How Should A Devotee Prepare for Maha Shivaratri?

Maha Shivaratri, meaning ‘the Great Night of Shiva,’ is a very auspicious night for Hindus. It is also an important occasion for devotees of Shiva. It is observed with great dedication and fervor. Customs and rituals may vary from region to region. Maha Shivratri is the most important among all Masik Shivratris that occur every month. It falls on the 14^th day of Krishna Paksha (the dark half of the lunar month) in Phalguna or Magha, a day before Amavasya or the new moon. Devotees observe a day-long fast on this day, as it has immense spiritual significance, as it can bring salvation and freedom from all sins. Many Puranas, like Skanda Purana, Linga Purana, and Padma Purana mention the festival. Devotees make many preparations to celebrate the festival. These may cover rituals like fasting, making offerings to Shiva, getting the Pooja samagri for Shiv Pooja, etc. Here are some tips on how to prepare for Maha Shivratri.

 Maha Shivratri fast: What to eat and avoid

Fasting is part of many Hindu festivals, and Maha Shivratri is no exception. It can purify the body and mind, make us more alert, and enables us to offer worship with focus and dedication. The fast may be partial or complete. Some people do not consume food and water, while others have foods include like millets, sago, pumpkin, potato, fruits, makhana, yogurt, etc. Rice, wheat, salt, dals, certain vegetables, etc., are usually avoided. People do not eat onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian foods on Maha Shivratri.

Participate in the Maha Shivaratri Rituals

Offerings to Lord Shiva

Offerings are another important part of religious festivals. People make offerings that are known to please the deity, as they believe that it helps to invoke divine blessings. When it comes to offerings for Lord Shiva, raw rice, bel patra, dhatura fruit, curd, milk, ghee, sandalwood, and water are most preferred. Offering these is believed to bring blessings of success, prosperity, peace, and happiness. Sweets prepared with milk like peda, barfi, and kheer are also offered.

Dos for Maha Shivratri fast

• On Trayodashi, a day before Maha Shivratri, devotees can have one meal to prepare their body and mind for the worship.
• On the fasting day, devotees must arise early in the morning, take a bath and put on fresh clothes.
• Then one needs to take a sankalp (vow) to observe the fast with dedication and devotion, adhering to all the fasting rules.
• Bathe the Shivalinga with water, milk, saffron, honey and Ganga water before offering worship to Shiva.
• Light incense and lamps.
• During the fast, one should consume only sattvik foods like fruits, milk, milk products, root vegetables, etc., while avoiding foods like grains and legumes.
• It is essential to keep oneself hydrated and follow a balanced diet to maintain energy levels. You can have milk, juices, milkshakes, herbal tea, yogurt, or buttermilk.
• Avoid sugary foods and desserts.
• Take bath again before the Shiv Pooja on the night of Shivratri.
• Perform Shivratri Pooja once or four times during the night.
• After completing the Pooja, continue the fast. End the fast the next day after taking a bath, before Chaturdashi tithi comes to an end.

Don’ts for Maha Shivratri fast

• Do not consume anything that you offered to Shiva as it can bring bad luck.
• Do not offer coconut water to the Shivling. However, coconuts can be offered.
• Flowers like kevada and champa should not be offered as they were cursed by Shiva.
• Do not use a kumkum tilak during the Pooja. Instead, use chandan/sandalwood paste.
• While fasting, do not consume too much tea or coffee as it can lead to dehydration.
• Keep an eye on your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
• Avoid consuming deep-fried food. Instead, have foods that help in digestion and keep you full for a longer time.
• Consume probiotics like curd as it keeps your gut healthy.
• Snack on dry fruits, nuts and seeds to maintain good energy levels.

Preparing the Shiva Lingam Keep the Shiva Lingam on a Pooja platform. If you don’t have a Lingam at home, make one using atta or mud. Chant Shiva Mantras like "Om Namah Shivay" and Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. Perform Abishekam on the Shiva Lingam