Maha Shivratri 2024: Maha Shivratri is one of the most celebrated festivals by Shiva devotees. This Maha Shivratri is one of the most important fasts for Lord Shiva. On this day devotees stay awake and fast the whole night to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
It is said in the Puranas that on this day of Maha Shivratri, Goddess Parvati and the gods were blessed to fast in the memory of Lord Shiva. Therefore, if we worship Lord Shiva with all our heart on this day, then Lord Shiva will fulfill all our prayers.
There are some things to do and what not to do on the day of Maha Shivratri. But many people do not know. Some mistakes made without knowing on the day of Maha Shivratri can provoke the anger of Lord Shiva. Let us now see what to do and what not to do on the day of Maha Shivratri.
Things to do on the day of Maha Shivratri:
*On the day of Mahashivratri, one should wake up early in the morning and take bath and wear good and clean clothes. Should be clean.
* Devotees will celebrate the festival by keeping a fast on this day. Some of them don't even drink water. But eating some food items is allowed during the fast. In this you can eat things made from milk, maize, payasam etc. You can also eat fruits. But all this can be eaten during the day. One should not eat food after sunset.
*On the day of Mahashivratri, go to the nearest Shiva temple to worship Lord Shiva. Otherwise, if there is a Shivalinga in the house then it can be worshipped. It is said that Lord Shiva loves milk and milk products. Therefore, on the day and night of Shivratri, Shiva Linga should be anointed with milk or curd. Apart from this, anointment can also be done with honey.
* Mainly, those observing fast on the day of Maha Shivratri should chant the mantras of Lord Shiva throughout the day. It is said that Shiva mantras have special powers. Therefore chant the mantras of Lord Shiva. One of the most powerful Shiva mantras is “Om Naam Shivay”.
* It is good to worship Lord Shiva by making things made from milk, fruits and sweets made from milk. Mainly those who observe fast on Mahashivratri should stay awake at night and worship Lord Shiva.
What not to do on the day of Maha Shivratri:
*Avoid wearing black clothes on the day of Mahashivratri. Because Lord Shiva does not like black color.
* Lord Shiva does not like red flowers. Therefore, one should avoid worshiping red flowers on the day of Mahashivratri. Along with this, one should also avoid worshiping Dhalambhu.
* One should avoid offering basil leaves to Lord Shiva. If basil leaves are used in Shiva worship then the worship will not be complete.
*According to the Puranas, one should never completely circumambulate the Shiva Linga. It should rotate in a half circle.
* If Lord Shiva is worshiped with bow leaves then those leaves should not be damaged. Damaged leaves are considered an insult to the deity.
* Milk should never be offered to Lord Shiva in a bronze vessel. Always serve in copper utensils only.
* It is better to avoid offering water to Lord Shiva on the day of Shivratri.