New Delhi: Maha Shivratri is an auspicious day for Lord Shiva’s devotees and performing puja with devotion can help seekers gain blessings. This year, the festival of Mahashivratri is being observed today (February 18).
Considered as one of the most auspicious festivals in the country, Mahashivratri essentially translates to ‘the great night of Shiva’ and is celebrated annually with much fervour and excitement across India. Devotees observe fasts and perform special puja rituals to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Here is a detailed guide on how to perform Maha Shivratri puja rituals:
Dos:
- The sankalp for Mahashivratri fasting is taken a day prior to the vrat after taking a bath in the morning and while doing Shiv Puja. The sankalp is taken by placing some rice and water in the palm.
- On the day of the fast, get up early around sunrise.
- One should take a bath and dress in clean, preferably white, clothing on the day of the fast.
- To make your fast more fruitful recite “Om Namah Shivay” multiple times.
- Since Shivratri Puja is conducted in the night, devotees should take a second bath in the evening before doing Shiv Puja. Devotees usually break the fast next day after taking bath.
- Following a bath, the following day, devotees usually break their fast.
- Milk, dhatura flowers, belpatra, sandalwood paste, yoghurt, honey, ghee, and sugar are among the offerings made to Lord Shiva.
According to Drikpanchang, to get the full benefits of the Vrat, devotees break their fast between dawn and the end of Chaturdashi Tithi.
Don’ts of fasting on Mahashivratri:
- It’s considered by many to refrain from consuming anything made of rice, wheat, or pulses, as these foods are not permitted during the fast.
- People generally avoid garlic, onion, and non-vegetarian meals because they are tamsik in nature.
- Offering coconut water to Shivling is not advisable.
It is believed that those people who perform puja, fast, and offer prayers to Lord Shiva are blessed with good luck.
