Mahashivratri is celebrated all over the country and is said to be one of the most auspicious day which is totally dedicated to Lord Shiva or popularly it is termed as the night of Lord Shiva. This year on 24th, February all over India this day will be celebrated by his devotees and will offer prayer to Lord Shiva. The holy night of Shivratri is actually observed just a night before the “Amavasya’’ which according to the Hindu calendar is the month of February or March. This Puja is been celebrated from long ago in this country. Lord Shiva is considered as the God of destruction as well as the creator of the entire universe.
Requirements for Shivratri Puja
As we know that In Hindu culture this puja is considered to be an auspicious one and more or less every women performs this puja on this day. So, sometimes it becomes difficult to buy the Puja Samagri physically going to a market. There are many online stores available from where you can easily avail online Shiv Puja Samagri. The main items which you need while performing the puja include vermillion, turmeric powder (haldi), holy perfume or what we called as Aguru, Vibhuti (ash that is made up of cow dung), Rudraksha Mala, Akshata or uncooked rice and a number of Bilwa or Bael leaves. Incense sticks, some fresh flowers and other essentials required for the puja.
Prayers for the Puja
Generally, the devotees chant the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya’ while performing the puja.
Fasting on Shivratri
Fasting on Shivratri is considered a very old ritual to be followed by the devotees this day. They either can choose a strict rule of fasting or mild way of fasting. Those who are following the strict rule of fasting must stay aloof from food and water during the fasting period. While mild fasting means you can drink milk or water.
Material required for the Sacred Bath
Various materials are needed to perform the holy bath to Shiva Linga that should include milk, curd, ghee, flowers, rose water, honey, holy water. But the elements used in the Abhishek of the Shiva Linga are divided into four prahars. The first prahar includes the holy water, the second includes the curd, and the third includes ghee while the fourth one includes honey. If you want to hire a priest then you can avail the service of online book my puja from any online puja store.
How to perform Shivratri Puja?
- Wake up early in the morning and take a bath
- Apply a touch of ash on your forehead.
- Light up incense sticks and lamp in front of the Shiva idol.
- Offer Bilva leaves to Lord Shiva
- Fast all the day
- In the evening also bath in holy water
- Bathe the Shivling with holy water and offer flowers and Bilva leaves