Masik Shivratri 2026

Masik Shivratri is one of the most powerful and sacred monthly fasts dedicated to Lord Shiva. It occurs every month on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi, the night before the New Moon (Amavasya). In 2026, devotees will observe 12 Masik Shivratris, including special ones like Sawan Shivratri and Adhik Masik Shivratri. Masik Shivratri is believed to bring peace, prosperity, protection, and spiritual upliftment. It is especially auspicious for those seeking divine grace, marriage blessings, health recovery, and freedom from obstacles. This complete guide explains Masik Shivratri 2026 dates, significance, fasting rules, puja steps, vrat katha, benefits, mantras, and the proper method of breaking the fast.

Masik Shivratri means “Monthly Night of Shiva.” While Maha Shivratri occurs once a year, Masik Shivratri occurs every month, giving devotees regular opportunities to connect with Lord Shiva. The term “Shivratri” means: Shiva – the supreme consciousness

Ratri – the night of meditation, silence, and surrender

Thus, Shivratri is the night when the mind becomes still, allowing the soul to unite with Shiva. Many religious texts including the Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana, and Padma Purana describe the power of observing Shivratri Vrata.

Hindu Tradition Shivratri is believed to be the night when: Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, the cosmic dance

Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati united

Shiva manifested as the Jyotirlinga, an infinite pillar of light

Observing this vrat washes away sins and brings divine blessings. Special Benefits Shiva is known as: Mahadev – the greatest among gods

Bholenath – the innocent giver who blesses anyone with pure devotion

Thus, Masik Shivratri is one of the easiest and most fruitful fasts.

Anyone may observe this vrat, but it is especially beneficial for: Married women praying for marital harmony

Unmarried girls seeking a suitable life partner

Couples who want stability, peace, and children

People suffering from long-term problems

Devotees seeking spiritual growth

Those wishing to get rid of negative energies and obstacles

Men and women both keep this vrat.

January 16, 2026 (Friday) Masik Shivratri • Nishita Kaal Puja: 12:04 AM to 12:58 AM, Jan 17 • Chaturdashi Tithi: Begins 10:21 PM (Jan 16) • Ends: 12:03 AM (Jan 18)

February 15, 2026 (Sunday) Maha Shivratri & Masik Shivratri • Nishita Kaal Puja: 12:09 AM to 01:01 AM, Feb 16 • Chaturdashi Tithi: Begins 05:04 PM (Feb 15) • Ends: 05:34 PM (Feb 16)

March 17, 2026 (Tuesday) Masik Shivratri • Nishita Kaal Puja: 12:05 AM to 12:53 AM, Mar 18 • Chaturdashi Tithi: Begins 09:23 AM (Mar 17) • Ends: 08:25 AM (Mar 18)

April 15, 2026 (Wednesday) Masik Shivratri • Nishita Kaal Puja: 11:59 PM to 12:43 AM, Apr 16 • Chaturdashi Tithi: Begins 10:31 PM (Apr 15) • Ends: 08:11 PM (Apr 16)

May 15, 2026 (Friday) Masik Shivratri • Nishita Kaal Puja: 11:57 PM to 12:38 AM, May 16 • Chaturdashi Tithi: Begins 08:31 AM (May 15) • Ends: 05:11 AM (May 16)

June 13, 2026 (Saturday) Adhika Masik Shivratri • Nishita Kaal Puja: 12:01 AM to 12:41 AM, Jun 14 • Chaturdashi Tithi: Begins 04:07 PM (Jun 13) • Ends: 12:19 PM (Jun 14)

July 12, 2026 (Sunday) Masik Shivratri • Nishita Kaal Puja: 12:07 AM to 12:47 AM, Jul 13 • Chaturdashi Tithi: Begins 10:29 PM (Jul 12) • Ends: 06:49 PM (Jul 13)

August 11, 2026 (Tuesday) Sawan Shivratri & Masik Shivratri • Nishita Kaal Puja: 12:05 AM to 12:48 AM, Aug 12 • Chaturdashi Tithi: Begins 04:54 AM (Aug 11) • Ends: 01:52 AM (Aug 12)

September 9, 2026 (Wednesday) Masik Shivratri • Nishita Kaal Puja: 11:55 PM to 12:41 AM, Sep 10 • Chaturdashi Tithi: Begins 12:30 PM (Sep 9) • Ends: 10:33 AM (Sep 10)

October 8, 2026 (Thursday) Masik Shivratri • Nishita Kaal Puja: 11:44 PM to 12:33 AM, Oct 9 • Chaturdashi Tithi: Begins 10:15 PM (Oct 8) • Ends: 09:35 PM (Oct 9)

November 7, 2026 (Saturday) Masik Shivratri • Nishita Kaal Puja: 11:39 PM to 12:31 AM, Nov 8 • Chaturdashi Tithi: Begins 10:47 AM (Nov 7) • Ends: 11:27 AM (Nov 8)

December 7, 2026 (Monday) Masik Shivratri • Nishita Kaal Puja: 11:46 PM to 12:40 AM, Dec 8 • Chaturdashi Tithi: Begins 02:22 AM (Dec 7) • Ends: 04:12 AM (Dec 8)

Masik Shivratri is one of the most spiritually powerful vrats. It offers blessings related to marriage, health, wealth, and liberation.

1. Marital Peace & Harmony Women especially observe this vrat to: Strengthen marital relationships

Bring peace between husband and wife

Ensure long and healthy life of spouse

2. Health & Protection Shiva is known as Vaidyanatha, the divine healer. This vrat helps in: Healing chronic diseases

Protection from unseen negativity

Mental calmness

3. Prosperity & Success Shiva also blesses devotees with: Financial stability Business growth Success in career

4. Destruction of Sins By observing Masik Shivratri: Negative karmas are reduced Sins get washed away Soul becomes purified

5. Spiritual Awakening Shivratri is the night when meditation becomes extremely powerful. It helps devotees gain: Peace Awareness Connection with the divine

Step 1: Morning Preparations Wake up early Take a bath and wear clean clothes Clean the puja area

Step 2: Sankalp (Vow) Sit in front of Shivling or Shiva’s idol and take a vow: To observe the fast with devotion To pray for peace, health, and blessings

Step 3: Puja Setup Arrange: Shivling or Shiva idol Bilva leaves Water, milk, honey, curd Incense, diya White flowers Fruits and prasad

Step 4: Shiva Abhishekam Perform the sacred abhishek with: Water Milk Curd Honey Ganga Jal Paste of sandal Offer: Bilva leaves (3-leafed) White flowers Rice (Akshata)

Step 5: Chanting & Meditation Chant Shiva mantras: Om Namah Shivaya Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraya Meditate for a few minutes.

Step 6: Evening Puja Repeat abhishekam or simply perform: Aarti Mantra chanting Offering flowers and fruits

Step 7: Nishita Kaal Puja This is the midnight puja, considered the most powerful.

Step 8: Breaking the Fast (Parana) The fast is broken the next day after sunrise. You may eat: Fruits Milk Satvik food

Do’s Maintain purity of mind and body Chant Shiva mantras Offer Bilva leaves Perform abhishekam

Don’ts Avoid anger, lies, harsh words Do not eat onion, garlic, or tamasic foods Avoid intoxicants Do not hurt anyone emotionally

Fruits Milk, curd Sabudana dishes Rock salt Dry fruits Simple satvik food after sunset (optional)

Not Allowed Grains (for strict vrat) Non-veg Onion & garlic Spicy food Alcohol

The Masik Shivratri Katha tells the story of a poor woodcutter who lived a difficult life. One day, he unknowingly observed a fast on Shivratri. He spent the night on a tree, dropping leaves and water on a Shivling below. Without realizing, he performed a perfect Shivratri puja. Impressed by his pure heart and devotion, Lord Shiva blessed him: His poverty disappeared

He gained happiness and prosperity

He achieved spiritual growth

The moral of the story: Even simple, innocent devotion reaches Lord Shiva. He blesses anyone who worships Him with a sincere heart.

1. Marital Harmony Brings peace, love, and understanding between couples.
2. Removal of Obstacles Shiva clears personal, family, and professional hurdles.
3. Good Health Helps cure long-term diseases and offers protection.
4. Prosperity Supports career growth, business expansion, and financial stability.
5. Protection from Negativity Destroys negative energies and unknown fears.
6. Karmic Cleansing Reduces sins and brings positive karma.
7. Spiritual Growth Deep meditation and mantra chanting uplift the soul.

1. Shiva Moola Mantra “Om Namah Shivaya”
2. Mahamrityunjaya Mantra “Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam…”
3. Rudra Mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraya” Chanting these mantras 108 times brings immense benefits.

After breaking the fast: Offer food to the needy

Feed cows

Donate clothes or fruits

Thank Lord Shiva for His blessings

Maintain calmness and purity

These acts increase the power of the vrat.

Masik Shivratri is one of the most sacred monthly fasts for experiencing Lord Shiva’s divine grace. Observing this vrat throughout 2026 can bring: Marital harmony Good health Prosperity Peace Spiritual growth

Whether you seek material blessings or inner transformation, Masik Shivratri offers both. The more devotion you offer, the more blessings Shiva showers upon you.