Mahashivratri is one of the most important Hindu festivals of the month. On this festival, the devotees fast for a day. This fast has a huge spiritual significance in our country. Devotees of Shiva believe that the fast itself is blessed by the Lord Shiva. The fast is a method to control the two natural forces, Rajas and Tamas. The Mahashivratri fast frees the person from these two evil forces. So, if you’re planning to observe a fast on Mahashivratri, but you don’t know how to carry out the auspicious activities, then read this blog to get some insights.
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1. Early Morning Bath
It is the first thing you do in the morning. Take a bucket of lukewarm water and drop some black sesame seeds in it. Have a bath with the water to get rid of the impurities.
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2. Bathing the Shiva Linga
Visit the nearest Shiva Temple. If you have a Shiva Linga at home, then give the statuette a bath with honey, water and milk. Don’t use an excess of milk and honey. Half a cup of milk is more than enough.
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3. Offering
After giving the bath to the Linga, offer Belpatra, Dhatura, Akanda Flowers, Turmeric, Kumkum and Sandalwood to it. All these commodities are loved by Lord Shiva.
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4. Food Offering
Lord Shiva is fond of milk-made items. So, offerings are made of Kheer or milk barfi to the Linga. Some people also offer Bhaang to the Shiva Idol.
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5. Offer Prayers
Chant the Mantra ‘Om Namah Shivay’ by heart and offer your heartfelt prayers to the Lord. Sing the devotional hymns to the Lord, expressing your love and devotion to the almighty.
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6. Day & Night Fast
The Shivratri fast begins in the morning and continues till the next morning. many people consume fruits and milk throughout the fast.
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7. No Hard & Fast Rules
There are no hard and fast rules about fasting. You can have juice, fruits and special fast dishes during your fast. After the sunset, no meal is to be consumed.
