The
Shivaratri vrata is a very powerful and auspicious vratham that is dedicated to
the Supreme Lord Shiva. The greatness of this vrata is mentioned in the all the
major Hindu puranas. The Skandha Purana especially provides all the details and
other information for observing the Shivaratri vrata. There are four main
Shivaratris mentioned in the Skandha Purana.
The Nitya Shivaratri is the first one which is observed
daily, that is, every night. The next one is called as Masa Shivaratri and is
observed every month on the Chaturdasi (14th day) of the Krishna Paksha (the
waning or diminishing phase of moon). The Maga Shivaratri is then the third one
and is observed for a period of thirteen days in the Hindu month of Maga. It
starts from the prathama (first) titi and ends on the Chaturdasi (fourteenth)
night when Lord Shiva is worshipped for the whole night. The fourth Shivaratri
is the main and is called as Maha Shivaratri. It is observed on the Chaturdasi
(14th day) of the Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of moon) in the month of
Maga. The Maha Shivaratri is observed in major parts of the country and is
celebrated in a grandeur manner.
As per
the Hindu mythology, the observer of the Shivaratri vrata gets the power to
conquer the two natural forces that trouble the human form, namely the ‘tamas’
guna and ‘rajas’ guna. While spending the day meditating about Lord Shiva, the
devotees get a better control over the ill emotions like jealousy, covetousness
and anger. For the ardent disciples of Lord Shiva, observing the Shivaratri
vrata is more equal or even more auspicious than performing the powerful
Ashwamedha Yagna. It is also believed that a person, who observes the Maha
Shivaratri vrata with full discipline and sincerity, would be absolved for all
their sins. They ultimately get united with the supreme power and live happily
in the abode of Lord Shiva. Such a devotee is also set free from the repeated
cycle of birth and death.
Rituals of the Shivaratri Vrata
·
On the day of Shivaratri vrata, the observer of this vratham
should get up early, before dawn and meditate about the Supreme and infinitely
auspicious Lord Shiva. They then take a bath and wear new and clean clothes.
Wearing a Rudraksha mala and applying ‘vibuthi’ (sacred ash) is considered to
be an important part of the ritual.
·
The observer of the shivaratri vrata should visit a nearly Lord
Shiva temple and perform the Shiva Linga ritual bath with water, milk, honey
and other auspicious substances. While giving bath to the Lingam, the devotees
ask forgiveness for their sins and pray to seek His blessings.
·
After the sacred bath, as a ritual haldi and kumkum is applied on
the Shiva Lingam, and a pink and white lotus garland is offered to the Lord.
Lighting of incense sticks and ringing the temple bells is also a part of the
ceremony.
·
All through the day, bhajans and aartis are sung to invoke His
blessings. It should be noted that unlike other vratas wherein a feast is
observed after completion of puja, in the shivaratri vrata the devotees must
fast all through the day as well as night.
·
The observer of this vrata should also keep vigil all night while
enchanting the ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ mantra. During the Shivaratri vrata there is
a practice of giving a holy bath to Shiva Linga every three hours.
·
Special prasadam in the form of fruits is offered to the Lord. The
devotees spend their time by listening to the stories and legends of Lord
Shiva, along with devotional songs and hymns. The Shivaratri fast is broken on
the next day by consuming the prasad along with other disciples of Lord Shiva.
2017 Dates :
26
|
January
|
(Thursday)
|
Masik Shivaratri
|
24
|
February
|
(Friday)
|
Maha Shivaratri
|
26
|
March
|
(Sunday)
|
Masik Shivaratri
|
24
|
April
|
(Monday)
|
Masik Shivaratri
|
24
|
May
|
(Wednesday)
|
Masik Shivaratri
|
22
|
June
|
(Thursday)
|
Masik Shivaratri
|
21
|
July
|
(Friday)
|
Masik Shivaratri
|
20
|
August
|
(Sunday)
|
Masik Shivaratri
|
18
|
September
|
(Monday)
|
Masik Shivaratri
|
18
|
October
|
(Wednesday)
|
Masik Shivaratri
|
16
|
November
|
(Thursday)
|
Masik Shivaratri
|
16
|
December
|
(Saturday)
|
Masik Shivaratri
|
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