Shivaratri means the ‘night of Lord Shiva’. Shiva Ratri occurs on the 14th night of the 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.

Masik Shivratri is celebrated to connect with Lord Shiva. Devotees of Lord Shiva follow Shivratri very closely. Masik Shivratri is observed once every month. It is considered to be a very powerful day. It falls on every Chaturdashi tithi of Krishna Paksha. Masik Shivratri is an important day observed by married and unmarried ladies. They observe a fast on this day for the better life of their husband and son.

The devotees of Masik Shivratri celebrate by taking a holy bath with hot water with ‘til’, while observing a fast. Aarti and hymns are sung on this day to please Lord Shiva. Masik Shivratri is celebrated all over India. In Andhra Pradesh, followers of Lord Shiva visit the Bhramarambha temple. It is believed that pleasing Lord Shiva brings happiness, prosperity and grace in life.

According to a popular belief, Lord Shiva saved the world from the disastrous effects of a poison that emerged as a byproduct of the churning of the sea, and gods were willing to take it because of fear, but Lord Shiva saved them by consuming the whole poison. Seeing this, goddess Parvati choked his throat so it could not reach his belly; because, the whole universe was inside his stomach and if it reached there, the whole cosmos would be destroyed. Therefore, Lord Shiva arrested the poison in his throat by his divine powers, and it did not go down his throat. His neck turned blue due to the effect of the poison in his throat. He is also known as Neela Kantha.