The monthly Shivratri is an important Hindu festival celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha every month. This day is dedicated to the worship and observance of a fast dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees believe that observing a fast and performing puja on this day fulfills their desires and grants them special merit.
Significance of Monthly Shivratri
Monthly Shivratri holds particular significance for those who believe in the worship of Lord Shiva. Performing puja, observing a fast, offering bhog (food offerings), and performing Ratri Jagran (night vigil) on this day are believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and mental peace. Furthermore, unmarried girls who observe a fast on this day are believed to find a suitable husband, making this festival especially important for them.
Monthly Shivratri is observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha every month; hence, its name. This day is considered particularly sacred, as it's regarded as the most auspicious day for the worship of Mahadev (Lord Shiva). Observing a fast dedicated to Shiva and Parvati on this day is believed to bestow merit and fulfill all desires.
Date and Muhurat of Monthly Shivratri in 2025
Monthly Shivratri in 2025 will be celebrated on April 26th. The Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 8:27 AM and ends at 4:49 AM on April 27th. This period also includes the Bhadravas Yoga, considered highly auspicious for puja and fasting. Worship during this yoga is believed to expedite the fulfillment of devotees' wishes.
The most auspicious time for Shivratri puja is the Abhijit Muhurat, which falls between 11:53 AM and 12:45 PM on April 26th. Performing puja during this time is believed to yield exceptional results. Devotees and those observing a fast can earn special merit by worshipping Lord Shiva during this period.
Rituals of Monthly Shivratri Puja
The puja rituals of Monthly Shivratri hold special significance. Performing them correctly is believed to invoke Lord Shiva's blessings and bring happiness and prosperity. Those observing a fast should first bathe, ensuring cleanliness, and then make a resolution to perform the puja.
- Bathing and Purification: Devotees should bathe to purify themselves before the puja. Afterward, they should wear clean clothes and proceed to the puja location.
- Mantra Recitation and Fast Resolution: Begin the puja by chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva. The most prominent mantra is "Om Namah Shivaya." Reciting the Panchakshari Mantra is also highly beneficial.
- Abhishekam of Lord Shiva: Perform abhishekam (ritual washing) of the Shiva Lingam using water, milk, honey, and Ganga Jal (water from the Ganges River). Afterward, offer tambula (betel leaves), belpatra (bilva leaves), and white flowers.
- Night Vigil (Ratri Jagran): Performing a night vigil is considered especially beneficial. Devotees should stay awake throughout the night, worshipping Lord Shiva, singing bhajans (devotional songs), kirtan (devotional chanting), and reciting Shiva Chalisa (hymns dedicated to Shiva). Visualizing Shiva's magnificent form during this time is believed to instill peace and prosperity.
- Offering Bhog: Offering bhog to Lord Shiva is also important. Offering honey, ghee (clarified butter), yogurt, belpatra, and fruits is believed to please Lord Shiva.
Significance of the Shiva Panchakshari Mantra
If you can't remember a specific mantra during the Monthly Shivratri puja, chanting the Shiva Panchakshari Mantra is highly beneficial. This mantra is considered the best for pleasing Lord Shiva.
Shiva Panchakshari Mantra
Nāgendrahārāya trilocanāya, bhasmāngarāgāya maheśvarāya.
nityāya śuddhāya digambarāya, tasmai nakārāya namaḥ śivāya.।
Mandākinīsalilacandanacarcitāya, nandīśvarapramathanāthamaheśvarāya.
mandārapuspabahupuspasupūjitāya, tasmai makārāya namaḥ śivāya.।
Special Remedies for Monthly Shivratri
Certain remedies can be performed on Monthly Shivratri, believed to provide positive energy. Some of the prominent remedies are:
- Abhishekam of the Shiva Lingam with milk and honey: Offering milk and honey to the Shiva Lingam is believed to bestow special merit and alleviate poverty.
- Reciting Shiva Chalisa: Reciting Shiva Chalisa promotes mental peace and inner balance. This remedy is particularly beneficial for those facing stress and mental anxieties.
- Fasting by Unmarried Girls: Unmarried girls who fast on Monthly Shivratri are believed to find a suitable husband. This fast is considered significant for good fortune and marriage.
- Chanting the Panchakshari Mantra: Chanting the Shiva Panchakshari Mantra invokes Lord Shiva's grace and provides relief from all suffering.
- Feeding a Cow with ghee and flour ladoos: Feeding a cow with ghee and flour ladoos on Monthly Shivratri is believed to bestow merit and remove poverty.
Monthly Shivratri is an opportunity to worship Lord Shiva, celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha every month. Observing a fast and performing puja on this day is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, mental peace, and tranquility. By following the appropriate muhurat and rituals for the Monthly Shivratri on April 26th, 2025, one can attain Lord Shiva's grace.
