How to Observe Fast during ‪#‎Mahashivaratri‬?

* How to Observe Fast during ‪#‎Mahashivaratri‬? *

According to Hindu mythology, observance of maha ‪#‎shivaratri‬ vrat with discipline helps a devotee to control the two great natural forces that afflict man, rajas guna (the quality of passionate activity) and tamas guna (the quality of ignorance). When a devotee spends an entire day at the feet of the Lord and worships with sincerity, his mind is controlled and evils like desire, anger and greed (born of rajas) are subdued. When a devotee observes a waking vigil throughout the night (jaagran) he conquers the evils of tamas guna as well. It has also been mentioned in the scriptures that when a devotee observes a round of worship every three hours, the Shivaratri Vrata becomes perfect.

Devotees of Lord Shiva consider Shivaratri fast to be extremely auspicious, greater than performing an ashwamedha yagna. Sivaratri literally means ‘the night of Lord Shiva’ , But the night provides an opportunity to cleanse the ignorance and realise that you are Brahman and open the door to bliss.

The Mahashivratri fasting begins on the morning of Shivratri and ends next day morning or the Amavasya morning.

1 ) Devotees wake up before sunrise and take bath and wear clean clothes.

2 )Applying of sacred ash, or vibhuthi, is an important aspect on the day. People also wear a Rudraksha Mala.

3 ) The idols of Ganesh, Shiva and Parvati are cleaned and a lamp is lit.

4) Most people then visit a nearby Shiva temple. In most places, Shivaratri is largely observed in temples.

5 ) Some people observing fast consume a mid-day meal consisting of non-cereal food such as boiled potatoes which is made into a curry without onion, garlic, adarak or haldi. Another food eaten on the day is pakori or Kutt Singahri ki puri.

6 ) Most devotees go for a fruit diet and lots go without fruit & drink ie depends upon your will .
7 ) No meal is eaten after sunset.

8 ) Next meal is taken on the morning of Amavasi after doing puja and giving alms.

9 )The entire night is spend in a nearby Shiva temple or by chanting Mantras or listening to stories related to Shiva.

10 )Some of the important mantras that are chanted on the day include: Shiva Panchakshari Mantra – Om Namah Shivaya or chanting the sacred names of Lord Shiva.

11 ) People who have a Shivling at home can bathe the Shivling with water intermittently throughout the night.

All the rituals on the night of Shivratri are meant to cleanse the ignorance and realize the Brahmn manifest in you.