Maha Shivratri, an important festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, is celebrated in the month of Magha according to the South Indian calendar and in the month of Phalgun based on the North Indian calendar. Unlike the monthly Shivaratri, Mahashivaratri is celebrated only once a year, to honor the night when Lord Shiva performed his Tandava dance. According to another myth, this day is celebrated on the night of Lord Shiva’s marriage to Parvati. This year, Mahashivaratri is being celebrated across the country on February 18, 2023.
Mahashivratri is a festival celebrated in various states from Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, or Telangana. Devotees visit Shiva temples, offer prayers to Shiva, and offer milk, datura bel patra, sandalwood paste, ghee, sugar and other offerings to the Shiva lingam. Devotees keep a fast for the whole day and break it the next morning.
Mahashivratri Puja is conducted during the night.
While fasting, devotees can consume sattvic foods such as buckwheat, ragi, sago, fruits and some vegetables. The following do’s and don’ts should be followed by those observing the fast.
Mahashivratri fasting Dos:
- One day before the fast, take the resolution of Mahashivaratri fast after taking bath in the morning and while worshiping Shiva. While taking the resolution, keep some rice and water in the palm.
- Get up early in the morning on the day of fasting.
- On the day of fasting, take a bath and wear clean clothes, especially white.
- Chant ‘Om Namah Shivay’ many times throughout the day.
- Take a second bath in the evening before performing Shiva Puja as Shivratri Puja is conducted during the night. Devotees usually break the fast the next day after taking a bath.
- People who suffer from specific health conditions or are taking medication should consult their doctor before fasting.
- Milk, datura flower, belpatra, sandalwood paste, curd, honey, ghee and sugar can be offered to Lord Shiva.
- According to Drikpanchang, break the fast between sunrise and before the end of Chaturdashi Tithi to get the maximum benefits of the fast.
What not to do on Mahashivaratri fast:
- Do not eat food made of rice, wheat or pulses during the fast.
- Strictly avoid non-vegetarian food, garlic and onion as these items are tamasic in nature.
- Do not offer coconut water on Shivling.
- Mahashivaratri is an important religious festival and is widely celebrated across India. Following the above do’s and don’ts can help you observe Mahashivratri fast in the right way.
What are the customs and traditions associated with Mahashivaratri?
Devotees of Lord Shiva visit Shiva temples, offer prayers to Shiva, and offer milk, datura bel patra, sandalwood paste, ghee, sugar and other offerings to the Shivalinga. People keep fast for the whole day and break it the next morning.