Mahashivratri Fasting Rules 2024: Do's And Don’ts To Keep In Mind During Maha Shivratri Fast

Maha Shivratri, a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva also known as Mahadeva, is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm by devotees across the world. He is considered the Supreme God within Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism, and is worshipped as the destroyer of evil and the transformer of the universe. Shiva is also known as the god of meditation, yoga, and arts.

The night of Maha Shivratri is revered as highly auspicious, associated with Lord Shiva's divine Tandava dance, which symbolises the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. Devotees typically observe this occasion by visiting Shiva temples and offering “bilva" leaves, milk, honey, and water to the deity's iconic lingam, symbolising purity and devotion.?

Maha Shivratri 2024 Date and puja muhurat:

Maha Shivratri 2024 Date and puja muhurat | Photo: Freepik

Maha Shivaratri is a significant festival that symbolizes the union of Shiva and Shakti. It falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi during the Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha in the South Indian calendar. However, in the North Indian calendar, it is celebrated as Masik Shivaratri during the month of Phalguna.?

Despite the different naming conventions for lunar months in the two calendars, both North Indians and South Indians celebrate Maha Shivaratri on the same day. In 2024 the auspicious day of Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on Friday, March 8.?

The Hindu festival is celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm by devotees of Lord Shiva who throng the temples and also keep a full day fast that begins in the morning of the festival and ends the following day.?

This year Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on Friday, March 8. The preparation of fasting begins a day ahead when the devotees mentally prepare themselves by eating satvik food and observing a stress-free lifestyle.

Here are some Do's and Don'ts everyone should follow on Mahashivratri fast:

Observing the Maha Shivratri fast is a sacred tradition that requires adherence to certain guidelines. By following the Dos and Don'ts, devotees can ensure a fulfilling and respectful observance of this auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Dos:

Begin Early:

The day of the fast should commence with an early awakening, two hours before sunrise, also known as Brahma Muhurta.

Cleanliness:

After waking up, devotees should take a bath and don clean, preferably white, attire. A vow (Sankalp) of dedication and devotion, should be taken.

Health Considerations:?

Those with health conditions or on medication should consult a doctor before fasting.

Chanting:

Devotees are encouraged to chant 'Om Namah Shivay' multiple times throughout the day.

Second Bath:

In the evening, before performing the Shiva puja, a second bath should be taken. The puja should be performed at night, and the fast should be broken the next day after a bath.

Offerings:

During the puja, offerings such as milk, dhatura flower, belpatra, sandalwood paste, yogurt, honey, ghee, and sugar should be made to the Shivling.

Timing of Breaking the Fast:

To maximise the benefits of the fast, it is advised to break the fast between sunrise and before the end of Chaturdashi Tithi, as per Drikpanchang.

Don'ts:

Avoid Certain Foods:

Food items made of wheat, rice, and pulses should be strictly avoided during the fast.

Non-Vegetarian Food:

Consumption of non-vegetarian food, as well as garlic and onion, should be refrained from.

Coconut Water:

Offering coconut water to the Shivling is not recommended.

Things should not be offered to Lord Shiva

On March 8th this year, devotees will observe Mahashivratri by fasting and worshipping Lord Shiva. It is well-known that Shiva's favorite plant is Bael and he also enjoys bhaang, dhatura, milk, sandalwood, and ash. However, certain things are not recommended to offer to Lord Shiva.

1. Coconut Water: While coconuts can be offered, coconut water should not be. This is because everything offered on Shivaratri is considered as nirmalaya and cannot be consumed. As consuming coconut water after it has been offered to deities is considered mandatory, it is not offered to Lord Shiva.
2. Bronze Pot: When offering milk or curd to Shivlings, it should always be in a copper pot. This is because using a bronze pot is considered equivalent to pouring wine, which is not appropriate for worship.
3. Tulsi Leaves: Also known as Laxmi, these leaves should not be offered to Shiva as they are considered the domain of Goddess Laxmi, who is Lord Vishnu's wife.
4. Saffron or Kum Kum: These should never be offered on the Shivalinga as Lord Shiva is a recluse and recluse people traditionally put ash on their foreheads, not Kumkum.
5. Infected Bael Paan: While Bael paan is a favorite offering of Lord Shiva, it should not be offered if it is cut or insect-eaten.
6. Kewda & Champa Flowers: While Shiva is not particularly fond of white flowers, it is believed that Kewda and Champa flowers are cursed by the Lord and should never be offered to him during puja.
7. Circuit of Shivling: According to ShivPuran, you should never take whole rounds of a Shivling. Always take a half round and always return to the place where you started. Taking a full round is considered a blame.
8. Haldi: This ingredient, used for enhancing beauty, is never offered to Shiva as he has renounced worldly pleasures.

This year, Maha Shivratri falls on Friday, March 8th, marking a day of spiritual significance and fasting for many. To ensure a fulfilling and respectful observance of the fast, it's essential to follow certain Dos and Don'ts.

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