Masik Shivaratri 2016 Dates: Appease Lord Shiva On His Own Day!

Masik Shivratri 2016 dates are given here. Shiva Ratri is referred to as ‘The Night Of Shiva’ and this holy night comes every month. So, do not miss the opportunity to please the lord and seek his eternal glory.

Masik Shivratri 2016: What Is Masik Shivratri?

Shivaratri is considered to be one of the most pious festivals for Hindu devotees. Most of the devotees are unaware from the fact that this holy day comes every month and is referred as ‘Masik Shivratri’. To let you celebrate every Masik Shivratri of the year, we have come up with this exclusive article on Masik Shivratri 2016 dates.

Shivratri means 'The Night of Lord Shiva'. This day is devoted to Lord Shiva by his pious followers. Before going in depth about this sacred day, let us take a look at Masik Shivratri 2016 dates. These dates will make sure you celebrate each and every Masik Shivratri of the month.

Masik Shivaratri 2016 Dates

We are sure that the dates of Masik Shivaratri in 2016 will let you appease Lord Shiva on the right day. Now, we should take a step ahead and know the reasons for celebrating Maasik Shivaratri.

Masik Shivratri 2016: Why Is Shivaratri Celebrated?

Like any other Hindu festival, we must talk about mythological evidences to know the real reasons behind celebration of Masik Shivaratri. Let’s take a look at the legends associated with celebration of Shivarathri.

Nilkantha & Shivratri

Shivaratri is celebrated in the honor of Lord Shiva. According to Puranic texts, during the period of Samudra Manthan, a pot of poison emerged out of the ocean. The Devas (gods) and the demons were terrified at this sight. They were afraid of the fact that the emerging poison had the potency to destroy the earth.

Ultimately, Lord Shiva was asked to help. Lord Shiva responded to their pleas and turned out to be the savior. He drank the poison, although, held it in his throat instead of swallowing it. The poison turned his throat blue and thus, he acquired the name ‘Neelkantha’. Nilkantha means blue throat.

It is believed to be one of the prime reasons to follow this day as Shivaratri.

Shiva-Parvati & Shivratri

This day is also celebrated as the day when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. According to Hindu mythology, the day of Shiva Ratri is observed to honor the divine relationship between Shiva and Shakti Devi (goddess).

Now, let’s take a look at another legend associated with Shivarathri.

Brahma-Vishnu & Shivratri

Once, there was a fight between two pillars of the Hindu trinity, Brahma and Vishnu. They wanted to know that who was more superior between them. In order to pacify this dispute, Lord Shiva intervened and set himself between Brahma and Vishnu in the form of Lingam.

Brahma and Vishnu were challenged to measure the extreme ends of the Lingam by Shiva. In order to establish supremacy over the other, each of them started to measure the endless Lingam. They decide to travel in opposite directions and explore each end of the Lingam. Vishnu went to the netherworld, while Brahma went to the Kailash mountains. None of them could find the end of Lingam.

However, en route Brahma came across a Ketaki flower, which claimed itself to be an offering on the fiery column. Brahma returned to earth with the Ketaki flower, as a proof of being able to reach the extreme end of the Lingam.

Lord Shiva was enraged by Brahma’s deception. He decided to punish Brahma and thereby, reduced his superiority as a deity. Since then, Brahma is not worshiped by the people. Shiva also penalized the flower, and prohibited it from being used in holy offerings.

Masik Shivratri 2016: Rituals

The Shiva Lingam is given bath on Shivaratri. The procedure of bathing Lord Shiva is performed as prescribed in Shiva Purana. Shiva Lingam is bathed with honey, yogurt, sandalwood paste, and rose water. Vermillion paste is then applied on it.

Devotees mark three stripes on their foreheads, with Vibhuti (sacred ash). Then, the Shivratri rituals begin.

According to Hindu tradition, a stock conjoining three leaves of Bilwa tree (Aegle Marmelos) is kept on Shiva Lingam. Some devotees also offer betel leaves to the deity. Incense sticks and flowers are also decorated around the Shiva Lingam.

On this day, the temples become the special corner for devoting to Lord Shiva. The Mantra ‘Om Namah Shivay’ is chanted throughout the night. It is believed that the Mantra is capable of freeing people from all kinds of sins and impure thoughts.

Masik Shivratri 2016: The Fast

A fast or Vrat is also observed on Masik Shivaratri. During the Vrat, one is abstained from consuming general food items. It is believed that if the fast is followed with sincerity, Lord Shiva bestows boon upon his/her followers. It is believed that if a devotee observes Vrat on Masik Shivaratri, it helps him/her to control Tamas Guna (quality of inertia) and Rajas Guna (passionate activity).

But, what are the items whose intake is not prohibited during Masik Shivratri Vrat. Now, let’s take a look at the food items that can be consumed while observing Masik Shivaratri fast.

Masik Shivratri 2016: Shivaratri Vrat Food

Following are the food items that can be taken during Shivarathri fast:

• Sama Ke Chawal (barnyard millet)
• Kuttu Ke Paranthe (indian bread made of Buckwheat flour and mashed potatoes)
• Sabudana Thalipeeth (sago bread)
• Fruit Salad
• Kuttu Ki puri (Buckwheat flour bread)
• Potato Fries
• Mashed Sabudana (sago)
• Sukhi Arbi (dried Colocasia)
• Sev Tamatar Ki Sabji (vegetarian dish made of vermicelli and tomatoes)

Masik Shivaratri is a holy festival that is celebrated all over the world to please Lord Shiva. We have brought you the opportunity to plan the Masik Shivaratri proceedings of 2016 in advance. Please Lord Shiva every month through Masik Shivaratri.

MyKundali wishes you happiness on the days of Masik Shivaratri in 2016!