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News India Live, Digital Desk: ‘Mahashivratri’, the great festival of worship of Lord Mahadev, is being celebrated this year on 15 February 2026. Devotees observe waterless or fruitless fast on this day to please Lord Bholenath. But sometimes the fast is broken midway due to illness, unknowingly eating something or body weakness. In Hindu religious scriptures and Puranas, special rules have been given for such times of crisis, by which the blame of breaking the fast can be removed.
What is the first thing to do when the fast is broken?
If you have committed a mistake unknowingly, do not panic. Lord Shiva is extremely kind and ‘Ashutosh’, who becomes happy on seeing true devotion. Take these steps if your fast is broken:
Chanting the mantra for forgiveness: First of all, accept your mistake in front of Lord Shiva with water in your hand and ‘Om Namah Shivay’ Chant the mantra 108 times.
Bathing and Purification: If you have eaten something, take bath again, wear clean clothes and clean the temple.
Abhishekam with Panchamrit: Offer milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar (Panchamrit) to Shivalinga. It is believed that the anointment of Panchamrit removes impurities.
Charity is mandatory: To get rid of the sin of breaking the fast, donate white items (rice, milk, sugar or white clothes) to a needy or Brahmin as per your capacity.
Havan and lamp donation: Light a lamp of camphor or cow ghee at home or in the temple. If possible, perform a small havan in the name of Mahadev.
Opinion of religious scriptures: Should we restart the fast?
According to the scriptures, if the fast is broken before sunset and you are physically capable, you can continue the fast for the remaining time after purification. However, mentally repenting and praying to Mahadev is considered the greatest atonement.
Take special care of these things (Mahashivratri rules)
On the day of Mahashivratri, completely stay away from Tamasic food (garlic, onion, meat).
Getting angry or insulting someone also reduces the benefits of the fast.
There is a provision of ‘exemption’ in the scriptures for the sick and elderly, they can also observe mental fast.
