Maha Shivaratri 2024: Want To Observe The Vrat? Check Out The Shivratri Fasting Rules

Maha Shivaratri 2024:?Maha Shivratri, or the biggest night of Lord Shiva, is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi (fourteenth day) Krishna Paksha (during the waning phase of the Moon) in the Phalguna or Magha month (as per the Purnimant or Amavasyant calendar, respectively).

In 2024, Maha Shivratri Vrat will be observed on Friday, March 8, 2024. Shivratri fast is a spiritual practice that requires discipline and devotion. The Shivratri fast is an opportunity for self-reflection and introspection and can help one attain spiritual growth and inner peace. However, certain rules and regulations need to be followed while observing the Shivratri fast.

Devotees observe a day-long vrat and perform a puja to pay an ode to their Mahadev, Lord Shiva. Ahead of Maha Shivratri, here are some mistakes that one should avoid while observing the Shivratri fast:

Mahashivratri 2024: Puja rituals

Keeping fast during Mahashivratri is considered very auspicious. Devotees of Lord Shiva go to the temple and offer 'Panchamrit' to Lord Shiva. Panchamrit is a mixture of -milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee.

Rules for Observing Maha Shivratri Fast:

• Not following the correct fast procedure: Certain procedures and rituals need to be followed while observing the Maha Shivratri fast, such as the timing of the fast, the type of food to be consumed, and the time for breaking the fast. Neglecting to follow these procedures can reduce the benefits of the fast.
• Neglecting personal hygiene: Cleanliness is a crucial aspect of Hinduism and is especially important during religious observances like Maha Shivratri. Neglecting personal hygiene, such as not taking a bath or brushing your teeth, can negatively impact the purity of the fast.
• Not seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva: The Maha Shivratri fast is an opportunity to seek the blessings and grace of Lord Shiva. Neglecting to do so and not offering devotion to the deity can reduce the benefits of the fast.
• Engaging in negative thoughts and actions: During the Maha Shivratri fast, it is important to maintain a positive attitude and avoid negative thoughts and actions, such as anger, jealousy, and greed. These negative emotions can prevent one from attaining the full benefits of the fast.
• Not reciting the appropriate prayers: While observing the Maha Shivratri fast, it is important to recite prayers and mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva. Neglecting to do so can reduce the benefits of the fast and limit one's connection with the deity.
• Breaking the fast prematurely: It is important to complete the fast as per the rules and regulations prescribed by the Hindu scriptures. Breaking the fast prematurely, without a valid reason, can reduce the benefits of the fast and may also result in physical discomfort.
• Breaking the fast with the wrong food: On Maha Shivratri, it is recommended to break the fast with a simple meal consisting of fruits and milk. Consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or other prohibited items can nullify the benefits of the fast and may also result in physical discomfort.

Maha Shivratri Dos:

• Wake up early (preferably during Brahma Muhurat - two hours before sunrise).
• Do Dhyana (meditation) followed by Sankalpa (take a pledge that you will observe the vrat sincerely and with true devotion).
• Take a bath. Wear clean clothes. Go for white-colored clothes if possible.
• Maintain celibacy (follow Brahmacharya).
• Observe a vrat. Assess your health before fasting. Spending a day without your regular diet plan may affect your health. Therefore, consult your doctor, especially if you are under medication or undergoing treatment.
• Chant OM Namah Shivaya as many times as possible.
• Perform Abhishek (by offering water or raw milk to the Shiva Linga at home or in a temple). You may even offer ghee, curd, and honey.
• Offer Datura flowers and fruits, white crown flowers, and Vilva (Bel Patra).
• Offer Chandan instead of turmeric.
• Offer your prayers and perform the puja during Nishita Kaal or all four prahars. Check out the timings here.
• Consume fruits, milk, and recipes with vrat-compliant ingredients.

Maha Shivratri Don'ts:

• Consumption of wheat, rice, and pulses in any form is strictly prohibited. Avoid spices and oily foods.
• Do not consume meat, onions, and garlic.
• Do not consume tobacco or alcohol.
• Do not offer coconut water to Shiva Linga.
• Do not offer vermillion (sindoor/kumkum) to the Shiva Linga.
• Avoid offering Ketaki flowers.
• Avoid steel containers for puja. Use Brass, copper, or silver instead.
• Avoid black-colored clothes.
• Do not offer Tulsi leaves to Lord Shiva.
• Do not do a full parikrama of the Shiva Linga.

Mahashivratri 2024 FAQs:

Q. What is Mahashivratri and why is it celebrated?

Answer: Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. It marks the day of his marriage to Goddess Parvati and is celebrated to honor their divine union. Devotees believe that observing Mahashivratri brings blessings and fulfillment of wishes.

Q. When is Mahashivratri 2024 and what are the puja timings?

Answer: Mahashivratri 2024 falls on March 8th. The puja timings vary but generally include sessions throughout the night, starting from the evening of March 8th till the early morning of March 9th, allowing devotees to worship Lord Shiva during different auspicious phases.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit?Indiatimes Events.