Shivaratri fast is kept every month on the day of Chaturdashi in Krishna Paksha. On this day Lord Shiva is worshipped and a fast is kept in devotion of the Lord. A person should not consume food on the day of Shivaratri. At night, clean clothes should be worn, a person should sit in a clean place and worship Lord Shiva. Chanting Shiv Mantras is very fruitful. The Rig Vedas describes the importance of devotion towards Lord Shiva.

As per ancient scriptures, Shivaratri fast is observed every month on the day of Chaturdashi in Krishna Paksha. It is believed that the Lord of Chaturdashi Tithi (date) is Lord Shiva himself and Jyotirlinga was also established on the same date.

On the day of Shiv Chaturdashi Lord Shiva is worshipped along with his entire family. The prayer begins with anointing of Lord Shiva with water, milk, curd, ghee, honey, loaf sugar or sugar, Gangajal, sugarcane juice, etc. After that, Belpatra, Samipatra, Kusha and Doob are offered to Lord Shiva to please him. In the end, cannabis, Dhatura, and Shriphal are offered to the Lord in the form of Bhoga.

The puja materials include Panchamrit, scented flowers, clean clothes, Bel leaves, incense sticks, lamps, Navedya, sandalwood paste, seasonal fruit, etc. In this fast worshipping is done the whole day, special virtues are derived from the spells done during the whole day. By doing Rudrabhishek Lord Shiva is very much pleased.

On the basis of ancient beliefs, Lord Shiva is worshipped on Chaturdashi Tithi and people observe fasts on this day to please the Lord. Fasting, worshipping Lord Shiva, reading Shiva Stotra, story and staying awake at night (Jagran) by chanting the Mantra “Om Namaha Shivaya” gives fruits similar to Ashwamedha Yagna. On the next day of the fast, Brahmans are provided with food, clothes, donations, etc.

Monthly Shivratri Vrat Dates 2025