The fast of Maha Shivratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Falgun month. On this day, Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati had a holy union. The fast of Maha Shivratri is especially observed to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva, destruction of sins and attain salvation.
Mythological fast story
Creation of the universe and the glory of Shivling
According to mythology, once a dispute arose between Brahma and Vishnu about who is the best among them. The dispute grew so much that all the gods were unable to resolve it. Then Lord Shiva took the form of a huge fire pillar (Jyotirlinga) which extended from the sky to the netherworld.
Lord Shiva said, "Whoever finds the beginning or the end of this fire pillar will be the best."
Lord Vishnu took the form of Varaha and went towards the netherworld, while Brahma took the form of a swan and went towards the sky. But no one could find the beginning or the end of the pillar.Thus, everyone accepted the glory of Lord Shiva. The festival of Maha Shivratri is celebrated to commemorate this incident.
The story of the woodcutter
According to another story, once a poor woodcutter went to the forest to cut wood. After working the whole day, at night he climbed a tree out of fear. That tree was of Belpatra. A Shivling was situated below.
The woodcutter kept awake all night due to hunger and thirst and plucked Belpatra and threw it down. Unknowingly, the Bel leaves kept falling on the Shivling. He also offered water on the Shivling while staying awake.
As soon as the morning came, Lord Shiva became pleased and freed the woodcutter from all sins by giving him a boon. This incident reveals the glory of staying awake on the Maha Shivratri fast.
Method of observing Maha Shivratri fast
- Bath and purification: Take a bath in the morning with Ganga water or pure water. Wear clean clothes.
- Resolve for fasting: Take a pledge of fasting in front of Lord Shiva.
- Worship of Shivling: Anoint the Shivling with water, milk, curd, honey, ghee, and Ganga water.
- Worship material: Offer Belpatra, Dhatura, Bhasma, sandalwood, incense, lamp, and fruits and flowers.
- Mantra chanting: Chant Om Namah Shivaya, Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.
- Fast and Jagran: Keep fast throughout the day and worship Lord Shiva and do bhajan-kirtan at night.
- Aarti and Prasad: Perform aarti of Lord Shiva and distribute prasad.
- Paran: Next day, break the fast by feeding Brahmins and giving donations.
Importance of fast
- All sins of a person are destroyed by observing Maha Shivratri fast.
- Wishes are fulfilled by the grace of Lord Shiva.
- This fast brings salvation and peace in life.
- By observing this fast properly, one gets the blessings of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati.
