Shivaratri is great festival of convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Each month, Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha is known as Masik Shivaratri. Mythologically, in the midnight of Maha Shivaratri, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Linga. Shiva Linga was first worshipped by Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. Hence Maha Shivaratri is known as birthday of Lord Shiva and devotees worship Shiva Linga during Shivaratri. Shivaratri Vrat is popular since ancient times. In the Puranas there are references to Shivaratri Vrat. According to scriptures even Goddess Lakshmi, Indrani, Saraswati, Gayatri, Savitri, Sita, Parvati, Rati observed Shivaratri fast.Devotees, who want to observe Masik Shivaratri Vrat, can start it from Maha Shivaratri day and continue it for a year. It is believed that impossible and difficult tasks can be fulfilled by observing Masik Shivaratri Vrats by the grace of Lord Shiva. Devotees should keep awake during Shivaratri and perform Shiva Puja during midnight. Unmarried women observe this fast to get married and married women observe this fast to maintain peace and tranquility in their married life.Masik Shivaratri, when it falls on Tuesday becomes highly auspicious. Shivaratri Puja is suggested during midnight which is known as Nishita Kaal and prevails for two Ghati. 

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