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Breaking The Shivratri Fast: Rituals
The fast of Maha Shivratri has begun. It is the atmosphere of celebration all over the country. People are gearing up for the evening puja and aarti of Lord Shiva and the time to end the fast is approaching soon.
Though many people break their Shivratri fast in the evening by offering water to the Shiva linga. However most people continue the fast and stay awake whole night listening to the stories and singing hymns in the praise of Lord Shiva. They break their fast only on the next day morning.
READ STORIES ASSOCIATED WITH SHIVRATRI
There are certain rituals which need to be followed while breaking the Shivratri fast. By following these rituals one can attain purity of soul and get liberated from all the past sins. Take a look at these rituals for breaking the Shivratri fast.
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
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