Shiva Vratham (Shiva Vratam)—a deeply spiritual ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil and the embodiment of compassion and wisdom. This vratam is observed for health, peace, marriage, progeny, and spiritual upliftment.

Auspicious Days to Perform:

• Mondays (especially Shravana Somvar and Margashira Mondays)

• Pradosham days (Trayodashi tithi)

• Maha Shivaratri

• Krittika or Ardra Nakshatram days

• Monthly Shivaratri (Chaturdashi before Amavasya)

ITEMS REQUIRED

• Shiva Linga or image of Lord Shiva

• Bilva (Bael) leaves – very important

• Milk, honey, curd, ghee, sugar (for abhishekam)

• Sandal paste, kumkum, vibhuti (holy ash)

• Flowers (white, blue, or Bilva flowers)

• Fruits, coconut, banana

• Betel leaves, betel nuts

• Incense sticks, camphor, oil or ghee lamp

• Akshata (turmeric rice)

• Shiva Vrata Katha (story)