WHY MAHASHIVRATRI HOLDS GREAT IMPORTANCE?

Mahashivratri is celebrated with immense devotion and reverence by the followers of Bholenath. On this auspicious day, Shiva devotees observe a fast and stay awake throughout the night, seeking the blessings and grace of their beloved deity. Unlike other Hindu festivals, Mahashivratri is a night of spiritual awakening, where darkness and obstacles in life are overcome through fasting, meditation, and introspection. The night holds extraordinary significance as it marks the union of the divine energies of Lord Shiva and Adishakti.

During this time, Shiva temples host worship, meditation, and prayers, promoting both spiritual reflection and social harmony. The festival is steeped in rich mythological beliefs, with the Linga Purana elaborating on the importance of fasting and honoring Lord Shiva and his divine symbols, like the Lingam. One belief highlights the cosmic Tandava dance performed by Lord Shiva on this night, symbolizing creation and destruction. Another legend suggests that it was on this day that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married, making it an ideal day for couples to pray for marital bliss and for unmarried women to seek a good husband.

RITUALS OF MAHASHIVRATRI PUJA

On Mahashivratri, worship Lord Shiva with the following rituals to earn His blessings:

• Begin by anointing the Shivling with water or milk from a clay pot. Offer Bel leaves, Aak-Dhatura flowers, rice, and other offerings. If a Shiva temple is not nearby, create a clay Shivling at home and worship it.

• Recite the Shiv Puran and chant the powerful Mahamrityunjaya Mantra or Shiva's sacred Panchakshar Mantra, "Om Namah Shivaya." A key tradition of Mahashivratri is staying awake throughout the night in devotion.

• According to the scriptures, the most auspicious time for worship is during the Nishith period, though devotees can worship during any of the four prahars based on their convenience.

• On this sacred night, Shiva temples echo with the chant of "Om Namah Shivaya," as devotees sing devotional songs to honor Lord Shiva.

THE STORY OF MAHASHIVRATRI

Mahashivratri is rich in fascinating stories, and one such tale speaks of Mother Parvati's intense penance to win Lord Shiva as her husband. It is believed that on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalgun, their divine marriage took place, making this day sacred and celebrated as Mahashivratri.

Another story, mentioned in the Garuda Purana, tells of Nishadraj, who went hunting with his dog but failed to find prey. Exhausted and thirsty, he rested by a pond where a Shivling stood beneath a Bilva tree. In an attempt to refresh himself, he plucked some Bilva leaves, which unknowingly fell on the Shivling. While washing his feet, some water splashed onto the Shivling, and as he bent down to retrieve a fallen arrow, he unknowingly performed a Shiv Puja. After his death, when Yamdoot came to take him, Lord Shiva’s devotees intervened, protecting Nishadraj.

This story highlights that even unaware worship on Mahashivratri yields great results, and when performed with true devotion and intention, the blessings of Mahadev are even more powerful.

WHAT TO EAT DURING MAHASHIVRATRI FAST:
During Mahashivratri, you can enjoy fruits, milk, curd, sweets, water chestnut pudding, tapioca khichdi, and buckwheat flour puris. Coconut water and Sama rice pudding are also excellent additions to your fasting plate.

WHAT NOT TO EAT DURING MAHASHIVRATRI FAST:
Breaking the fasting rules can bring unwanted challenges in life. It is strictly advised to avoid garlic, onion, meat, and alcohol during Mahashivratri. Additionally, refrain from eating regular food and salt. Always remember to offer these items to Lord Shiva before consumption, as a mark of respect and devotion.