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Mahashivratri is the one long night devoted to the divine protection of Lord Shiva, the great transformer of the entire universe. He is the symbol of surrender, tolerance, and universal harmony.
It falls on the Krishna Paksha of the Phalguna month. Devotees observe this day with fasting, all-night worship, and engage themselves in Lord Shiva's devotion.
Knowing How to do Mahashivratri fast rightly is important, as the fasting isn't solely about restricting food but also about discipline, devotion, and inner clarification.
Mahashivratri Date & Auspicious Time
Mahashivratri is an annual occasion, considered one of the most important spiritually potent nights in Santan Dharma.
According to Vaishnava tradition, Lord Shiva is honorable and the most supreme devotee of the Supreme Lord, Lord Krishna. And so they observe this day to get his blessings and grow in their Krishna consciousness journey.
Date & Time: From 5:07 PM on February 15 to 5:36 PM on February 16.
Midnight during the night hours is very auspicious, as the divine presence is very high. Here, understanding how to do fasting on Mahashivratri will provide you a proper way to deepen your connection with Lord Shiva.
Traditionally, the day is observed from sunrise on Mahashivratri till the next day's sunrise. The entire night is divided into four quarters, known as prahars. Each quarter is observed with the same puja vidhi and rituals.
Types of Mahashivratri Fast
Three types of fasting are allowed during Mahashivratri. According to saints and devotees, any one of fasting can be performed, the only thing that matters is sincerity and devotion.
The following fastings are commonly observed during Mahashivratri across all the regions in India:
i) Nirjala Fasting: 'Nirjala' means without water, a complete fast with no food or water. It requires discipline, sincere devotion, and inner strength to perform during the day and night.
Mostly sincere devotees observe this fasting and worship all day and night.
ii) Phalahar Fasting: This is the fasting where fruits, milk, water, dry fruits, and homemade sattvic sweets are allowed during the day. It is widely observed by many devotees and spiritual seekers.
iii) One-Meal Fasting: This fasting involves one-time full sattvic meal during the day. It can be consumed during day or night hours.
It is widely followed by many people, as it supports health during the observance.
Note: Before you have anything from the above food items, offer it to the idol/picture of Lord Shiva.
Preparation for Mahashivratri Fast
To complete the Maha Shivaratri vrat, one must keep the preparations on point. The following steps are suggested by the sincere saints and devotees to follow on this sacred day:
i) Wake up and take a holy water bath in the early morning hours (4 - 6 AM). This reduces the tamasic energy and purifies the mind and body.
ii) Clean the home altar, decorate it with flowers, and offer fresh fruits, milk, and water to Lord Shiva.
Note: If one doesn't have the idol of Lord Shiva, visit a nearby temple and offer the fruits and flowers.
iii) Worship the idol/picture of Lord Shiva. It increases the focus and develops inner strength to complete the observance.
Mahashivratri Fasting Rules (Dos & Don’ts)
Fasting requires purification and discipline, which comes through standard guidance provided by the saints and devotees.
To complete your observance without any distraction and difficulties, follow these mahashivratri fasting rules to get the divine blessings of Lord Shiva.
Dos:
i) Chant Hare Krishna Mahamantra:
"Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare."
ii) Maintain inner and outer peace by chanting the Mahamantra and engaging in various temple activities.
iii) Read scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, the eternal truth about life and one's existence.
iv) Practice meditation and silence throughout the day.
Don’ts:
1) Do not consume garlic, grains, onion, or any intoxicated substances like alcohol.
Reason: Such food and intoxicating substances disturb the mind, which results in unclear focus and poor mental clarity.
ii) Avoid daytime sleep, overthinking, and gossiping.
Reason: Such activities drain all the energy and disturb the emotional balance inside a person.
What to Eat (Food Guide)
Food consumed during the fasting on mahashivratri must be sattvic, light, and blessed by the Lord.
i) Fruits
ii) Fresh milk, curd, and buttermilk.
iii) Sabudana items (khichdi, tikki, etc.).
iv) Kuttu atta and Singhara atta items.
v) Root vegetables like potatoes, colocasia root, and sweet potatoes.
vi) dry fruits (cashews, almonds, raisins, and walnuts).
Spiritual Benefits of Mahashivratri Fast
Observing the fasting of mahashivratri is spiritually very beneficial and uplifting.
i) Purifies the karmas and reduces the effect of negative karmic reactions.
ii) Builds internal strength and increases self-discipline in life.
iii) Blesses one with an inclination towards spirituality.
iv) Make a connection with the Lord Shiva, or strengthen the connection with the Supreme Lord.
FAQs:
Can we drink water during Mahashivratri fast?
Yes, the water is only prohibited in Nirjala fasting. Mostly sincere devotees observe this type of fasting.
What food is allowed during Mahashivratri fasting?
During the fast on Mahashivratri, one can have fruits, milk, curd, sabudana items, singhara atta, kuttu atta items, and root vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes.
Is Nirjala fast compulsory on Mahashivratri?
No, it is not compulsory. Although, it is considered very effective and high-level sincere fasting on Mahashivratri.
What is the correct time to start and break Mahashivratri fast?
The fast of Mahashivratri starts at sunrise on February 15 and ends the next morning on February 16.
Can working people, women, or elderly observe Mahashivratri fast?
Yes, they can observe the Mahashivratri with palhar, or a one-time meal type of fasting.
Conclusion
By understanding the above guide on How to do Mahashivratri fast, you can transform your material challenges and spiritual challenges into a spiritual journey.
The intentions are what matter, no matter what type of fasting you choose.
If the intentions are to surrender, improve yourself in devotion, or develop good qualities, then the observance turns into a forever blessing.
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