Breaking The Shivratri Fast: Rituals

Ritual Bathing Of The Linga

According to the Shiva Purana, the linga should be bathed every three hours during the Shivratri day. The final bath is given to the linga in the morning before breaking the fast with Pancha dravya or five items. The linga must be bathed with water, milk, curd, ghee and honey. Then it is smeared with vermillion, turmeric and sandalwood paste.

Chant

The panchakshara mantra Om Namah Shivay has to be continuously chanted while bathing the linga. This chant is said to purify the soul of the devotee.

Offerings

A bilva leaf or the leaf of the wood apple tree is to be offered soon after bathing the linga. Then dhatura fruit, bhang, blue coloured flowers and other fruits are offered to the deity. Since Lord Shiva is fond of milk, all kinds of sweets made of milk can be offered to Him.

Lighting The Lamp

A lamp must be lit in front of the linga. Lighting of the lamp symbolises attainment of knowledge.

Precautions

Avoid offering flowers like Ketaki and Champaka. These two flowers are never used to worship Lord Shiva.

Precautions

The Pancha dravya or the five holy items like milk, curd, water, ghee and honey should never be poured in a bronze vessel.

Precautions

Fingers should not be dipped in the milk, ghee etc. as the items will then be considered inauspicious.

Precautions

Vibhuti or holy ash is a must have item to worship Lord Shiva. The ash from the burning grounds is considered even more auspicious.

Precautions

The Bel or Bilva leaves used in pooja should have 3 leaflets. If even one of the leaves gets detached of three leaves then it is of no use.

Pic Courtesy: Twitter