Question 1

When is Ardhanarishvara Vratam observed?

Accepted Answer

Ardhanarishvara Vratam falls on Vaishakha Purnima, the full-moon tithi of the bright fortnight, when Purnima is current at sunrise. Its Gregorian date changes each year because it follows the lunar calendar.

Question 2

What is Ardhanarishvara Vratam?

Accepted Answer

Ardhanarishvara Vratam is a Shaiva vrata, or vow, associated by name with Ardhanarishvara, the united form of Shiva and Shakti. The name indicates the observance’s devotional focus, but its particular purpose and detailed rules need confirmation from a regional or textual authority.

Question 3

What should be eaten during Ardhanarishvara Vratam?

Accepted Answer

A universally fixed fasting method cannot be stated confidently for this observance. A household should verify whether its tradition requires a waterless fast, fruits or milk, a single meal, or another restriction before beginning the vrata.

Question 4

When should the Ardhanarishvara Vratam fast be broken?

Accepted Answer

The fast is governed by the tithi current at sunrise, not simply by the clock time at which Purnima begins or ends. The exact time for paran, or breaking the fast, is not established here and should be taken from the observance’s recognised local authority.

Question 5

How is Ardhanarishvara Vratam performed?

Accepted Answer

A Shaiva household may worship Ardhanarishvara with a clean altar, prayer, and remembrance of Shiva and Shakti, but no single offering sequence can be confirmed for this particular vratam. Family or temple practice should determine the mantra, offerings, and puja order.

Date	Tithi	Lunar month	Governing time
Thu, 23 May, 2024	ShuklaPurnima	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Mon, 12 May, 2025	ShuklaPurnima	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Fri, 1 May, 2026	ShuklaPurnima	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Thu, 20 May, 2027	ShuklaPurnima	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Mon, 8 May, 2028	ShuklaPurnima	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sun, 27 May, 2029	ShuklaPurnima	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Fri, 17 May, 2030	ShuklaPurnima	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Wed, 7 May, 2031	ShuklaPurnima	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Tue, 25 May, 2032	ShuklaPurnima	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)

Ardhanarishvara Vratam

Dates by year