Masa Shivaratri Dates 2026

Masa Shivaratri is the monthly night of Lord Shiva, observed on Bahula Paksha Chaturdashi, the day before Amavasya, every month. There are twelve Masa Shivaratris in a year, and the one on Magha Bahula Chaturdashi is the great Maha Shivaratri.

Background

Shaiva tradition holds that the night of Chaturdashi is especially dear to Shiva. As the moon wanes and darkness deepens, the mind turns inward more easily, which makes it ideal for meditation. Observing the vratham every month keeps Shiva worship going through the whole year, not just on Maha Shivaratri. Some devotees begin the Masa Shivaratri vratham on Maha Shivaratri and continue it for twelve months.

Puja Steps

• Bathe in the morning, take sankalpam and begin the fast.
• Perform abhishekam to a Shiva lingam at home or in a nearby temple with water, milk, curd, honey, ghee and sugarcane juice.
• Offer maredu (bilva) leaves, tummi flowers and ummetta flowers.
• Chant the Panchakshari "Om Namah Shivaya"; Rudram, Shiva Panchakshara Stotram or Lingashtakam may also be recited.
• Worship during Pradosha kalam in the evening and at Nishitha kalam at night is especially meritorious.
• Next morning, offer naivedyam to Shiva and break the fast.

Fasting Rules

Some devotees keep a nirjala (waterless) fast while others take milk and fruit. Staying awake for part of the night chanting Shiva's name is recommended. Those with health concerns can eat light sattvic food and still do the puja; devotion matters more than hardship.

Shiva Kshetras in Telugu Lands

Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy, Srikalahasti, Vemulawada Raja Rajeshwara, Draksharamam Bhimeshwara and Amaravati Amareshwara temples see special abhishekams and crowds on Masa Shivaratri.

Benefits

Devotees believe that regularly observing Masa Shivaratri brings peace of mind, family harmony and the fulfilment of wishes. Unmarried young women also traditionally keep this vratham praying for a good husband.

May the grace of Parameshwara be upon all. Om Namah Shivaya.