Chaturdashi Tithi: Meaning & Significance
🕉️ · Tithi 14 (Shukla) & 29 (Krishna)
Rikta (Empty)
Mixed — spiritually potent (Shivratri falls here), generally avoided for celebration
Potent | Rikta | Shivratri
Chaturdashi is the fourteenth and last common Tithi of each lunar fortnight, belonging to the Rikta ("empty") group. It carries deep spiritual weight as the Tithi of Mahashivratri, one of the most important festivals dedicated to Shiva.
Occurs At
14 (Shukla) & 29 (Krishna)
Classical Group
Rikta (Empty)
Ruling Deity
Shiva / Kali
Nature
Mixed — spiritually potent (Shivratri falls here), generally avoided for celebration
Significance of Chaturdashi
Chaturdashi's Krishna form hosts Mahashivratri, while its Shukla form (Narak Chaturdashi) is associated with the eve of Diwali — both deeply significant, spiritually intense observances.
Spiritually potent
Intense
Transformative
Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri, one of the most important Shiva festivals of the year, falls on Krishna Chaturdashi in the month of Phalguna/Magha.
Activities Suited to Chaturdashi
Chaturdashi favours Shiva worship and spiritual discipline.
Favourable For
- Shiva worship
- Krishna chaturdashi observances (narak chaturdashi)
- Spiritual discipline
Best Avoided
Most traditions avoid weddings and other celebratory events on Chaturdashi.
- Weddings and celebratory events (in most traditions)
🕉️
Ruling Deity
Shiva / Kali
Classical Group
Rikta (Empty)
The Deity of Chaturdashi — Shiva / Kali
Chaturdashi is closely associated with Shiva and, in some traditions, Kali — Mahashivratri's night-long vigil and worship is among the most significant observances tied to any single Tithi in the Hindu calendar.
Chaturdashi in the Panchanga
Chaturdashi belongs to the Rikta (empty) group of Tithis, recurring at Tithis 4, 9 and 14. As the final shared Tithi before Purnima or Amavasya, it is classically treated as a day for intense spiritual focus rather than worldly beginnings.
People Also Ask
What does Chaturdashi mean?
Chaturdashi is the fourteenth Tithi of each lunar fortnight, closely associated with Shiva.
What is Mahashivratri?
Mahashivratri is one of the most important Shiva festivals, falling on Krishna Chaturdashi.
What is Narak Chaturdashi?
Narak Chaturdashi, observed on Shukla Chaturdashi right before Diwali, commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura.
Is Chaturdashi good for weddings?
No, most traditions avoid weddings and other celebratory events on Chaturdashi, reserving it for devotional observance instead.
Explore Other Tithis
🌱Pratipada
🌒Dwitiya
🌓Tritiya
🐘Chaturthi
🐍Panchami
⚔️Shashthi
☀️Saptami
🔱Ashtami
🙏Navami
🏹Dashami
🪷Ekadashi
🪔Dwadashi
💘Trayodashi
🌕Purnima
🌑Amavasya
Looking for the rest of today's Panchang? Explore the 27 Nakshatras, the 11 Karanas, the 7 Vaars, or check today's full Panchang.
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