Shivaratri is celebrated on Trayodashi of Falgun Krishna Paksha, every year. In the year 2023, this fast will be observed on 1st March. The speciality of this fast is that everyone can observe this fast, a child, women, men or an old aged person.

On this day, thousands of devotees come to have the vision of Shivlinga. Mahashivaratri is not just a festival or fast. In true terms, it is a Maha Utsav. Lord of deities, God Bholenath was married on this day. In that occasion, this festivals is celebrated.

Scriptures say about this date that lord Shiva, in who’s hairs Ganga get its shelter. Originator of people in the three worlds (Heaven, hell and Mrityu). Lord from who’s eyes three flames come out and nourishes the body. This lord Shiva is pleased in organising his marriage this day.

Mahashivaratri Fast Benefits

A person observing the fast of Maha Shivaratri attains salvation. This fast does an individual’s welfare. All sorts of problems and sufferings are finished by observing this fast. Also, his wishes come true. A person achieves happiness, wealth, good fortune etc. through is fast. Person observing this fast with true devotion gets all his desires fulfilled by the grace of lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva should be worshipped with clean mind and soul. He is also called Neel Kanth, Vishwanath. An individual gets freedom from hunger for money, greed, infatuation etc. Pure wisdom is attained. And, life is motivated towards good works.

Shiva Vrat in Pradosh Kaal

According to scriptures the time period of 2 hours 24 minutes after sunset is called the Pradosh Kaal. Lord Shiva dance happily, during Pradosh Kal. Parvati and lord Shanker were married in Pradosh Kal. Hence, worshipping lord and performing Shivaratri Jagran is considered favourable during Pradosh Kal. Evolution of the 12 Jyotirlinga took place on the date of Mahashivaratri in Pradosh Kal. Hence, Chaturdashi of Falgun Krishna Paksha is known as Maha Shivaratri.

Mahashivaratri Fairs

Mahashivaratri is celebrated as Utsav rather then a festival. Fairs are organised in many parts of nation, on this occasion. Cultural programmes are organised in these Melas and lakhs of Kawariyas participate in this. Lord Shiva is praised and Jalabhishek is performed. Similar kind of view can be seen in Ramnagar.

Mela of Falgun has a special significance. it is believed that the Pandavas performed Rudra Mahayajya on this day. Lakhs of devotees offer water to lord Shiva, on the day of Shivaratri. On Mahashivaratri, Shiva worshipers with full devotion try to please lord. The fairs have special gathering of Shiva Bhakt. In all the Shivalayas, echo of hundreds of bell and shells can be heard till far distances. Chanting of mantra “ऊँनu2350 : शिवाय: “on this day is considered auspicious.

This Shiva Mahotsav is celebrated with full faith and devotion in whole of India. Lord Shiva is worshipped with flowers, Bel leaves, Dhatura, jaggery etc.

Maha Shivaratri Fast Method

The fast of Shivaratri can be observed by any simple man. All class and age group can keep this fast. Not much of Puja materials are required for this. hence, weak financial conditions can never be an obstacle in this fast. People having good money can perform Rudrabhishek and Yagya. Although lord Bholenath get pleased even by the offering of a Bel leaf with pure devotion.

This fast should be observed in Pradosh Nishit kaal. A person who is incapable of observing this fast in a systematic manner should perform Shiva Pujan in the beginning of night or mid night. If he is not able to observe fast then, worshipping lord Shiva in the evening is considered auspicious.