Why Is It Important to Fast in the Name of Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri?

Posted by vivek choudhary on February 20th, 2020

Maha Shivratri is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, and it is celebrated annually with maximum enthusiasm and devotion towards Lord Shiva, the destroyer from the Holy Trinity of Bramha (the creator), Vishnu (the protector), and Shiva (the destroyer). Maha Shivratri translates to ‘The Great Night of Shiva.’ This is an important festival for Hindu devotees, and if you’re willing to start worshipping Lord Shiva on the eve of Maha Shivratri, you can Buy Brass Idols Online to begin your journey on the faith of Shiva.

According to the Lunar Calendar, which is followed by Hindus, it is celebrated on the 13^th night or 14^th day of the month Phalguna. In the Gregorian Calendar, it usually falls in the month of February or March. The Shiva Lingam is worshipped along with any Brass Shiva Statue at home to make Lord Shiva happy.

Many legends describe why Maha Shivratri is celebrated. According to the most popular legend of the time, Maha Shivratri is celebrated to honor Lord Shiva’s great sacrifice of drinking poison. The great myth of ‘SamudraManthan’; which was a war between the gods and the demons. The Gods and the demons were after the nectar that would make them immortal. While churning the ocean, a pot of poison came up, and it was so potent that nobody would go near as it had the power to destroy the world. All the Gods went to Lord Shiva for help, and Lord Shiva agreed to drink the poison, and he carefully held it in his throat, which went blue as a result. This is the reason Lord Shiva is called Neelkantheshwar. Maha Shivratri is celebrated to express gratitude towards Lord Shiva for saving the universe from destruction.

Maha Shivratri is celebrated by fasting for the day and the whole night. All the Shiva temples in the country get assembled by the young and old devotees from the early morning. On the night of the occasion, there is a “jaagran,”; an all-night gathering of people who come together to sing and dance and chant prayers in honor of Lord Shiva. Even at homes, Lord Shiva Brass Idols are cleaned thoroughly and worshipped. Cleaning of the Shiv Linga is the first step in worshipping Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri. After bathing the linga, a vermilion paste is applied on which represents virtue. After that, several fruits, flowers, and bael leaves are offered to the Shiva Linga for the longevity of life and fulfillment of desires. Diyas are lit up to signify that the minds are open and seeking knowledge.

Fasting for Lord Shiva has ample benefits for you physically and spiritually. Fasting for Lord Shiva helps in attaining wisdom. It redeems the effect of the placement of the moon. Fasting for Lord Shiva has known to maximize the accomplishment of your desires. It is said that women who fast for Lord Shiva are blessed with right life partners.