Masik Shivaratri, or monthly Shivaratri, is a sacred Hindu observance dedicated to Lord Shiva, the deity revered as the supreme destroyer and restorer.
Each month, on the 14th night of the Krishna Paksha (waning lunar fortnight), devotees celebrate Masik Shivaratri with reverence, fasting, and prayers. It’s a time to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings for strength, prosperity, and spiritual growth, aligning one’s mind and soul with the divine.
This comprehensive 2025 Masik Shivaratri Calendar offers detailed information on each month’s dates, the significance of Masik Shivaratri, rituals to observe, and the spiritual importance of this monthly event.
2025 Masik Shivaratri Calendar Dates
Below is the 2025 Masik Shivaratri Calendar, listing the monthly Shivaratri dates and the corresponding days. These dates help devotees plan their fasts and observances in advance.
| Event Date | Event Name | Tithi | Begins Date | Begins Time | Ends Date | Ends Time |
| January 27, 2025, Monday | Masik Shivaratri | Magha, Krishna Chaturdashi | Jan 27 | Begins - 08:34 PM | Jan 28 | Ends - 07:35 PM |
| February 26, 2025, Wednesday | Maha Shivaratri | Phalguna, Krishna Chaturdashi | Feb 26 | Begins - 11:08 AM | Feb 27 | Ends - 08:54 AM |
| March 27, 2025, Thursday | Masik Shivaratri | Chaitra, Krishna Chaturdashi | Mar 27 | Begins - 11:03 PM | Mar 28 | Ends - 07:55 PM |
| April 26, 2025, Saturday | Masik Shivaratri | Vaishakha, Krishna Chaturdashi | Apr 26 | Begins - 08:27 AM | Apr 27 | Ends - 04:49 AM |
| May 25, 2025, Sunday | Masik Shivaratri | Jyeshtha, Krishna Chaturdashi | May 25 | Begins - 03:51 PM | May 26 | Ends - 12:11 PM |
| June 23, 2025, Monday | Masik Shivaratri | Ashadha, Krishna Chaturdashi | Jun 23 | Begins - 10:09 PM | Jun 24 | Ends - 06:59 PM |
| July 23, 2025, Wednesday | Sawan Shivaratri | Shravana, Krishna Chaturdashi | Jul 23 | Begins - 04:39 AM | Jul 24 | Ends - 02:28 AM |
| August 21, 2025, Thursday | Masik Shivaratri | Bhadrapada, Krishna Chaturdashi | Aug 21 | Begins - 12:44 PM | Aug 22 | Ends - 11:55 AM |
| September 19, 2025, Friday | Masik Shivaratri | Ashwina, Krishna Chaturdashi | Sep 19 | Begins - 11:36 PM | Sep 21 | Ends - 12:16 AM |
| October 19, 2025, Sunday | Masik Shivaratri | Kartika, Krishna Chaturdashi | Oct 19 | Begins - 01:51 PM | Oct 20 | Ends - 03:44 PM |
| November 18, 2025, Tuesday | Masik Shivaratri | Margashirsha, Krishna Chaturdashi | Nov 18 | Begins - 07:12 AM | Nov 19 | Ends - 09:43 AM |
| December 18, 2025, Thursday | Masik Shivaratri | Pausha, Krishna Chaturdashi | Dec 18 | Begins - 02:32 AM | Dec 19 | Ends - 04:59 AM |
What is Masik Shivaratri?
Masik Shivaratri, meaning "monthly night of Lord Shiva," occurs every month on the Chaturdashi Tithi (14th lunar day) during the Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase).
While Mahashivaratri, celebrated annually, is the most widely known observance of Lord Shiva, Masik Shivaratri provides a monthly opportunity for devotees to connect with Lord Shiva, seek his blessings, and immerse in spiritual practices.
The night of Masik Shivaratri is believed to be an auspicious time to worship Lord Shiva, as it represents the convergence of divine energies that promote peace, remove obstacles, and aid in spiritual enlightenment.
Significance of Masik Shivaratri
Masik Shivaratri holds a special place in Hindu worship for those devoted to Lord Shiva. Each Masik Shivaratri night is said to offer powerful blessings that nurture the mind, body, and soul. The night is a symbol of introspection and spiritual awakening, guiding devotees towards a deeper understanding of their connection with the divine.
The significance of Masik Shivaratri is rooted in:
Self-Purification and Inner Transformation: The Shiva night is considered a time for inner cleansing. By practicing fasting and prayer, devotees aim to purify the mind and free themselves from negative emotions like anger, jealousy, and pride.
Protection from Negative Forces: As the deity who transcends time and existence, Lord Shiva is believed to shield his devotees from negative influences, guiding them toward enlightenment.
Spiritual Liberation: By worshipping Shiva on this night, devotees seek freedom from the cycle of birth and death, or moksha, which Lord Shiva is known to grant to his sincere followers.
Rituals and Customs Observed
The rituals of Masik Shivaratri are meaningful and symbolic, involving purification, devotion, and spiritual connection. Here is a step-by-step guide to the key rituals associated with this monthly observance:
A. Fasting (Upavas)
Devotees typically observe a fast throughout the day, refraining from consuming food and sometimes water, depending on personal preference or tradition. Some choose a strict nirjala vrat (without water), while others may opt for a partial fast, eating only fruits or light meals.
B. Shiva Abhishekam (Anointing Lord Shiva)
An essential part of the Shivaratri ritual is the Abhishekam (anointing ceremony). Devotees bathe the Shiva Linga with various offerings such as:
Milk: Symbolizing purity and devotion.
Water: Representing clarity and the flow of life.
Honey: Signifying sweetness and humility.
Yogurt: Representing health and wellbeing. Each item used in Abhishekam has symbolic importance, and devotees chant Shiva mantras throughout the ritual.
C. Chanting Shiva Mantras
Chanting mantras like Om Namah Shivaya or Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is a powerful way to invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings. Repeated chanting is believed to bring mental clarity, peace, and spiritual awareness.
D. Offering Bilva (Bael) Leaves
The Bilva leaf holds a sacred place in Shiva worship. Each Bilva leaf has three leaflets, symbolizing Shiva's trident or trishul. Offering Bilva leaves during Masik Shivaratri is believed to remove sins and grant the devotee’s wishes.
E. Night Vigil (Jagaran)
Many devotees observe a night vigil, staying awake throughout the night in meditation, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and reading scriptures related to Lord Shiva. This vigil represents overcoming ignorance and darkness with knowledge and light.
Masik Shivaratri and Mahashivaratri: Understanding the Differences
While both Masik Shivaratri and Mahashivaratri honor Lord Shiva, they have distinct characteristics:
Frequency: Masik Shivaratri occurs monthly, while Mahashivaratri is an annual festival, celebrated once a year in the month of Phalguna.
Importance: Mahashivaratri is considered the grandest of all Shivaratris and holds significant mythological and cultural importance, marked by large-scale celebrations, processions, and public gatherings.
Duration and Rituals: Mahashivaratri rituals are more elaborate, often lasting all night and involving special ceremonies at temples worldwide. Masik Shivaratri, while equally sacred, is usually observed in a quieter, more personal manner.
Mahashivaratri is an occasion for devotees to gather in large numbers, while Masik Shivaratri offers a monthly opportunity to connect with Shiva on a more intimate level.
Benefits of Observing Masik Shivaratri
The monthly observance of Masik Shivaratri is believed to provide devotees with several spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits:
A. Spiritual Growth
Masik Shivaratri allows devotees to engage in regular spiritual practice. The discipline of fasting, prayer, and meditation enhances self-awareness, leading to inner peace and higher consciousness.
B. Emotional Resilience
The act of worship, especially during challenging times, strengthens emotional resilience. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva grants courage and calmness to face difficulties and navigate life’s uncertainties.
C. Physical Detoxification
Fasting on Masik Shivaratri can serve as a physical detox, giving the digestive system a break and promoting overall health. Many Hindus believe that fasting rejuvenates both body and mind.
D. Liberation from Past Sins
By observing Masik Shivaratri with devotion, devotees seek forgiveness for past mistakes, aiming for personal and spiritual transformation. Lord Shiva is often seen as a forgiving deity, and Masik Shivaratri serves as an opportunity for devotees to let go of negativity and start afresh.
Conclusion
The 2025 Masik Shivaratri calendar brings monthly opportunities to engage in devotion and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Each Masik Shivaratri is a reminder of the powerful virtues that Lord Shiva embodies: compassion, patience, and strength. Observing this monthly Shivaratri fosters regular spiritual discipline, emotional resilience, and personal transformation.
Through fasting, Abhishekam, and prayer, devotees align with Shiva’s energies, enhancing their journey toward self-realization and enlightenment.
Whether observed quietly at home or with family and friends in the community, each Masik Shivaratri reinforces the spiritual bond with Lord Shiva and inspires peace, wisdom, and positive transformation in devotees’ lives.