Dos and Don'ts on Mahashivaratri

Mahashivaratri is an auspicious occasion for the Hindus across the globe. On this day devotees seek for the grace of Lord Shiva. They pray for his guidance and women pray to find a doting husband like him. In 2024, Mahashivratri would be observed on 1st March. Lord Shiva is considered to be the most powerful amongst the Gods.

He was present from the birth and he will remain till the end of time. He is supposed to be the destroyer, the slayer of evil and save the world from damnation. There are many rituals associated with celebrating the day, but none too strict at all.

Things to Do

Devotees could choose as per their wishes what they would want to follow, but there are some points which are better avoided during observing the occasion.

Let us look into what should be done during the festival of Mahashivratri:

• Devotees should bathe early in the morning. To start the day right with a pure mind and body it is very essential. Early morning bath also keeps the body fit. Later on, clean clothes should be worn. It is not mandatory to wear new clothes, but purity is essential, so clean clothes are a must.
• Devotees mark this day by observing a fast. While some don't even drink water during the whole time, eating is allowed during the fast. Milk products could be eaten, and some special dishes are also prepared especially for the fast like Sabudhana and Kheer. Fruits also can be eaten throughout the day. Only after sunset, you should refrain from consuming any meal.
• For worshiping people either visit the nearest temple or if they have Shiva Lingam at home, they pray to it only. It is said Lord Shiva is very fond of milk and milk items; hence it is advisable to bathe the Shiva Lingam in milk or curd. You can add a little bit of honey as well while bathing the Lingam.
• Mantras are often chanted while observing the Mahashivratri. The chants are said to possess certain powers. These are proven scientifically as well that they cause some energy vibrations that impact our lives. The most famous mantra chanted is "Om Namah Shivaya" where you basically pray for your soul to be one with Lord Shiva.
• Many Foods are offered to Lord Shiva. Especially milk items and fruits. Milk items also include a wide range of sweets.
• And of course, observing Mahashivratri would be incomplete without offering prayers to the Lord and seeking His blessings and grace.

List of Things to Avoid on Mahashivaratri

While observing this auspicious occasion has a lot of leniencies, there are however some things that should be avoided during this day. They are as follows:

• It is best if women avoid applying vermilion on Lord Shiva. Sandalwood paste could be used instead.
• Devotees should refrain from being dressed in black on this day as it is said Lord Shiva is not very fond of the colour.
• Shiva is fond of white flowers. So, any red flower should be avoided when it comes to offering flowers to Lord Shiva. However, Ketki and Kevada Flower should be avoided as it is said that flower is cursed and despised by Lord Shiva.
• Tulsi leaves are best avoided as it is believed that using them can cause the Puja to remain incomplete. Also, it is a symbol for Goddess Laxmi, wife of Vishnu.
• According to the Puranas, no one should complete one full circle around the Shiva Lingam. It should always be a semi-circle then you should return to where you had started from.
• Whenever any Bael leaves are offered to Lord Shiva it should be made sure that the leaves are scratch free. Damaged leaves could mean an insult to the deity.
• Milk should never be offered from a bronze container to Lord Shiva. It should always be offered in a copper vessel.
• Coconut water is best avoided as an offering to Lord Shiva during Shivaratri.
• Water is avoided to be offered in any metal or steel vessel. Instead, it could be offered in leaves.

So, following these guidelines celebrate the occasion with joy and wish for a graceful and prosperous life ahead with the blessings from Lord Shiva.