Varanasi, March 06 (HS). On the festival of Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati are worshiped by Shiva devotees with full enthusiasm. Lord Shiva is an easily pleased god, hence the number of devotees of Lord Shiva is the highest on earth. Prachi Juvekar of Sanatan Sanstha tells that on the day of Mahashivratri, Shivatattva is 1000 times more active than everyday. To get maximum benefit of Shivatattva, on the day of Mahashivratri, along with worshiping Lord Shiva in a passionate manner, one should chant Shiva Panchakshar i.e. 'Om Namah Shivay' as many times as possible. Prachi tells that only white colored flowers should be offered to Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri. It must contain tuberose, juhi and bella flowers. These flowers should be in ten or multiples of ten. While offering these flowers, keep their stalks towards Lord Shiva. Among the flowers, you can also choose flowers like Dhatura, White Lotus, White Kaner etc. He told that Kevada is prohibited to Lord Shiva, but Kevada is offered only on the day of Mahashivratri. During this period, Bael leaves, white flowers etc. which attract Shiva elements more and more are offered to Shivalinga. Through these the Shiva element present in the environment is attracted. He told that offering Belpatra on Shiva Pindi while chanting the name of Lord Shiva or taking each of his names is called Bilvarchan. In this method, Shivlinga is completely covered with vine leaves.
-How to circumambulate Lord Shiva
Prachi Juvekar tells that the revolution of Mahadev is like the moon. The sutra which goes from Argha towards the north, i.e. towards the direction of Soma, is called Somasutra or Jalpranalika. Starting the parikrama from the left side, go to the other end of the water system, without crossing it, turn and come back to the water system. By doing this one parikrama is completed. This rule applies only to man-installed or man-made Shivalinga; Not for Swayambhu Linga or movable i.e. Linga installed in the puja room. A day before Mahashivratri, i.e. on Phalgun Krishna Paksha Trayodashi, a resolution to fast is taken in the morning. In the evening, one goes to the river or pond and takes a bath as per the scriptures. Wearing ashes and Rudraksha, they go to Lord Shiva's temple during Pradosh period. Shodashopachar puja is performed by meditating on Mahadev. After that, Bhava Bhavani Prityartha (here Bhava means Shiva) is offered. While chanting the name mantra, Arghya is offered to Lord Shiva by offering one hundred and eight lotus or Bilva leaves and flowers. He said that Lord Shiva should be anointed with milk. Milk has more ability to attract the element of Shiva.