Maha Shivratri 2024: Fasting Rules, Does and Don’ts, Various Rituals and Fasting, Things to Offer to Lord Shiva

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Maha Shivratri 2024: Fasting Rules, Does and Don’ts, Various Rituals and Fasting, Things to Offer to Lord Shiva

Maha Shivratri 2024 Fasting Rules: Does and Don’ts, Various Rituals and Fasting, Things to Offer to Lord Shiva

Maha Shivratri 2024 is on 8th of march this year. Maha Shivratri comes every year on Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in Phalgun month according to hindu calendar. Maha Shivratri holds the greatest significance among the all Masik Shivratris that come every month. It is a special occasion for lord shiva devotees across India from Jammu and Kashmir to Tamil Nadu.This is a very auspicious day to worship Lord Shiva, who has a special place in the Trinity. He is called the Destroyer, Neelkantha the most compassionate lord. It is said on this day Lord Shiva married Mata Parvati. People visit temples together with their families to worship lord Shiva and Shiv-Parivara, perform rituals, chant mantras and keep Fast. The celebrations of Mahashivratri are unique in different places of India according to their customs and traditions. Traces of this festival can be found in different religious texts like Shiv Puran, Skanda Purana, Padma Purana and Linga Purana covering significance of the day, stories behind it, things about Gods, various rituals, spiritual practices, fasting rules, spiritual growth and salvation. 

 

 

 

 

Maha Shivratri 2024: Things to offer to Lord Shiva During Worship

Maha Shivratri 2024: Things to offer to Lord Shiva During Worship

During worshiping Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri we must offer things that he likes. According to hindu scriptures like Puranas, Lord shiva fond of certain things like Jal (water) Abhishekam On Shiv-Linga, Bel Patra (wood apple tree leaves), milk, curd, rice seeds, datura fruit, bhang leaves (cannabis), sandalwood, ghee, honey, shami (khejri) leaves, flowers like aparajita, aak (madar), kaner (oleander), jasmine, bael, lotus, hibiscus and rose, all fruits specially ber, moli (sacred red-yellow thread), holi Ganga water, saffron etc. to get his blessings for health, success, prosperity, peace and happiness. Moreover sweets like barfi, peda, panjeeri, halva and kheer can also be offered. 

 

 

 

Maha Shivratri 2024: Fasting and Worshiping Do’s

Maha Shivratri 2024: Fasting and Worshiping Do's

  • To keep any kind of fast on Maha Shivratri devotees should prepare his/her body and mind for them to be active during fast and puja so on trayodashi tithi a day before Maha Shivratri devotees should take light meals or one meal. 
  • On the day of Shivratri devotees must wake up in Brahma-Muhurt to raise spiritual energy, take bath and wear new or fresh white clothes. 
  • After it devotees must take a vow or sankalp to keep a 24 hour long fast with highest devotion and dedication following all the rules. 
  • Now for worship and performing rituals start with decorating puja-thali, keeping everything to offer in it, and managing it carefully with hygiene. 
  • Go to temple with pure heart and offer water, milk, curd, honey, and ganga water on Shiv-Linga. Apply sandalwood paste on Linga and decorate everything that you have brought one by one with devotion. Lit Diya, incense and karpur. 
  • You can chant Om Namah Shivay or Maha Mrityunjaya mantra 108 times or 108 rudraksha mala sitting in front of Shiv-Linga. 
  • If you are doing Nirjara Vrat then you cannot consume anything, not even water. In Falahari Vrat you can only consume fruits, vegetables, dry fruits and nuts, milk and milk products.
  • Stay Hydrated and try to consume foods that are necessary for a balanced diet without breaking fasting rules to keep energy in the body.
  • In the evening take bath and chant mantras as you perform Shiv Puja Rituals. You can perform puja one or 4 times in the night as night holds its own significance. 
  • Devotees should only break the fast in the next morning after taking a bath before Shivratri ends. 
  • Devotees should maintain Brahmacharya (celibacy) during fast. 

 

 

Maha Shivratri 2024: Fasting and Worshiping Don’ts

Maha Shivratri 2024: Fasting and Worshiping Don’ts

  • Do not eat anything that contains salt, garlic and onion. Only eat sattvic food. Do not drink water in Nirjara Fast.
  • Wash everything before starting worshiping, check for infected or cut fruit or leaves. Don’t offer anything that is cut or infected. 
  • Do not consume grains like wheat, rice and pulses and legumes. Avoid spicy and oily food items. 
  • Do not take meat, Tobacco or alcohol.
  • Devotees should not offer coconut water to Lord Shiva.
  • Offering vermillion (kumkum or sindoor), is prohibited to Shiva Linga.
  • Do not offer flowers like Ketaki, Kevda and Champa.
  • Avoid using a bronze or steel pot to water the Linga. You can use brass, copper and silver pots and containers. 
  • Try not to wear Black-coloured clothes.
  • Never offer Tulsi leaves to Shiva-Linga.  
  • Should not take back or consume anything that you have offered to Shiva Linga. 

 

 

 

FAQs:-

1. Can I consume water during Maha Shivratri fasting?
– If you are observing Nirjara Vrat (complete fasting), you should refrain from consuming water. However, if you are following Falahari Vrat (fruit and milk fast), you can drink water.

 

2. What foods should be avoided during Maha Shivratri fasting?
– Foods like grains (wheat, rice), pulses, legumes, garlic, onion, meat, tobacco, and alcohol should be avoided. Only sattvic foods are recommended.

 

3. Can I offer coconut water to Lord Shiva during worship?
– No, offering coconut water to Lord Shiva is not recommended during worship.

 

4. What kind of clothes should I wear during Maha Shivratri worship?
– It is advisable to wear fresh, clean, and preferably white-colored clothes during Maha Shivratri worship. Avoid wearing black-colored clothes.

 

5. Can I consume sweets during Maha Shivratri fasting?
– Yes, you can offer and consume sweets like barfi, peda, panjeeri, halva, and kheer during Maha Shivratri fasting.

 

6. Is it necessary to maintain celibacy (Brahmacharya) during the fast?
– Yes, devotees are encouraged to maintain celibacy during Maha Shivratri fasting as it enhances the spiritual energy and devotion.

 

7. What should I do if I accidentally consume something that is not allowed during fasting?
– If you accidentally consume something not allowed during fasting, sincerely repent for the mistake and continue with your fasting and worship rituals.

 

8. Can I offer flowers like Ketaki, Kevda, and Champa to Lord Shiva?
– No, it is advised not to offer flowers like Ketaki, Kevda, and Champa to Lord Shiva during worship.

 

9. What materials can be used to water the Shiv Linga during worship?
– It is recommended to use brass, copper, or silver pots and containers for watering the Shiv Linga. Avoid using bronze or steel pots.

 

10. Can I consume the food offerings after the worship is complete?
– No, it is considered inappropriate to consume the food offerings that have been offered to Lord Shiva during worship.

 

 

 

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