Maha Shivaratri 2019
Shivaratri is great festival of convergence of Shiva and
Shakti. Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in month of Magha is known as
Maha Shivaratri according to South Indian calendar. However according to North
Indian calendar Masik Shivaratri in month of Phalguna is known as Maha
Shivaratri. In both calendars it is naming convention of lunar month which
differs. However both, North Indians and South Indians, celebrate Maha
Shivaratri on same day.
Vrat Vidhi – One day before Shivaratri Vratam, most likely
on Trayodashi, devotees should eat only one time. On Shivaratri day, after
finishing morning rituals devotees should take Sankalp (संकल्प) to observe full day fast on Shivaratri and to
take food next day. During Sankalp devotees pledge for self-determination
throughout the fasting period and seek blessing of Lord Shiva to finish the
fast without any interference. Hindu fasts are strict and people pledge for
self-determination and seek God blessing before starting them to finish them
successfully.
On Shivaratri day devotees should take second bath in the
evening before doing Shiva Puja or visiting temple. Shiva Puja should be done
during night and devotees should break the fast next day after taking bath.
Devotees should break the fast between sunrise and before the end of
Chaturdashi Tithi to get maximum benefit of the Vrat. According to one
contradictory opinion devotees should break the fast only when Chaturdashi
Tithi gets over. But it is believed that both Shiva Puja and Parana (पारणा) i.e. breaking the fast
should be done within Chaturdashi Tithi.
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