Monthly Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Masik Shivaratri Vrat
Masik Shivaratri is the monthly version of the grand Mahashivratri festival, observed on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi (14th day of the waning fortnight) of every lunar month. Each month, as the moon wanes toward the new moon, this dark night is considered especially charged with Shiva's energy — the stillness of the near-moonless sky mirrors Shiva's meditative stillness. While the Phalguna Masik Shivaratri is the most celebrated (Mahashivratri), each monthly observance carries the same spiritual essence of night vigil, Shiva abhishek, and surrender of the ego. Devotees believe Shiva himself walks the earth on this night and blesses all who stay awake in his worship.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Dissolves sins accumulated over many lifetimes, strengthens devotion and spiritual discipline, calms the mind and reduces anxiety and anger, removes the effects of Shani and Rahu doshas, blesses with marital harmony and removal of obstacles in marriage, grants liberation from the cycle of rebirth to sincere devotees, and deepens one's connection with the formless consciousness that Shiva represents.
Procedure
On Shivaratri eve, bathe and wear white clothes. Fast through the night. Set up a Shivalinga for abhishek (ritual bathing) — pour water, then milk, then honey, then curd, then ghee, then sugar, and finally panchamrit (mix of all five) over the linga while chanting Om Namah Shivaya. Offer bilva (bel) leaves, white flowers, and dhatura flowers. Stay awake through the four prahars (3-hour watches) of the night, chanting Shiva mantras or Shiva Tandava Stotram in each prahar. Read the Masik Shivaratri Vrat Katha.
When to Observe
Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of every lunar month — approximately 12–13 times a year. The Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi is Mahashivratri, the grandest of all. The Shravan month Masik Shivaratri is also especially significant, falling during Shravan which is entirely sacred to Shiva.
Fasting Rules
Observe a nirjala (waterless) or phalahar fast for the entire day and night. No grains, lentils, onion, garlic, or non-vegetarian food. Many devotees observe a complete fast without even water during the night prahars. If health does not permit nirjala, fruits, milk, and sabudana are acceptable. Consuming alcohol or tobacco on this day is considered particularly inauspicious.
How to Break the Fast
Break the fast on the morning of Amavasya or the day after Chaturdashi, after performing a final Shiva puja at sunrise. Offer bilva leaves and water to Shiva, then consume prasad — typically fruits, milk, or a simple vegetarian meal. Donate black sesame seeds, black cloth, or food to a Brahmin or the needy after breaking the fast, as this is considered especially pleasing to Shiva.
FAQ
Q.What is Masik Shivaratri Vrat?
Masik Shivaratri is the monthly version of the grand Mahashivratri festival, observed on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi (14th day of the waning fortnight) of every lunar month. Each month, as the moon wanes toward the new moon, this dark night is con...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Masik Shivaratri Vrat?
Observe a nirjala (waterless) or phalahar fast for the entire day and night. No grains, lentils, onion, garlic, or non-vegetarian food. Many devotees observe a complete fast without even water during the night prahars. If health does not permit nirjala, fruits, milk, and sabudana are acceptable. Consuming alcohol or tobacco on this day is considered particularly inauspicious.
Q.When should Masik Shivaratri Vrat be observed?
Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of every lunar month — approximately 12–13 times a year. The Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi is Mahashivratri, the grandest of all. The Shravan month Masik Shivaratri is also especially significant, falling during Shravan which is entirely sacred to Shiva.
Q.What are the benefits of Masik Shivaratri Vrat?
Dissolves sins accumulated over many lifetimes, strengthens devotion and spiritual discipline, calms the mind and reduces anxiety and anger, removes the effects of Shani and Rahu doshas, blesses with marital harmony and removal of obstacles in marriage, grants liberation from the cycle of rebirth to sincere devotees, and deepens one's connection with the formless consciousness that Shiva represents.