Traditionally Maheshwar Vrat will be observed on the Chaturdashi of Shukla Paksha of Falgun month. This year, Maheshwar Vrat will be observed on Sunday, 24 March 2024.
Maheshwar is another name of Lord Shiva. Worshiping Lord Shiva on this day is considered extremely auspicious and fruitful. Mythological scriptures talk about the special importance of Lord Shiva’s worship in the month of Phalgun. Maheshwar Vrat is a very important festival in this month. A fast is observed on this day.
One should take a bath early in the morning on Chaturdashi date of the Phalgun month and then start the Puja. Lord Shiva’s idol too should be given a bath. He should then be offered flowers, Akshat, Roli, Dhoop, Deep, Belpatra. Devotees take a bath in the holy rivers on the day of Maheshwar fasting. Arghya should be offered to the Sun Lord and then a lamp should be lit.
When one performs Snan, Daan, Yagya and worships the Lord on the day of Maheshwar Vrat Puja, one receives limitless fruits. They are equivalent to the benefits that one receives on performing a thousand Yagyas.
Maheshwar Vrat Katha
Those who observe this fast by following all rituals receive a place in the Shivaloka. They are then incarnated in human form in a good family. On observing this fast, women are blessed with the long life of their spouse. Happiness of life partner is attained and happiness of married life increases.
Many stories are popular in the context of Maheshwar Vrat. According to one such story, Lord Shiva led the life of a nomad and he never had a fixed place of stay. However, after his marriage to Parvati, he got domesticated and started living at a specific place. This transition of Lord Shiva from a recluse to a responsible spouse is reflected in this Maheshwar Vrat.
One attains salvation on fasting and worshipping Lord Shiva on the occasion of Maheshwar Vrat for 12 years. Maheshwar Vrat begins on the Trayodashi at night. One must follow purity and Bhramacharya from this day itself. Attaining the blessings of Lord Maheshwar who resides in every particle of the universe is a very easy task. The Maheshwar form of Lord Shiva ensures the welfare of the devotees.
Maheshwar Vrat Pooja
Lord Maheshwar can be worshiped in the form of Shivalinga or in the form of an idol. Worshiping Lord Shiva in the form of Shivalinga fulfills all the wishes. Shiva's personality is believed to be enshrined in Shivalinga. Rudrabhishek is considered very special in Lord Maheshwar’s Puja. Lord Shiva is also very fond of Jalabhishek.
Performing Lord Shiva Abhishek by mixing Ganga water in pure water is considered extremely auspicious. Shiva Abhishek is considered to be a miraculous remedy for all troubles. This procedure of Maheshwar Abhishek has been going on since ancient times. This method was also mentioned in detail in the Puranas. Many things are used in Lord Maheshwar’s Abhishek each of which has its own importance in giving endless fruits.
While doing the consecration of Lord Shiva, you should chant the Shiva Panchakshari Mantra should be chanted while performing Lord Shiva Abhishek. Offering Belpatra to Lord Shiva ends all sins.
Chant Shiva Mantras on Maheshwar Vrat
Lord Shiva’s Mantra should be chanted on the day of Maheshwar fast. Maheshwar Mantra is a very simple and infallible Mantra to please Lord Shankar. It is best to chant this Mantra with a rosary of Rudraksha. The Mantra should be chanted only by facing the north direction. Before chanting, a Bellpatra should be offered to the Shivling. Jalabhishek should be done on the Shivling. This Maheshwar Mantra is so effective that it can lead to salvation. On the day of Maheshwar fast, the devotee should chant this Mantra devoutly especially if he/she is suffering from a problem. This biggest of problems can be solved through this remedy.
मंत्र:
"ओम तत्पुरुषाय विदमहे, महादेवाय धीमहि तन्नो रुद्र: प्रचोदयात्।"
"ॐ नमः शिवाय शुभं शुभं कुरू कुरू शिवाय नमः ॐ"
Mantra:
"Om Tattpurushaya Vidamhe, Mahadevaya Dheemahi Tanno Rudra: Prachodayat."
"Om Namah Shivaya Shubham Shubham Kuru Kuru Shivaya Namah"
Vrushabh Daan Importance
Vrushabh Daan is considered very important and effective during the Maheshwar fast. Vrushabh Daan is considered to be one of the most sacred and impactful Daans amongst all the Daans in Hindu tradition. Donation of a single healthy and athletic bull (Vrushabh) is considered more beneficial than the donation of ten cows. Vrushabh Daan is not only beneficial to the one who donates but it is also beneficial to his/her descendants. The importance of Vrushabh Daan is also described in the Bhavishpurana. On the day of Vrushabh Daan silver should be applied on the tail of the bull. It should be well decorated with jewels. One should then seek forgiveness from all the sins. In this way, the sins committed by the person who donates Taurus are taken care of and the person’s auspicious Karma goes up.
Mythological significance of Maheshwar Vrat
Lighting lamps in front of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the day of Maheshwar Vrat frees one from the cycle of birth and death. Those who worship Lord Shiva on this day remain prosperous for several incarnations and attain the knowledge of the Vedas. According to Linga Purana and Brahmapuran, performing Vrushabhdan on this day helps one attain the Shivpad. Apart from this, when one makes a donation as per one’s capacity his/her wealth also increases. According to popular beliefs, Lord Shankar had killed a cruel demon on this day for the well-being of his devotees. On this day, lamps are lit in temples in the evening. There is a tradition of Shiva Pujan and Shiva Katha recitation on this day. In the evening lamps are lit near temples, crossroads, alleys and big trees.
Fasting and worshiping Shiva on the Shukla Chaturdashi of the month of Falgun results in fruits equivalent to that of Agnishtom Yagya. According to Vishnudharma scripture, the fruit of this fast is extremely auspicious. By observing this fast, all the troubles of life are removed. This fast becomes the best way to attain salvation. It makes one as happy as a King.