Maha Shivaratri is a ceremonious occasion celebrated with religious fervor by
Hindus all over India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the festival involves fasting
and rigorous vigil in the night. Devotees of the deity get up early in the
morning, take a holy bath and then indulge themselves in the merrymaking, which
is all about worshipping Lord Shiva with immense devotion. People enjoy singing
bhajans and songs all through the night, when they are awake to commemorate the
festival. Special puja is conducted in Lord Shiva temples, as a part of the
traditions. Go through the article to know all about Mahashivratri puja vidhi.
Maha Shivratri Pooja
Pooja At Home
After waking up early in the morning on Mahashivaratri, the devotees of Lord
Shiva would take a ceremonious bath, using warm water and seeds of black sesame.
It is a popular belief that by bathing in warm water, with few seeds of black
sesame, the body is purified. After wearing new clothes, the devotees would
smear bhasma (holy ash) on their forehead. One may worship Lord Shiva at home by
offering Bilwa leaves to the deity and by chanting mantra - 'Om Namah Shivaya'.
Apart from Bilwa leaves, flowers and garlands can also be offered to the deity.
Pooja In Temples
Special pujas are performed at Lord Shiva temples on the occasion of Maha
Shivaratri. In many temples the pooja is conducted strictly according to the
method prescribed in Shiva Purana, according to which, Shiva Linga should be
given ceremonious bath and puja should conducted every three hours on
Mahashivratri. Abhisheks are done using milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, sandalwood
paste and rose water. Each item is poured over the Shiva Linga, to symbolize
different meanings. Milk stands for piousness, while yogurt symbolizes
prosperity. Abhishek is done with honey to acquire a sweet speech, while ghee is
used to represent victory. It is said that sugar symbolizes happiness and water
is the symbol of purity.
After the Abhisheks are performed, the Shiva Linga is adorned with a stalk of
three Bilwa leaves, to mark the culmination of the previous ritual. Thereafter,
kumkum (vermilion) is applied on the Shiva Linga. Apart from Bilwa leaves, one
can see devotees offering beetle leaves to the deity. Jujube fruit is a favorite
of the deity, and hence, it is also offered by the devotees. In the mean time,
the devotees indulge in immense chanting of 'Om Namah Shivaya'. Sounds of bells
add to the festive mood in the temples. The air is filled with the aroma of
incense sticks and dhoop.
Pooja Items
The main items needed for Shiva Puja on Mahashivratri include vermilion, haldi
(turmeric powder), Aguru (holy perfume), Vibhuti/Bhasm (sacred ash made using
dried cow dung), Rudraaksha Mala (prayer beads made of the dark berries of
Elaeocarpus ganitrus, to chant Om Namah Shivaya), Akshata (uncooked rice) and a
stalk of Bilwa (Bael) leaves. Incense sticks, fresh flowers and camphor are
other requisites for the pooja. Earthen lamp and lota (container filled with
holy water) is also required for the puja.
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