Maha Shivratri Fasting Rules: Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind

Maha Shivratri Fasting Rules: Maha Shivratri, also known as the Great Night of Shiva, is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. It is observed on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Phalguna (usually in February or March). Maha Shivratri holds immense spiritual significance and is considered one of the most auspicious occasions in the Hindu calendar. This year, the Maha Shivratri is being celebrated on March 8.

It's believed that while there is a Shivratri every lunisolar month of the Hindu calendar, the Maha Shivratri, happens only once every year, in February/March, when winter comes to an end and spring and summer begins.

Also Read: Most Famous, Popular and Best Shiva Temples in India

Out of the 12 Shivratris observed in any given year, Maha Shivratri is considered especially auspicious, as it is supposed to be the night of convergence of Shiva and Shakti, which in essence means the male and feminine energies that keep the world in balance. Shiva and Shakti are revered as the embodiment of love, power, and oneness.

During Maha Shivratri, devotees fast, meditate, and perform puja (ritual worship) to Lord Shiva. They visit Shiva temples, offer prayers, and perform rituals like Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the Shiva Lingam) with milk, water, and other sacred substances. Many devotees stay awake throughout the night, engaging in bhajans (devotional songs), chanting of mantras, and reading scriptures dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Also Read: Know the significance of Maha Shivratri; why it is celebrated?

Maha Shivratri 2024: Do’s and Don’ts of Fasting 

Do’s

• Observe Complete or Partial Fast: Depending on your health and personal preferences, you can choose to observe a complete fast (abstaining from food and water) or a partial fast (consuming only specific foods like fruits, milk, or vegetarian dishes).
• Get Up Early: On the day of the fast, get up early around sunrise.
• Take Bath and Dress Up Nicely: One should take a bath and dress in clean, preferably white, clothing on the day of the fast.
• Perform Puja: Offer prayers, perform puja rituals, and meditate on Lord Shiva during the fasting period. Milk, dhatura flowers, belpatra, sandalwood paste, yoghurt, honey, ghee, and sugar are among the offerings made to Lord Shiva.
• Chant Mantras: Chanting of Shiva mantras and hymns like the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and the Om Namah Shivaya mantra is considered auspicious during the fasting period.

Also Read: Maha Shivratri 2024: Know puja timings, shubh muhurat, puja vidhi, fasting rules, other details

Don'ts 

• Avoid Non-vegetarian Food: Refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food items during the fasting period as it is considered impure.
• Avoid Grains and Pulses: 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.
• Do not offer coconut water: Offering coconut water to Shivling is not advisable.
• Avoid Negative Thoughts and Actions: Use the fasting period as an opportunity for spiritual upliftment and self-discipline. Avoid negative thoughts, actions, and speech.

Happy Maha Shivratri 2024! 

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