“Masik Shivratri” is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in every month. According to the Hindu calendar, it is a strong day for devotees. Thus, it is believed that observing a fast with devotion on Masik Shivratri will ward off life’s obstructions, and one’s desires will be fulfilled.
Masik Shivratri is a “great festival of convergence of Shiva and Shakti.” However, devotees start observing Masik Shivratri Vrat from Maha Shivratri and continue this ritual for an entire year.
Significance: Why is Masik Shivratri Celebrated?
The scriptures say that Maha Shivratri, also known as Mahalay Shivratri, which falls in the month of Phalgun, is the main Shivratri month. “The night when Lord Shiva manifested in the form of a Shivling.”
However, beyond this great night, Shiva’s devotees also observe Masik Shivratri every month, marking the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha. On this sacred event, it is considered an extraordinary spiritual opportunity, as it is said that with Lord Shiva’s grace, even the impossible can become possible through sincere fasting and devotion.
Who should observe the Masik Shivratri Fast?
Masik Shivratri vrat is significant for devotees who seek divine blessings for various aspects of life:
- Unmarried women observe this vrat, seeking a suitable and righteous life partner.
- Married women observe the fasting to ask for peace, unity, and endurance in their married life.
Apart from these, any devotee, regardless of age or marital status, observes this fast to experience spiritual growth, remove obstacles, or fulfil their own desires through the grace of Lord Shiva.
First Masik Shivratri of 2026: Date & Time
The first Shivratri of 2026 will be celebrated in the month of Magha.
Tithi Duration: The Chaturdashi Tithi starts from 10:21 PM on January 16, 2026, while it ends at 12:03 AM on January 18, 2026.
Observance Date: The vrat should begin on Friday, 16th January 2026.
Puja Muhurta: The ideal time to worship is from 12:04 to 12:58 (at midnight).
Rituals to perform for Masik Shivratri 2026
You can perform a heartfelt puja at home by following these steps:
- Preparation: The puja area should be clean, and then the idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya need to be placed on a clean cloth.
- Adornment: Use a clean cloth to wipe the idols and apply Chandan (Sandal paste).
- Abhishekam: The Shivalinga/idol should be gently washed with pious offerings of Ganga Jal, milk, curd, and honey.
- Offerings: Place fresh Bel leaves, flowers, fruits, wheat, and white sweets like kheer or mava sweets.
- Prayer: Light a ghee diya, meditate, and chant Shiva mantras.
- Conclusion: Perform an arti worshipping the god and the goddess, followed by the bhog to conclude the puja.
- Daan (Charity): As a final expression of your dedication, donate food, milk, rice, or charity to the poor and needy.
All Masik Shivratri Dates for 2026: January to December
- Magh Month: 16 January 2026
- February (Mahashivratri): 15 February 2026, Sunday
- Chaitra Month: 17 March 2026
- Vaishakh Month: 15 April 2026
- Jyeshth Month: 15 May 2026
- Adhik Maas: 13 June 2026
- Ashadh Month: 12 July 2026
- Shravan Month: 11 August 2026
- Bhadrapad Month: 9 September 2026
- Ashwin Month: 8 October 2026
- Kartik Month: 7 November 2026
- Margashirsh Month: 7 December 2026
Sacred Mantras to Chant on Masik Shivratri
Chant these powerful mantras with devotion to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva:
- ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
(The primordial mantra of surrender to Shiva) - ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe
(The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for healing and liberation) - ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि
Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi
(A meditation on Shiva’s supreme consciousness) - ॐ नमो भगवते रुद्राय
Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraya
(Salutations to Lord Shiva in his fierce Rudra form) - ॐ शंभ सदाशिव नमो नमः
Om Samb Sadashiva Namo Namah
(Reverence to Shiva, the eternal auspicious one) - ॐ पशुपतये नमः
Om Pashuptaya Namah
(Salutations to the Lord of all beings)
Note: Repeat reciting mantras with a peaceful mind, emphasising the sound and vibrations. Even a few mindful repetitions can create profound spiritual resonance.
FAQs
What is the significance of Masik Shivratri?
Masik Shivratri is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha each month. It symbolizes the convergence of Shiva and Shakti and is believed to remove life’s obstacles and fulfill desires through sincere fasting and devotion.
Who should observe the Masik Shivratri fast?
Any devotee, regardless of age or marital status, can observe the Masik Shivratri fast. It is particularly significant for those seeking spiritual growth, divine blessings, or the removal of obstacles in life.
What are the rituals to perform on Masik Shivratri 2026?
On Masik Shivratri, devotees should perform a heartfelt puja at home, which includes chanting powerful mantras with devotion to invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings. The puja is ideally performed during the midnight Muhurta.
When are the Masik Shivratri dates for 2026?
The first Masik Shivratri of 2026 will be observed on January 16th, with the Chaturdashi Tithi starting at 10:21 PM and ending at 12:03 AM on January 18th. The ideal time for puja is from 12:04 to 12:58 AM.
What mantras should be chanted on Masik Shivratri?
Devotees should chant sacred mantras with a peaceful mind to invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings. Emphasizing the sound and vibrations of the mantras can create a profound spiritual resonance.