Shivaratri literally means ‘the night of Lord Shiva’.

Shivaratri literally means ‘the night of Lord Shiva’. The moonless 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun provides an opportunity to cleanse the ignorance and realize that you are Brahman and open the door to bliss. It symbolizes the evil forces ~ desire, greed, illusion, arrogance, jealousy, and anger ~ which dominate the Kaliyuga. Shiva is believed to have appeared in the form of ‘Lingodabhavamurti’ or JyotirLinga on the Shivratri night. The Linga is an attempt to give form to the formless Brahmn. Praying to Shiva is to escape from miseries of Kaliyuga.

🕉 Mahashivratri fasting begins from Sunrise 24 Feb to sunrise 25 Feb. Applying of sacred ash, or vibhuthi, is an important aspect on the day. Devotees also wear a Rudraksha Mala. Devotees observe fast all through the day and night of Shivaratri in honor of Lord Shiva and pay a visit to Shiva temples. Ritual bath of Shiva Lingam with milk, water, honey or Panchamrit is also performed as a part of the tradition.

🕉 A strict diet is followed by devotees on Shivaratri. They would abstain from food made with rice, pulses or wheat. However some devotees eat fruit and drink tea milk coffee, if they haven't observed nirahar Vrat ( fast without the consumption of any kind of foodstuff). In the evening after performing Pooja they would eat rotis made of Kuttu Ka Aata or Sabu Dana kheer. Rock salt is used to cook food for the fast. No meal is eaten after sunset. Next meal is taken next day morning after doing puja and giving alms.

🕉 The entire night is spend in a nearby Shiva temple or at home by chanting Mantras or listening to stories related to Shiva. All the rituals on the night of Shivratri are meant to cleanse the ignorance and realise the Brahman in you. The fasting, rituals and chanting are meant to kill desire, greed, illusion, arrogance, jealousy, and anger. This will make you a better person and prepare you to face the challenges.!

Sankat Rahe Na Bhay ~ Sada Raho Nirbhay ~ Bum Bum Bhole! ✨🌿👁🔱🐍🌙💀🌀📿🕉🐚🔔🌷✨