Mahashivratri is one of the most important Hindu festivals of the year. This year, the festival is falling on 21st February 2020. This festival is celebrated to pay respect to Lord Shiva, who is one of the Gods in the Hindu Trinity, Brahma – the creator, Vishnu – the preserver and Shiva – the destroyer. Shivaratri is also believed to be an important festival for those who wish to attain moksha.
Many devotees of Lord Shiva fast all day to get his blessings. It is believed that a person who fasts on this day fees himself from evil forces in their life. A lot of devotees also do puja at home to pay respect to Lord Shiva. While paying respect to Lord Shiva on the day of Mahashivratri, you need to keep a list of dos and don’ts in mind.
You can’t start with your prayers without taking a bath in the morning. Do take a bath in the morning before starting your prayer. You can add black sesame seeds to your bucket of water. This will help you in getting rid of impurities.
When you visit the temple, take half a cup of milk and honey along. A lot of people have a habit of bathing the idol of Lord Shiva with lots of water, milk, and honey. Don’t do that. Just use half a cup of milk and honey to wash the idol. Make sure you offer this with a copper vessel.
What to offer to the Shiva Linga? You should offer belpatra, datura, turmeric, sandalwood and flowers to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva likes white flowers so you should offer them. Make sure the belpatra you offer is not be cut from anywhere. It should be clean and damage-free. Women should apply only sandalwood paste on the Shiva Linga.
Mahashivratri fast begins in the morning and continues till the next morning so you should break your fast accordingly. While fasting, you can have fruits and milk. You should not consume anything after sunset.
Lord Shiva doesn’t like black colour so devotes should avoid wearing black on this day.
If you want to offer food to Lord Shiva then you should offer milk-made items like kheer, barfi. You can prepare these items at home or get these from a sweet house. Lord Shiva likes milk-made food items.
Never use tulsi leaves while worshipping Lord Shiva. It is believed that devotees who use tulsi leaves during puja are unable to complete their puja.
You shouldn’t consume non-vegetarian food, alcohol on the occasion of Mahashivratri.
Don’t take back the prasad offered to Lord Shiva with you. You can distribute it to the needy.
Your puja on Shivaratri would be incomplete if you don’t perform Shiva Aarti and take 108 names of Lord Shiva.
It is Mahashivratri and the day marks the beginning of the spring season. This is also the day that takes away all the negativity and brings more peace and love in your life.
