Maha Shivaratri – The Do’s and Dont’s On Maha Shivaratri
As per the lunar calendar, Shivaratri falls on March 4. This is considered a very important festival as it is believed that one would attain salvation or moksha absolving from all the sins. The festival is celebrated in reverence of Lord Shiva, who is one among Hindu Trinity. Brahma – is the creator of the world; Vishnu – is the protector of the world; and Shiva – is the destroyer, thus making it a full circle.
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 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. Here are the few tips on “the do’s and dont’s on Shivaratri”
While the temples witness huge rush and devotees performing poojas, here is a small guide as what one should not offer while performing pooja to Lord Shiva.
Chanting mantras and religious hymns is a common sight during Maha Shivaratri or the ‘The Night of The Shiva’ revering Lord Shiva. It symbolizes the “overcoming darkness and ignorance” in the life. While, many preach many things, but one should be cautious what not do on the Shivaratri day and night.
Things to Do on Shivaratri
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.
Abhishekam
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Things not to do on Shivaratri
1. Women should never put vermilion to Shivalinga, but instead, apply sandalwood paste.
2. While turmeric is considered an important part in the ritual, but it is avoided for Lord Shiva, as turmeric is meant to enhance beauty.
3. It is said that Lord Shiva likes white flowers, so red flowers are never offered, and ‘kethki’ and ‘kevada’ white flowers are also avoided.
4. Milk should not be offered with concha it is said to bring ill-luck.
5. Tulsi leaves should not be offered as it is considered that it makes pooja incomplete.
6. Coconut water should also be avoided.
7. Water shouldn’t be offered to the Shivalinga using metal and steel.
Avoid Black
It is said that Lord Shiva doesn’t like the colour black, so devotees must avoid this colour particularly on Maha Shivaratri.
Avoid Few Things
Lord Shiva, though he likes white flowers, flower ‘kethiki’ being white is not offered to Shiva. Secondly, water from the shell should not be offered while performing pooja, Sesame and Tulsi should also be avoided.
How to Perform Pooja
Don’t offer grains which are broken, avoid offering coconut water on Shivaratri day and the vital ‘bilva patra’ should be used in full and damaged leaves should be avoided.
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