Monthly Shivratri, observed every month on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi tithi, is considered highly auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva, and this time the Ashadh month's Shivratri is arriving with some rare planetary combinations. Devotees observe a fast on this day and perform the abhishek and puja of Bholenath following proper rituals. It is believed that sincere worship pleases Mahadev, fulfils wishes and brings happiness, peace and prosperity into one's life. It is also believed that Lord Shiva's grace removes obstacles, suffering and negativity from a devotee's life. Ujjain's well known astrologer Anand Bhardwaj has shared detailed information on the correct date of this month's Monthly Shivratri, the auspicious yoga forming around it, and the benefits of observing the fast.
The Fast Will Be Observed On July 12
According to the Vedic Panchang, the Chaturdashi tithi of the Krishna Paksha of Ashadh month will begin at 10:29 pm on July 12 and will end at 6:49 pm the next day, July 13. Since the Monthly Shivratri fast is decided based on the nishita kaal, that is, the midnight period, and the Chaturdashi tithi falls at night, the fast will be observed on July 12, a Sunday.
A Rare Combination Of Vriddhi And Dhruv Yoga
This time's Monthly Shivratri is being considered especially significant because two auspicious yogas are forming on the same day. Vriddhi yoga will remain in effect from the morning until night on July 12, and as soon as it ends, Dhruv yoga will begin, which will continue until around 4 pm the next day, July 13. In astrology, both Vriddhi and Dhruv yoga are considered extremely favourable for auspicious tasks, which is why worship performed on this day is believed to yield greater results.
Worship Method And The Importance Of Mantras
According to Acharya Anand Bhardwaj, chanting Shiva mantras while sitting in a Shivalaya, or in the eastern part of one's home, is considered more fruitful. After completing the puja, it is traditional to first feed Brahmins and then eat oneself. Mantras chanted specifically during this worship include Om Tridalam Trigunakaram Trinetram Cha Tridhayutam, Trijanma Paap Sanharam Eka Bilva Shivarpanam, along with Om Shivaya Namah, Om Sarvatmane Namah, Om Trinetraya Namah, Om Haraya Namah and Om Indramukhaya Namah.
What Devotees Gain By Observing This Fast With Devotion
It is believed that a devotee who observes this fast with complete devotion and faith causes all the sins of their parents to be destroyed, while their own sufferings are also removed. The glory of this fast is such that whoever observes it is said to attain a long life, prosperity, good health and children. It is also believed that a person who performs this fast with the full prescribed rituals sees all their wishes fulfilled.
