Masik Shivratri is a Hindu event that takes place once a month to honour Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Shivaratri means ‘night of Lord Shiva’ and Masik means monthly. This event is observed on the 14th day of each month during the waning moon (Krishna Paksha) half, which most of us are unaware of. During Masik Shivratri, devotees fast and visit the shrine to worship Lord Shiva. Masik Shivratri is a Hindu festival devoted to Lord Shiva, the Supreme Being.
Masik Shivratri occurs once a month, whereas Mahashivratri occurs only once a year. Devotees who choose to observe the Masik Shivaratri Vrat can do so beginning on Maha Shivaratri day and continuing for a year.
Regardless, the Masik Shivratri is a day dedicated to Lord Shiva’s tremendous might and reverence. To show respect to the Lord, his adherents fast and visit temples. On this day, Lord Shiva, according to history, performed the Tandava, the cosmic dance. Shiva, one of the sacred Hindu trinity, is the god of constructive destruction, whereas Vishnu is the preserver and Brahma is the creator. On this day, some worshippers worship Lord Shiva in his Nataraja avatar. According to the Hindu calendar, Masik Shivaratri, which falls in the month of Phalguni, is known as MahaShivratri. On the occasion of Shivratri, Lord Shiva took on one of his outstanding incarnations (avatars), Shivlingam (Shivlinga). There was once a debate between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu about who was the superior god among the gods. A massive pillar of fire emerged out of nowhere in the middle of the debate. However, the pillar’s origin edge could not be located. As a result, they agreed on a rule that whoever discovered the pole’s end would be declared the most powerful.
Lord Brahma took on the form of a huge water-bird Swan to view the top of the pillar, while Lord Vishnu assumed the form of an uncastrated domestic male pig-boar to investigate the pole’s bottom. Unfortunately, despite several tries, no one was able to find either end. Despite this, Lord Brahma claimed to have seen the summit. After hearing this, Lord Shiva came and blurted out the truth, revealing that it was he who had revealed himself as the pillar in front of them. As a punishment, Lord Shiva cursed Lord Brahma, saying that he would never be worshipped by followers and that no temple bearing his name would ever exist on the planet. On Masik Shivaratri, it is said to be very simple to please Lord Shiva. Masik Shivratri is regarded as an auspicious and powerful fast.
RITUALS OF MASIK SHIVARATRI
Devotees fast throughout the day, perform Shiv puja, visit Shiva temples, recite the names of Lord Shiva, and keep vigil throughout the night on Masik Shivaratri. Abhishek is a Hindu ritual in which holy water, milk, curd, ghee, honey, turmeric powder, Vibhuti, and rosewater are used to worship Lord Shiva’s statue or Shiva Lingam. Aarti is conducted after the puja. On this day, the puja should ideally be performed at midnight. Observing Masik Shivratri is seen to be the simplest way to gain Lord Shiva’s blessings. On this day, married women fast for their husbands’ health and welfare, while unmarried women worship Lord Shiva in the hopes of finding a suitable life partner.
DATE AND PANCHANG
Date: 27 June 2022
Tithi:Trayodashi up to 07:17
Nakshatra: Jyeshtha up to 19:10
Yoga: Ganda up to 13:50
First Karana: Vanija upto 07:17
Second Karana: Vishti up to 17:29
Day: Monday
