Tithi 14rikta
Krishna Chaturdashi
कृष्ण चतुर्दशी
Presiding deity: Shiva (Rudra) / Kali
Tithi Mantra
ॐ नमो भगवते रुद्राय
Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraya
Shukla Paksha (waxing)
N/A
Krishna Paksha (waning)
Masik Shivaratri (monthly) — Shiva worship at midnight, lighter version of Maha Shivaratri. Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi = MAHA SHIVARATRI (most sacred Shiva night of year, 4-prahar puja). Narak Chaturdashi (Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi) = Choti Diwali, abhyanga snan, Kali Chaudas (Bengal Kali puja).
Best for
- + Maha Shivaratri jagran
- + Linga abhishek at midnight
- + 4-prahar puja
- + Kali sadhana
- + Pre-dawn abhyanga snan
Avoid for
- - Marriage
- - Travel
- - New ventures (peak rikta)
Fasting tradition
Maha Shivaratri — full nirjala fast, jagran, 4-prahar abhishek (milk-curd-ghee-honey), break next morning post-pujas. Masik Shivaratri — partial fast till midnight Shiva puja.
Major festivals on this tithi
Maha Shivaratri, Masik Shivaratri (monthly), Narak Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas, Roop Chaudas