Maha Shivaratri 2024 Special Tale:
Celebrated today on the 8th of March, Maha Shivaratri is a much-awaited festival for the followers of Lord Shiva. This auspicious day is considered amongst the best for worshiping Bholenath, signifying the union of Shiva and Shakti. It is believed that on this day, the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place. Hence, it is celebrated with great fervour yearly by devotees of Lord Shiva.
The Maha Shivaratri Fasting Tale
In ancient times, a hunter, who subsisted on hunting animals, found himself in dire straits when one day, he couldn't find any prey. Desperate, for his family's sustenance depended on it, he waited by a lake till nightfall. Quenching his thirst, he climbed a Bael tree nearby, hoping an animal would come to the lake.
His wait wasn't in vain, as a doe approached. Overjoyed at the sight, he readied his bow, but in doing so, some leaves fell on a Shivalinga situated below the tree—a fact unknown to him. Sensing the rustling leaves, the doe pleaded for mercy but the hunter, preoccupied with feeding his family, ignored her pleas. The doe promised to return after leaving her fawns with their sire. Moved by her words, the hunter let her go.
Soon after, another doe came by the lake. The hunter again prepared to shoot, and more leaves fell on the Shivalinga. Thus unknowingly, the hunter's second period of worship was complete. Upon seeing the hunter, this doe also begged for mercy, but he dismissed her pleas until the doe assured she would return for certain. Relenting, the hunter let her go as well.
After releasing two does, the hunter resignedly thought his family would go hungry that night, but then a stag arrived. Once again, the hunter armed his bow, and as he did, more leaves fell onto the Shivalinga, completing his third period of worship. The stag didn't plead for mercy but expressed fortune to satisfy someone's hunger. However, he requested to reunite with his fawns before facing his fate. Trusting the stag, the hunter released him.
Some time later, the hunter saw all the deer returning to him. Preparing his weapon for the final time, his fourth period of worship was fulfilled. With his worship completed, the hunter's heart changed. He felt remorse for subsisting on innocent creatures. As he released them, Shiva's divine form manifested before the hunter and blessed him with fame, prosperity, and renown.
Maha Shivaratri Worship Method
On Maha Shivaratri, bathe the idol of Lord Shankar with Panchamrit. Offer a Saffron water libation with 8 vessels. Keep a lamp lit throughout the night. Anoint with Sandalwood paste, offer Bel leaves, cannabis, Datura, sugarcane juice, Basil, Nutmeg, Lotus seeds, Fruits, Sweets, Sweet betel leaf, Perfume, and a token offering. Conclude with Saffron Kheer as an offering and distribute as Prasad. Recite the mantras 'Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraya, Om Namah Shivaya,' and ensure to read the Shiva Purana on this day. Night vigil is also observed on Maha Shivaratri.
