Mahashivratri 2024: Embracing Purity: Do’s and Don’ts for the Mahashivratri Fast

Embracing Purity: Do’s and Don’ts for the Mahashivratri Fast

People are preparing for the holy Hindu festive of Mahashivratri, which is dedicated to worshiping Lord Shiva, which is quickly coming. Many people are going to pray to Lord Shiva, keep a fast, and ask for his blessings. Maha Shivratri is a national holiday that is observed with great fervor and splendor. Maha Shivratri will be observed on March 8, 2024, this year.

The guidelines for people who choose to fast on Mahashivratri will be covered in this article.

Date and Time of Mahashivratri

On March 8, 2024, which is the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna, the Mahashivratri festival will be observed. The Chaturdashi Tithi will start on March 8 at 9:57 p.m. and end on March 9 at 6:17 p.m.

Mahashivratri 2024: Quick Ways to Remember

To obtain Lord Shiva’s blessings, one can practice one of three types of fasts:

1. Nirjala Vrat: It’s crucial to remember that if you decide to follow the Nirjala Fast, you must abstain from eating and drinking for the duration of the fast. The fast lasts from March 8, 2024, at midnight, until March 9, 2024, at daybreak.

2. Phalahara Vrat: During this kind of fasting, followers are allowed to drink tea, water, coffee, lassi, coconut water, fruit juice, and unsalted dried fruits.

3. Samapta: You can eat any of the foods listed in the Phalahara fast in addition to having one meal that is solely composed of desserts like rice kheer, makhana kheer, jaggery kheer, sooji halwa, or any other dessert.

How to Break Mahashivratri Fast?

It is suggested that you take a holy bath and offer a puja to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on March 9, 2024, by lighting a diya with desi ghee. Serve homemade desserts like halwa, kheer, or any other dessert, along with fruits and bhog prasad, which may consist of raita and sabzi poori. You can eat the bhog prasad after you have offered it to the Lord and Goddess. This is the day when non-vegetarian eating should be avoided.

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Guidelines for Mahashivratri Fasting

The guidelines for fasting on Mahashivratri are as follows:

1. Before beginning any puja rites, get up early and take a holy bath.

2. Tidy up the house, paying special attention to the puja chamber where Lord Shiva is kept.

3. Refrain from eating salt on Mahashivratri day.

4. Adopt a sattvik lifestyle and abstain from tamasik practices like gambling, fighting, eating meat, onions, or garlic.

5. On the day of Mahashivratri, cutting one’s nails or hair is deemed unlucky.

6. During the festival of Mahashivratri, practice meditation.

7. Recite mantras to ask Lord Shiva for blessings.

8. To appease the Lord, perform Jalabhishekam or Rudrabhishekam.

9. It is said that individuals keeping the fast will benefit from reading holy texts like the Shiv Chalisa.

10. Only vegetarian food made with sendha namak or rock salt should be consumed by pregnant women, the elderly, sick persons, and those who are unable to keep a fast. Phalahara can be eaten on Mahashivratri after sunset.

Mahashivratri 2024: What to Do and What Not to Do When Observing a Fast

Do’s:

Set a good purpose for the fast and start the day with prayer.

Drink plenty of water and eat hydrating fruits like cucumber and watermelon to stay hydrated.

Simple, easily digested items like fruits, almonds, and yogurt are a good way to break the fast.

Take part in spiritual activities including scripture reading, meditation, and satsangs (gatherings of spiritual people).

Give food, clothing, or cash to someone in need as a kind and kind gesture.

Don’ts:

Avoid non-vegetarian meals, cereals, and pulses during fasting.

Avoid unpleasant comments, attitudes, or behaviors that could compromise the fast’s sacredness.

On the day of the fast, avoid engaging in strenuous physical activity or activities that deplete your energy.

Steer clear of media that diverts attention from devotional practices and a spiritual focus.

Fight the urge to end the fast earlier than planned and stay committed to the observance until the appointed hour.

FAQs about Mahashivratri 2024

In 2024, when is Mahashivratri?

On March 8, 2024, which is the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Falguna, Mahashivratri will be observed.

How can one fast on Mahashivratri?

The article mentions three different kinds of fasts. Those who practice devotion can follow the Mahashivratri fast by selecting the option that works best for them. Remembering that Lord Shiva is a kind deity who appreciates purity and good intentions, people should keep the fast by their physical well-being.

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