What should be done during Masik Shivaratri?

Observe a complete day-long fast (Nirjala is highest, water-only or fruit acceptable), Perform Shiva Abhishekam four times — at midnight and the three praharas of night, Offer Bilva leaves, Dhatura, Aak flowers, and white sandalwood paste, Keep complete Jagaran — stay awake through all four praharas of the night, Chant Om Namah Shivaya or Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra continuously, Visit a Shiva temple for the four-prahara puja if possible

What should be avoided during Masik Shivaratri?

Do not sleep during the night of Shivaratri — Jagaran is essential, Avoid all grains, non-vegetarian food, and alcohol, Do not break the fast before sunrise on the following day, Avoid Tulsi leaves for Shiva puja — He prefers Bilva

VratSHIVARATRI

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Masik Shivaratri

“The Monthly Night of Shiva”

Significance

Observed on the 14th day of the waning moon (Krishna Paksha) every month, Masik Shivaratri is a powerful night for awakening inner consciousness and seeking liberation through Lord Shiva's grace.

How to Observe

Observe a day-long fast. Perform night vigil (Jagaran) and Shiva Abhishekam at midnight. Contemplate on the formless nature of the Divine.

Sacred Mantra

Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi

Fasting Guide

💧 Nirjala — No food or water Break fast: Next morning after sunrise — the Chaturdashi night ends at dawn

✓Observe a complete day-long fast (Nirjala is highest, water-only or fruit acceptable)
✓Perform Shiva Abhishekam four times — at midnight and the three praharas of night
✓Offer Bilva leaves, Dhatura, Aak flowers, and white sandalwood paste
✓Keep complete Jagaran — stay awake through all four praharas of the night
✓Chant Om Namah Shivaya or Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra continuously
✓Visit a Shiva temple for the four-prahara puja if possible

Avoid

✕Do not sleep during the night of Shivaratri — Jagaran is essential
✕Avoid all grains, non-vegetarian food, and alcohol
✕Do not break the fast before sunrise on the following day
✕Avoid Tulsi leaves for Shiva puja — He prefers Bilva

What you'll need

Bilva leaves (bel patra) — most importantRaw milk (for Abhishekam)PanchamritWhite flowers (dhatura, aak, white roses)Bhasma (sacred ash)Camphor for AartiHemp seeds / bhang (traditional offering)Chandan and kumkum

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New to this practice?

Vratas are intentional fasting days tied to the Hindu lunar calendar. They are not about deprivation — they're about clearing space: in your body, your mind, your week. Most vratas follow a rhythm (every 11 days, every full moon) so the practice becomes second nature over time.

You don't need to be Hindu to observe. Millions of global seekers use these lunar rhythms to reset, meditate more deeply, and connect with a tradition older than most religions.

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