On this Maha Shivaratri, what you should keep in mind before performing vrat and puja.
Maha Shivaratri 2023: Maha Shivaratri is a momentous and auspicious occasion for the followers of Lord Shiva, a day to praise the god and seek His blessings. Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated all over India, and many people observe fast on this day.
How to perform Maha Shivaratri vrat?
The Maha Shivaratri fast begins early in the morning of the festival day and ends the following morning. Unlike other festivals, where people eat food after the puja of the deity, the Shivaratri vrat continues throughout the day and night.
Maha Shivaratri fast Do’s
∙ On the fasting day, devotees must wake up early, preferably in Brahma Murat, two hours before sunrise. And take a holy bath in a sacred river. Hot water with some sesame seeds must be used. This will wash off all the impurities.
∙ Devotees have to wear new clothes or clean clothes, preferably white. Then, a Sankalp of observing the full day with dedication and devotion is taken. They can take Sankalp by taking some rice and water in their palm.
Note: People who are suffering from certain health conditions or are on medication should consult their doctor before going ahead with fasting.
∙ People observing the fast are advised to do ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ chanting several times a day.
∙ On Shivaratri day, devotees should take a second bath in the evening before doing Shiv puja. The puja should be done during the night, and devotees should open the fast the next day after taking a bath.
∙ Visit the nearby lord Shiva temple. They have to perform Abhishekam (a holy bath) for Shiva Ling at the temple.
Maha Shivaratri Puja
Abhishekam should be done by offering milk, honey, fragrant things, flowers, and other puja materials available and chanting the divine name of lord Shiva, “Om Namah Shivaya.”
Read More- Beyond Religion, Behind Science, The Shiva & Shiva Lingam
For the Shiv puja, decorate the Shiva Lingam with turmeric paste, sandal paste, sandal paste, vermilion (Kumkum), bilva leaves (Bel Patra), Datura flowers, and new clothes.
Many devotees observe the Shivaratri fast without water. It is recommended to fast with water and fruits or small quantities of easily digestible food to keep the body light and energetic.
Staying at the temple premises, chanting the names of lord Shiva, and listening to the lord’s glories are the devotees’ most beneficial and preferable activities.
Fasting discipline and spending the entire day chanting Om Namah Shivaya at lord Shiva’s feet give mastery over one’s senses and control desires.
Maha Shivaratri Don’ts
o The evils like lust and anger are subdued, thereby acquiring control over rajas Guna. The devotee must practice virtues and keep away from all sins.
o Alcohol and meat or non-vegetarian food should be kept away from the person observing fast, and they should also be awake till late at night.
o As per the astrologers, wearing black should be avoided as Shiva is not very fond of this colour.
o One should not consume food made of rice, pulses, or wheat.
o Garlic and onions should not be part of the ahaar.
o Do not get involved in any fight or use abusive language with anybody.
o The vrat is not at all about purity of clothes and body. This fast is significant as it leads to the purity of the soul, mind and heart.
May Lord Shiva bless you with all happiness and success!
Om Namah Shivaya!
Happy Maha Shivaratri!
