On the sacred occasion of Mahashivratri, devoted to honoring Lord Shiva, individuals engage in celebrating this significant Hindu festival. Many observe a fast, offer prayers to Lord Shiva, and seek divine blessings. The festival of Maha Shivratri is marked with immense fervor and magnificence throughout the nation.
Mahashivratri 2024: How to Observe Fast
There are three fasting methods to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva:
- Nirjala Vrat: Opting for the Nirjala Fast entails abstaining from both food and water throughout the fasting duration. The fast commences at 12:00 AM on March 8 and concludes at sunrise on March 9, 2024.
- Phalahara Vrat: During this fasting approach, adherents may consume beverages like tea, water, coffee, coconut water, lassi, fruit juice, and non-salty dry fruits.
- Samapta Vrat: The Samapta fast is one of the fasting methods observed during Mahashivratri. In this type of fast, individuals are allowed to consume items permitted in the Phalahara Vrat, which includes non-grain items like fruits, milk, nuts, water, and herbal teas. Additionally, they can have one meal, typically consisting of sweet dishes such as rice kheer, makhana kheer, jaggery kheer, soojhi halwa, or other sweets. This meal is usually consumed during the evening after the fasting period.
Fasting Rules on Mahashivratri
- Wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath before starting any puja rituals.
- Clean the house, especially the puja room where Lord Shiva is placed.
- Avoid consuming salt on the day of Mahashivratri.
- Adopt a sattvik lifestyle and refrain from engaging in tamasik activities such as eating meat, onion, garlic, gambling, fighting, or abusing.
- It is considered inauspicious to cut hair and nails on the day of Mahashivratri.
- Engage in meditation during the Mahashivratri festival.
- Chant mantras to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
- Perform Jalabhishekam or Rudrabhishekam to please the Lord.
- Reading holy books such as Shiv Chalisa is considered rewarding for those observing the fast.
- Pregnant women, older people, or those who are unwell or unable to observe a fast are advised to consume only vegetarian food prepared with sendha namak or rock salt. After sunset on Mahashivratri, phalahara can be consumed.
How to Break Mahashivratri Fast?
It is recommended to take a ceremonial bath on the next day and conduct a puja by lighting a diya filled with clarified butter (desi ghee) in front of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Offer homemade sweets like kheer, halwa, or other desserts, along with fruits and bhog prasad, which may include sabzi poori and raita. Initially, present the bhog prasad to the deities before consuming it yourself. Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food on this day.
Choose the Right Time: Traditionally, the Mahashivratri fast is broken after sunrise on the following day, i.e., on March 9, 2024, in the case of the 2024 festival. It’s essential to wait until the auspicious time to break the fast.
Start with Water: Begin by hydrating yourself with a glass of water. This helps rehydrate the body after the fasting period.
Consume Fruits: Next, start with consuming fruits. Fruits provide essential vitamins and minerals, and they are gentle on the stomach after a period of fasting.
Opt for Light Food: After fruits, move on to consuming light and easily digestible food items. This may include dishes like sabzi poori, khichdi, yogurt, or dal rice.
Avoid Heavy or Spicy Food: It’s advisable to avoid heavy or spicy foods initially as they may be hard to digest after fasting.
Stay Hydrated: Throughout the day, ensure to drink plenty of fluids like water, coconut water, or herbal teas to maintain hydration levels.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body reacts to different foods after fasting. Eat slowly and listen to your body’s hunger cues.
Avoid Overeating: While it might be tempting to indulge after fasting, avoid overeating as it can lead to discomfort or digestive issues.
Include Protein and Fiber: Incorporate protein-rich foods like lentils, beans, or tofu, as well as fiber-rich foods like vegetables and whole grains, to help maintain energy levels and promote satiety.
Mahashivratri 2024: Do’s and Don’ts While Observing Fast:
Do’s:
• Begin the day with a prayer and setting a positive intention for the fast.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water and consuming hydrating fruits like watermelon and cucumber.
• Break the fast with simple, easily digestible foods like fruits, nuts, and yogurt.
• Engage in spiritual practices such as meditation, reading scriptures, and attending satsangs (spiritual gatherings).
• Donate food, clothes, or money to the less fortunate as an act of generosity and compassion.
Don’ts:
• Avoid consuming grains, pulses, and non-vegetarian food during the fasting period.
• Refrain from engaging in negative thoughts, speech, or actions that may disrupt the sanctity of the fast.
• Do not indulge in excessive physical exertion or activities that drain energy during the fasting day.
• Avoid watching or listening to material that distracts from spiritual focus and devotional practices.
• Resist the temptation to break the fast prematurely and maintain commitment to the observance until the designated time.
Chant Rudrashtakam to Remove All Problems
Rudrashtakam derives its name from the fusion of two terms: ‘Rudra’, representing the embodiment of Lord Shiva, and ‘Ashtakam’, denoting a compilation of eight verses. It’s worth noting that this prayer or hymn was composed by Goswami Tulsidas Ji. Let’s delve into its significance, as daily recitation can yield numerous benefits.
Namami Shamishan Nirvan Roopam
Vibhum Vyapakam Brahma Veda Swaroopam |
Nijam Nirgunam Nirvikalpam Nireeham
Chidakaash Maakash Vaasam Bhajeham || 1 ||
Nirakaar Omkar Moolam Turiyam
Giragyaan Goteet Meesham Girisham |
Karaalam Mahakaal Kaalam Kripalam
Gunagaar Sansaar Paaram Naatoham|| 2 ||
Tusharaadri Sankaash Gauram Gabheeram
Manobhoot Koti Prabha Shi Shareeram |
Sfooranmauli Kallolini Charu Ganga
Lasadbhaal Baalendu Kanthe Bhujanga|| 3 ||
Chalatkundalam Bhru Sunethram Vishaalam
Prasannananam Neelkantham Dayalam |
Mrigadheesh Charmaambaram Mundamaalam
Priyam Shankaram Sarvanaatham Bhajaami || 4 ||
Prachandam Prakrishtam Pragalbham Paresham
Akhandam Ajambhaanukoti Prakaasham |
Trayahshool Nirmoolanam Shoolpaanim
Bhajeham Bhawani Patim Bhaav Gamyam || 5 ||
Kalateet Kalyaan Kalpantkaari
Sada Sajjanaanand Daata Purari |
Chidaanand Sandoh Mohapahari
Praseed Praseed Prabho Manmathari || 6 ||
Nayaavad Umanath Paadaravindam
Bhajanteeha Lokey Parewa Naraanaam |
Na Tawatsukham Shaantisantapnaasham
Praseed Prabho Sarvabhootadhivaasam || 7 ||
Na Jaanaami Yogam Japam Naiva Poojaam
Na Toham Sada Sarvada Shambhu Tubhhyam |
Jarajanm Dukhhaudya Taapatyamaanam
Prabho Paahi Aapan Namaami Shri Shambho || 8 ||
Rudrashtakamidam Proktam Vipren Hartoshaye |
Ye Pathanti Naraa Bhaktaya Teyshaam Shambhu Praseedati ||
Doha: Ithi Shri Goswami Tulasidaasa krutam Sri Rudrashtakam Sampoornam ||
These eight verses (Rudrashtaka) are the applause of Rudra and have been composed by the wise for pleasing Hara (yet another name of Lord Shiva). Residing this with devotion and whole heart will please Lord Shiva.