Mahashivratri, the festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the main deities of Hinduism is celebrated every year in the month of Magha according to the South Indian calendar and Phalguna according to the North Indian calendar. Mahashivratri celebrations are different from Shivratri celebrations which take place monthly and total 12 times a year. According to one legend, Mahashivratri or Shiva’s Great Night refers to the night when Lord Shiva performed his Tandava Nritya. Another legend says that the day commemorates the night on which Shiva and Parvati got married. This year Mahashivratri will be observed on February 18, 2023 (Saturday). (Also read: Maha Shivratri 2023: Mahashivratri on February 18 or 19? Know shubh muhurat here)
Mahashivratri celebration
Mahashivratri is celebrated all over the country be it Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh or Telangana. Devotees across the country visit Shiva temples, perform Shiv Archana and offer milk, dhatura bel patra, sandalwood powder, ghee, sugar and other bhog items to Shivling. Shiv bhakts observe fasting all day that day and fasting the next morning. Unlike many other festivals, Mahashivratri Puja is conducted at night.
During a quick observation, devotees can eat satvik dishes such as buckwheat, ragi, sabudana, fruits and some vegetables. In case you are also observing fast Mahashivratri, you should follow Do’s and Don’ts
Mahashivratri Vegetarian Dos
first. Sankalp for fasting Mahashivratri is done one day before vrat after morning shower and while doing Shiv Puja. Sankalp is to put some rice and water in the palm of your hand.
2. Wake up early in the morning on fasting day around Brahma Muhurta or sunrise.
3. On the day of fasting, one should bathe and wear clean clothes, preferably white.
4. Those who are adhering to this are quickly advised to chant ‘Om Namah Shivay’ several times a day.
5. Since Shivratri Puja is performed at night, devotees should take a second bath in the evening before performing Shiv Puja. Devotees often fast the next day after bathing.
6. People who are suffering from certain health conditions or are taking medication should consult their doctor before continuing to fast.
7. Offerings to Lord Shiva include milk, dhatura flowers, belpatra, sandalwood powder, yogurt, honey, ghee, and sugar.
8. Devotees should fast between sunrise and before the end of Chaturdashi Tithi to get the maximum benefit of Vrat, according to Drikpanchang.
Mahashivratri fasting should not
first. One should not consume foods made from rice, wheat or legumes as these foods are not allowed during fasting.
2. Non-vegetarian foods, garlic, onions should be absolutely avoided because these are tamsik in nature.
3. One should not give coconut water to Shivling.
