura and Shriphal on Shivling.
- Chant mantras: Recite Shiva Purana, Shiva Chalisa and Shiva Shloka while worshipping.
- Fruit diet: Do not eat food the entire day. You can eat fruits in the evening.
- Paran on the next day: Break your fast the next day after performing puja and donating.
Importance of Monthly Shivratri
- Fasting on this day fulfills all wishes.
- It is believed that observing the monthly Shivratri fast removes obstacles in marriage.
- Freedom from debt: Worshiping Shiva and Parvati on this day frees a person from all kinds of debts.
- Financial benefits: Donating white items on this day ensures that there is no shortage of money in the house.
Monthly Shivratri fast story
There is a mythological story behind the monthly Shivratri fast. According to religious texts, Lord Shiva first appeared in the form of a Shivalinga on Mahashivratri. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu were the first to worship him. Therefore, this day is celebrated as Lord Shiva's birthday. The scriptures also mention that many goddesses and queens observed this fast.