Sawan Shivratri
is observed on the 14th day of the dark fortnight or the Krishna
Paksha Chaturdashi Tithi of the month of Sawan in the Hindu calendar. The day
is auspicious for the worship of Lord Shiva as it marks the convergance of
Shiva and Shakti, the two elements of all existence. This year, Sawan Shivratri
will fall on Friday, August 6 in Vikrama Samvata 2077-78 according to the Hindu
calendar.

The day is
also known as Maas Shivratri, when devotees observe day-long fasts and worship
the Shiv Ling later. The literal meaning of ‘Shivratri’ is ‘The night of Shiva’.
Mahashivratri is celebrated in the month of falgun.

Also Read | Kamika Ekadashi 2021: Date, time, significance

When is
Sawan Shivratri?

As
mentioned earlier, the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi Tithi of the month of Sawan
will fall on August 6 this year. The Chaturdashi Tithi will start at 6:28 am on
August 6 and conclude at 7:11 am on August 7. The muhurat to worship Lord Shiva
will prevail from 12:06 am to 12:48 am on August 7.

Here the specific
timings for the pujas:

Ratri First
Prahar Puja: 7:12 pm to 9:58 pm on August 6.

Ratri
Second Prahar Puja: 9:58 pm on August 6 to 12:44 am on August 7

Ratri Third
Prahar Puja: 12:44 am to 3:31 am on August 7

Ratri
Fourth Prahar Puja: 3:31 am to 6:17 am on August 7

One of the
most important pujas is the Nishita Kaal Puja, which is done between 12:22 am
and 1:07 am on August 7.

Sawan
Shivratri Vrat Vridhi:

The puja
for the Sawan Shivratri is performed at midnight, which is why it is also known
as Nishita Kaal. The ceremony starts with performing ‘Abhishek’ for the Shiv
Ling. Gangajal, milk, curd, ghee, honey, vermillion, turmeric powder, rose water
and bel leaves.

This is
followed by singing of hymns for Lord Shiva, and the conch is blown. Devotees
are then offered prasad. Devotees observe fast throughout the day and the
Parana is done the next day.