World Connect News
[ad_1]
According to the Vedic calendar, monthly Shivratri fast is observed on the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of every month. This fast dedicated to Lord Bholenath and Mother Parvati is considered extremely fruitful. It is an invariable rule of the scriptures that the worship of monthly Shivratri is mainly done at midnight i.e. ‘Nishita Kaal’. Therefore, on the day Chaturdashi Tithi prevails at midnight, this holy fast is observed on the same day.
This year, the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month will start from the night of 9 September 2026 and will remain effective till the night of 10 September 2026. Since the midnight muhurat of Nishita Kaal is being achieved on the night of 9th September with the touch of Chaturdashi, hence according to most of the Vedic scholars and almanacs, the main fast of monthly Shivratri will be observed on 9th September 2026 (Wednesday) only. Those devotees who take fast resolution on the basis of Udayatithi and entire day and night, can worship Shiva on 10th September also, but the main Nishith Kaal Puja is considered as per the scriptures only on the night of 9th September.
The worship of Char Prahar performed at midnight on the day of monthly Shivratri has special spiritual significance. The main dates and auspicious times according to the Panchang are as follows:
-
Beginning of Chaturdashi Tithi: Late evening/night on 9 September 2026
-
End of Chaturdashi Tithi: Late night on 10th September 2026
-
Auspicious time of Nishita Kaal Puja: Midnight of 9th September 2026 11:54 PM to 12:41 AM (early morning of September 10) till
-
Total puja duration: about 47 minutes
-
Time of fasting: After sunrise on 10 September 2026
It is said in the scriptures that by performing Jalabhishek and Rudrabhishek of Lord Shiva who appeared in the form of Linga during Nishita period, one gets freedom from all the known and unknown sins of life and all the planetary defects in the horoscope are pacified.
A seeker observing fast on the day of monthly Shivratri should wake up in the morning at Brahma Muhurta, take bath, wear clean clothes and take a pledge to fast. After this, while fasting throughout the day, one should continuously mentally chant ‘Om Namah Shivay’ Panchakshari Mantra.
In the evening and especially in the Nishita Kaal Muhurta, anoint Lord Shiva with Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, Ganga water). Apply Tripund of sandalwood on Shivalinga, offer Belpatra, Dhatura, Madar flowers, hemp and Akshat. After this, light incense sticks and recite Shiv Chalisa, Rudrashtakam or Lingashtakam and finally perform aarti and offer food. Next day, break the fast with satvik food only after morning bath and charity.