Monthly Shivaratri fast is observed on the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha of every month. Monthly Shivratri in 2022 is on 30th January, Sunday. According to Jyotishacharya, Shivratri is a festival of confluence of Shiva and Shakti. There is a story behind every fast, similarly there is a mythological story behind the monthly Shivratri.

Let's know the mythological story and worship method of monthly Shivratri fast -

Significance of Monthly Shivratri
For Shiva devotees, along with Mahashiv Ratri, the monthly Shivratri that falls every month also has special significance. It is believed that Lord Shiva fulfills all the wishes by observing fast during the month of Shivaratri. The girls who want to get the desired groom, after observing this fast, they get the groom according to their wish and the obstacles coming in their marriage are removed.

Monthly Shivratri Puja and Fasting Method
If you want to keep the monthly Shivratri fast, then you cannot start this fast on any day. Monthly Shivratri fast is started from the day of Mahashivratri. Anyone can do this fast. In this fast, devotees should wake up at night and worship Lord Shiva.

1- On the day of monthly Shivaratri, wake up before sunrise and take bath etc.
2- Go to the temple and worship Lord Shiva and his family (Parvati, Ganesh, Kartik, Nandi).
3- Do Rudrabhishek of Shivling with water, pure ghee, milk, sugar, honey, curd etc.
4- Offer Belpatra, Datura and Shriphal on Shivling. Keep in mind that the leaves should be cleaned thoroughly.
6- Worship Lord Shiva with incense, lamp, fruits and flowers etc.
7- While worshiping Shiva, you should recite Shiva Purana, Shiva Stuti, Shiva Ashtak, Shiva Chalisa and Shiva Shloka.
8- You can have fruit in the evening. The worshiper should not take food.
9- Worship Lord Shiva on the next day and open your fast after donating etc.

Monthly Shivratri Mythology
According to mythology and religious texts, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Shiva Linga at midnight on Mahashivaratri. After which Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu worshiped him first. From that day till today, this day is celebrated with great pomp as the birthday of Lord Shiva. Shiva worship has special significance on this day. According to the scriptures, many goddesses and queens like Mata Lakshmi, Saraswati, Gayatri, Sita, Parvati and Rati also fasted on Shivratri for the salvation of their lives. It is believed that the monthly Shivaratri brings happiness and peace in life and with the grace of Lord Shiva, all the bad deeds of the worshiper get done.