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Shivaratri Dates 2023

Masik Shivaratri is a monthly observance dedicated to Lord Shiva, falling on the 14th tithi (Chaturdashi) of the Krishna Paksha every month. The word 'Shivaratri' means 'the night of Shiva', and devotees observe a fast and perform night-long worship on this day.

There are 12 Masik Shivaratris in a regular year. The most significant among them is Maha Shivaratri, falling in the month of Phalguna, which is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. Observing Masik Shivaratri is believed to bring Lord Shiva's blessings, remove sins, and grant liberation.

All times shown in: Asia/Kolkata

Date Begins Ends Lunar Month Paksha Action
20-Jan-2023 20-Jan-2023 10:00 AM Friday 21-Jan-2023 06:18 AM Saturday Pausha Krishna
18-Feb-2023 18-Feb-2023 08:02 PM Saturday 19-Feb-2023 04:18 PM Sunday Magha Krishna
20-Mar-2023 20-Mar-2023 04:55 AM Monday 21-Mar-2023 01:47 AM Tuesday Phalguna Krishna
18-Apr-2023 18-Apr-2023 01:27 PM Tuesday 19-Apr-2023 11:24 AM Wednesday Chaitra Krishna
17-May-2023 17-May-2023 10:29 PM Wednesday 18-May-2023 09:43 PM Thursday Vaishakha Krishna
16-Jun-2023 16-Jun-2023 08:40 AM Friday 17-Jun-2023 09:12 AM Saturday Jyeshtha Krishna
15-Jul-2023 15-Jul-2023 08:33 PM Saturday 16-Jul-2023 10:08 PM Sunday Ashadha Krishna
14-Aug-2023 14-Aug-2023 10:25 AM Monday 15-Aug-2023 12:43 PM Tuesday Shravana Krishna
13-Sep-2023 13-Sep-2023 02:22 AM Wednesday 14-Sep-2023 04:49 AM Thursday Adhika Shravana Krishna
12-Oct-2023 12-Oct-2023 07:54 PM Thursday 13-Oct-2023 09:51 PM Friday Bhadrapada Krishna
11-Nov-2023 11-Nov-2023 01:58 PM Saturday 12-Nov-2023 02:45 PM Sunday Ashvina Krishna
11-Dec-2023 11-Dec-2023 07:10 AM Monday 12-Dec-2023 06:24 AM Tuesday Kartika Krishna

Masik Shivaratri – Significance, Fasting Rules & Rituals

What is Masik Shivaratri?

Masik Shivaratri is a monthly observance dedicated to Lord Shiva, falling on the 14th tithi (Chaturdashi) of the Krishna Paksha every month. It occurs 12 times a year and is considered a sacred night for Shiva worship, meditation, and fasting.

What is the difference between Masik Shivaratri and Maha Shivaratri?

Masik Shivaratri occurs every month on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi. Maha Shivaratri is the specific Masik Shivaratri that falls in the month of Phalguna (February–March) and is considered the most significant β€” it is one of the grandest festivals in the Hindu calendar.

How is Masik Shivaratri observed?

Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and perform Shiva abhishek β€” ritual bathing of the Shivaling with milk, water, honey, curd, and ghee. Bilva leaves, white flowers, and sandalwood paste are offered. The night is spent in prayer, chanting, and reading of Shiva scriptures.

What mantras are chanted on Masik Shivaratri?

The most commonly chanted mantras are the Panchakshara Mantra (Om Namah Shivaya), the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, and the Shiva Tandava Stotram. Reciting the Shiva Sahasranama (1008 names of Lord Shiva) is also considered highly meritorious.

What are the benefits of observing Masik Shivaratri?

Observing Masik Shivaratri with devotion is believed to cleanse sins, remove negative karma, bestow good health, prosperity, and marital harmony, and ultimately lead the devotee toward liberation (moksha).

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