Masik Shivaratri in 2016: Awaken Lord Shiva On His Favorite Night

The dates for Shivaratri in 2016 are given here. Shiva Ratri means the night of Lord Shiva. It is the divine night when Shiva & Shakti became one. So let’s pray to Lord Shiva on this night with full devotion and dedication, so that he blesses us all with a touch of His divinity.

Shivaratri is one of the most important festivals of Hindus. Shivratri is celebrated to please Lord Shiva. Maha Shivratri is believed to be the favorite day of Lord Shiva. Shivratri in 2016 will be celebrated with a great enthusiasm and zest by the devotees of Lord Shiva.

This Shivarathri in 2016, we bring you each and every detail related to Lord Shiva and Shivarathri.

During Shivratri, the devotees of Lord Shiva worship Him. It is believed that on the day of Shivratri, Lord Shiva is in a delightful mood and grants all the wishes of the devotees. This Shivratri in 2016 pray to Lord Shiva with all devotion and dedication and he will shower the blessings on all of us.

Before we go ahead, and offer our prayers to Lord Shiva, let’s first know what is Shivratri?

What Is Shivratri?

Shivarathri means the ‘night of Lord Shiva’. Shiva ratri occurs on the 14th night of New-Moon or moonless night (Amavasya), during the month of Magha. This corresponds with the English month of September. Shivarathri is a special day for the devotees of Lord Shiva.

Maha Shivratri occurs once in a year. But, Shivaratri falls every month as per the Hindu calendar which is known as Masik (month) Shiva Ratri. Below mentioned are the dates for Masik Shivratri in 2016.

Shivaratri 2016 Dates

Now, that the dates of Masik Shivarathri in 2016 are here, these will help you to perform Shivratri Vrat in 2016 and Shiva Ratri Puja in 2016.

Now, we should take a step ahead and know why to celebrate Masik Shivratri in 2016.

Masik Shivratri 2016: Why To Celebrate Masik Shivratri?

To know the reasons for celebrating Masik Shivratri in 2016, let’s discuss the legends associated with Shiva Ratri. There are a lot of stories associated behind the celebration of Shiva Ratri, but the common legend behind all these stories is of Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva: Emergence Of Jyotirlinga

It is on the day of Maha Shivratri at midnight when Lord Shiva revealed His Lingam form. Brahma and Vishnu had a dispute in order to know which amongst the two were the supreme lord. Thus, Lord Shiva emerged as the pillar of light in the form of Linga. That occurrence took place on the 14 th day of Magha month (Hindu Calendar). Since then, the day is celebrated as Maha Shivratri.

It was on this day, when Lord Shiva told Maa Parvati that this Ratri (night) was his favorite. Since then, the devotees of Lord Shiva perform special Pujas and pray for Shiva's blessings on the night of Shivaratri.

Thus, devotees perform Rudrabhishekam (holy ritual for honoring Lord Shiva) during midnight, to invoke the blessings of Shiva.

Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati: Marriage

This is another very important story associated with the celebration of Maha Shivratri. Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati got married on Maha Shivarathri. So, Lord Shiva who was a Nirguna Brahman, turned to Saguna Brahman. Thus, on the day Maha Shivratri, devotees of Lord Shiva take the Baaraat of Shiva to Maa Parvati’s residence. On this day, people prepare special Bhang (a drink causing addiction) and apply Rakh (ashes). This way, they depict their happiness and celebration are continued throughout the day.

Lord Shiva: The Neelkanth

Shiva Ratri is also celebrated to pay gratitude and thanksgiving to Lord Shiva, who acted as a protector of the universe. Lord Shiva drank Halahal (poison) that emerged during the churning of the milky ocean. Due to this Halahal, the Lord's throat turned blue. Since then, Lord Shiva is worshiped as 'Neelkanth'. This story holds a great significance for the devotees of Lord Shiva. So, this day is celebrated as Shivarathri.

Lord Shiva: Tandava

It is believed that on the night of Maha Shivarathri, Lord Shiva revealed the Tandava (dance of preservation, destruction and sustenance).

Masik Shivaratri is observed every month and devotees pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on this day. Let’s find out the rituals involved in celebrating Masik Shivaratri in 2016.

Rituals Of Shivratri

During Masik Shivratri or Maha Shivratri, devotees offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. There are certain important rituals which are performed during the time of Masik Shivaratri. This Shivarathri in 2016, we will get to witness the same rituals.

1. Lord Shiva’s Linga is bathed with milk, honey, sugar, water and Bel Patra (Angelo Mermecus). This ritual signifies the purification of the soul.
2. Fruits are offered to Lord Shiva Linga, which signifies longevity and gratification of one’s desires.
3. Betel leaves are offered, which is a symbol of satisfaction.
4. Lamps are lit, which signifies knowledge.
5. A paste of Vermilion is applied to Linga stating the virtue of a person.
6. Incense sticks are also lighted which is a symbol of prosperity and wealth in one’s life.
7. Chanting of the Mantra ‘ॐ नमः शिवाय’ ( Om Namah Shivay) and Mahamrityunjay Jap is done, the whole night. This Mantra frees the soul from all the sins and removes impurity.
8. Lots of people observe Shivarathri Vrat on the dates of Masik Shivratri.
9. Rudraksha holds a great significance while worshiping Lord Shiva. The devotees of Lord Shiva believe that Rudraksha beads got originated from Lord Shiva tears. Hence, wearing a Rudraksha Mala (garland) makes Lord Shiva extremely happy during Masik Shivarathri.

These are some of the important rituals which are being followed since ages. These Rituals will again be performed by the devotees of Lord Shiva, this Masik Shivaratri in 2016.

Let’s find out what could be the benefits of worshiping Lord Shiva during Shivratri or Masik Shivratri in 2016. Before knowing the benefits, share Lord Shiva’s wallpapers this Masik Shiva Ratri in 2016.

Benefits Of Worshiping Lord Shiva

These are some of the benefits which you will get when you will worship Lord Shiva during Shivratri or Masik Shivarathri.

Lord Shiva blesses his devotees by granting them:

• Knowledge
• Wealth
• Long Life
• A satisfactory life
• A path to attain salvation
• Fulfills one’s wishes and desires

So, pray to Lord Shiva with your full faith and he will surely bless you this Shivratri in 2016.

Shivratri is an occasion of immense celebration, enthusiasm, and zeal for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Hence, the festival is celebrated throughout the country and globe. Now, let’s take a look at how Shiva Ratri is celebrated around the country.

Celebrations Of Shivratri

In places like Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, people celebrate Shivarathri with lots of devotion and dedication. The temples are decorated and special Pujas are offered to Lord Shiva’s Linga. Shivratri is also celebrated in places like Mauritius and Nepal, where people observe the Shivratri Vrat. Shivratri is mostly celebrated amongst the females (married and unmarried), as it is believed that Lord Shiva will grant all their wishes. The same festivity will be observed during Masik Shivratri in 2014.

Lord Shiva is the supreme god and transformer. Worshiping Lord Shiva on the day of Shivaratri results in the purification of soul and one attains salvation in doing so. Don’t forget to wish your loved ones on Masik Shivratri in 2014.

Worshiping the Lord Shiva during Masik Shiva ratri can be summarized as:

So, on this Masik Shivarathri in 2016, offer your prayers to Lord Shiva with full devotion. We are sure Lord Shiva will bless us.

AstroCAMP wishes all its readers a very Happy Masik Shivratri in 2016!