Mahashivaratri Puja Vrat Vidhi

Related Topics:Bhagwan ShivaFestivals and EventsHindu DeitiesRituals and Traditions

The festival of Mahashivratri is one of the most auspicious Sanatan Hindu festivals observed in the Hindu month of Phalgun (February or March as per the English Calendar) on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi day (the fourteenth day of the dark moon phase). This day is dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva and Mata Parvati. According to religious beliefs, devotees who are in the grip of some big problems must fast on this day to get relief. Also, the rules of Mahashivratri fasting should be followed. So, here we will see what the rules of this special day of fasting are. 

Follow these rules during the Mahashivratri fast, and you will get full results for your devotion to Bhagwan Shiva. Devotees of Mahadev wait for the festival of Mahashivaratri every year with much‌ anticipation. The festival holds great importance in Hindu dharma. It symbolises the union of Bhagwan Shiva and Devi Shakti.

According to religious beliefs, fasting on this day can bring peace, good health, happiness and prosperity to the lives of devotees. 

Mahashivratri Fasting Rules (Vrat Vidhi)

Here are some fasting rules to be followed on the day of Mahashivratri.

• Shivratri fasting starts at dawn. The fast should end the next day during Parana time only.
• So take early morning shower and sankalp of observing fast for the entire day.
• Wear clean and washed clothes.
• The rules of celibacy should be followed during Mahashivratri fast.
• Stay awake on the night of Shivratri; this doubles the results of the fast.
• One should avoid grains, pulses, and salt during fasting.
• Do not consume onion or garlic
• Avoid outside food or juice. They are not prepared as per fasting rules.
• Do not consume non vegetarian food or alcoholic beverages. 
• A fasting person can consume milk, water and fruits. 
• The most important aspect of fasting is to stay away from bad thoughts, bad company and bad words.
• Those fasting should stay away from all evil thoughts and deeds.
• Chanting the names of Bhagwan Shiva and visiting Shiva temple on this day is considered auspicious.
• On this holy day, the devotees should listen and recite the glory of Shankar Bhagwan.
• Avoid consuming all types of Tamasic things.
• On the day of Shivratri, devotees should keep their minds calm and engage in good deeds.
• Shivratri puja is mostly performed at night in the temples. But you can perform puja during the day on the Chaturdashi tithi. 
• Break your fast the next day in the morning during Parana time after taking a bath.

Chant these Shiv Mantras on Mahashivratri

These are a few Shiv mantras that you can chant on Maha Shivratri day.

• ॐ नमः शिवाय ||

Aum Namah Shivaya

Meaning – ‘O salutations to Lord Shiva’ or ‘Adoration to Lord Shiva’

• ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् |

          उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥

Aum Tryambakam yajaamahe

sugandhim pushtivardhanam |

Urvaarukamiva bandhanaan

mrityormuksheeya maamritaat ||

Meaning

इस मंत्र का हिंदी अर्थ है कि हम भगवान शिव की पूजा करते हैं, जिनके तीन नेत्र हैं, जो सुगंधित हैं और हमारा पोषण करते हैं। जैसे फल शाखा के बंधन से मुक्त हो जाता है वैसे ही हम भी मृत्यु और नश्वरता से मुक्त हो जाएं।

We worship the three-eyed One, who is fragrant and who nourishes all.

Like the fruit falls off from the bondage of the stem, may we be liberated from death and mortality.

• मृत्युञ्जयाय रुद्राय नीलकन्ताय शंभवे

        अमृतेषाय सर्वाय महादेवाय ते नमः

Mrutyunjayaaya Rudraaya Neelakantaya Shambhave 

Amriteshaaya Sarvaaya Mahadevaaya Te Namaha

Meaning: 

Oh Lord Shiva, you are the one who has conquered death and is responsible for the destruction of the universe to let life again prevail on earth. Oh, Lord, you are Neelkantha, as you have a blue throat. We pay obeisance to you, Lord, with our hands folded in namaskar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Mahashivratri? 

A: Sanatan Hindus observe Mahashivratri to celebrate the union of Mahadev and Mata Parvati. It is believed that Bhagwan Shiva and Mata Parvati got married on this day.

Q: What should you do on Mahashivratri?

A: You can do the puja of Mahadev and Mata Parvati and can also observe a full day fast. While observing the fast, you can consume only milk, water and fruits. 

Q: Who can observe Mahashivratri puja and fast?

A: Anybody can observe Mahashivratri puja and fast. However, it is essential to follow the Hindu puja rules and rituals to observe the Mahashivratri puja and fast. 

To learn more about the Sanatan Hindu festivals and their significance, you can talk to our pandits and astrologers at NamoAstro.