Masik Shivratri falls on Thursday, October 8; know the auspicious timing and puja method
The monthly Shivratri fast for October will be observed on Thursday, October 8, as the Chaturdashi tithi begins that night.
The Masik Shivratri fast, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is observed every month on the Chaturdashi tithi of the Krishna Paksha. In Hinduism, the day is considered special for worshipping Lord Shiva. Devotees fast and perform jalabhishek of Lord Shiva.
It is believed that fasting on this day and worshipping Lord Shiva in the proper manner fulfils the wish for a desired life partner. This time Masik Shivratri falls on Thursday, October 8.
According to the Panchang, the Chaturdashi tithi of the Krishna Paksha in October begins at 10:15 pm on October 8 and ends at 9:35 pm on October 9. For Masik Shivratri, it is considered important that the Chaturdashi tithi falls at night. For this reason, the October Shivratri fast will be observed on Thursday, October 8.
The night worship is given special importance on Shivratri. According to religious belief, worshipping Lord Shiva at night brings a devotee special spiritual benefit. On Masik Shivratri, many devotees perform worship during all four prahars, that is, four night-time pujas. During this, water, milk, curd, honey and Gangajal are offered to Lord Shiva. This is followed by offerings of bel leaves, dhatura, flowers and fruit.
On the day of Masik Shivratri, devotees bathe in the morning. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are then worshipped. The Shivling is anointed with water or Gangajal. Bel leaves, flowers, fruit and other puja items are then offered to Lord Shiva. The mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" can be chanted during the puja. There is also a tradition of visiting a Shiva temple at night to pray and have darshan of Lord Shiva. Those who worship at home can light a lamp before the Shivling or a picture of Lord Shiva and perform the puja.
According to religious belief, observing the Shivratri fast every month and worshipping Lord Shiva with devotion brings peace of mind. Lord Shiva is believed to fulfil the wishes of his devotees and relieve them of life's troubles. Married women observe the fast to pray for the well-being of their family and the long life of their husbands. Unmarried people, meanwhile, worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the hope of finding a good life partner.
