MAASIK SHIVRATRI

Shivratri is a special festival of convergence of Shiva and Shakti. The Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha of every month is known as Monthly Shivaratri.

According to the legend, once Lord Shiva became very angry. The whole world was about to be burnt to ashes by the flame of his anger, but Mother Parvati pleased Mahadev by pacifying him, so worshiping Lord Shiva on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha of every month and this day is called Monthly Shivaratri.

It is believed that after Mahashivratri, if four resolutions of salvation are followed every month on Shivaratri, worship of Lord Shiva, chanting of Rudramantra, fasting in Shiva temple and renunciation of death in Kashi, then salvation is definitely achieved. On this auspicious occasion, by worshiping and performing abhishek rituals to Shivling, desired results are obtained.

According to other Indian mythology, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a linga at midnight on the day of Mahashivratri. For the first time the Shiva Linga was worshiped by Lord Vishnu and Brahma. That is why Maha Shivratri is known as the birthday of Lord Shiva and devotees worship Shiva Linga on the day of Shivaratri. Shivratri fast is being practiced since the ancient times. In Hindu Puranas, we find mention of Shivratri fasting. According to the scriptures, Goddess Lakshmi, Indrani, Saraswati, Gayatri, Savitri, Sita, Parvati and Rati also observed the fast of Shivaratri. Devotees who wish to observe a monthly Shivaratri fast can start it from Maha Shivratri and maintain it for a year. It is believed that by observing the fast of Monthly Shivaratri, any difficult and impossible task can be completed by the grace of Lord Shiva. Devotees should stay awake during Shivratri and worship Lord Shiva during the night. Unmarried women observe this fast to get married and married women observe this fast to maintain happiness and peace in their married life.

If Monthly Shivratri falls on Tuesday then it is very auspicious. Prayers on the festival Shivratri, are done at mid-night. Midnight is known as Nishita Kaal and it prevails for two Ghati.

Monthly Shivratri Puja Method

On this day, wake up before sunrise in the morning and retire from bathing etc. Go to the nearest temple and worship Lord Shiva family with incense, lamp, new medicine, fruits and flowers etc. One should fast for the whole day with sincerity. On this day, Bel leaves should be offered on Shivling and Rudrabhishek should be done. On this day Shiva becomes very happy with Rudrabhishek. Water, milk, curd, pure ghee, honey, sugar or sugar etc. are used in the consecration of Shivling. You can have sweet food in the evening, while on the next day after worshiping Lord Shiva, break your fast by donating etc. According to the resolution made by him, after fasting, it should be done in a proper way. Prayers on the festival Shivratri, are done at mid-night. After 12 o'clock in the night, after waking up for a while, worship Lord Shiva and recite Shri Hanuman Chalisa, it removes financial problems. Donation of white things is more glorified on this day, there will never be any shortage of money in your house. If you keep the fast of monthly Shivratri with a sincere heart, then any of your difficult tasks will be done easily. Worshiping Shiva Parvati on this day is also believed to get rid of all debts.

Importance of night awakening and worship on Shivratri

It is believed that fasting is essential for spiritual practice. On this day, listening to the text of Shiv Puran after awakening at night is considered the religion of every fasting person. Devotees doing night awakening on this occasion should make their awakening successful by taking shelter of Shiva Naam, Panchakshara Mantra or Shiva source.

On the importance of night awakening along with fasting, the saints say that awakening is the awakening of the disorder which has come upon the soul by the five senses. Not only this, this is also the most suitable time to meet the beloved Mahadev at night. For this reason, devotees wake up in the night and worship Bholenath with fasting.

The worship of Shivaratri has been described as very important in the scriptures. It is said that after Mahashivratri one should observe fast and worship on every monthly Shivaratri to please Shiva. It is believed that worshiping Mahadev on this day removes all the troubles from a person's life. Along with this, he also gets rid of financial troubles. If you are troubled by old debts, then you can get rid of your problem by worshiping Bholenath on this day. Apart from this, by the grace of Bholenath, any work gets completed without any hindrance.

Importance of six items in Shiv Puran story

The meaning of sprinkling water on Shivling with Belpatra means that to quench the flame of anger of Mahadev, he is given a bath with cold water.

Applying sandalwood vaccine on Shivling is a symbol of waking up auspicious. Offering fruits and flowers means giving thanks to God.

Burning incense, it means all troubles and sorrows should be away.

Lighting a lamp means that God removes the darkness of ignorance and gives us the light of education so that we can progress in our life.

Betel leaf, it means that we are satisfied with what you have given to us and are grateful to you.