It is said that worshipping God frees one from all sins. Lord Shiva is worshipped on Mondays, and there is also a tradition of observing a fast to fulfill one’s wishes. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva with proper rituals brings the desired results. The month of Falgun has begun, and the festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated on the fourth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha), which will be observed on the 15th of this month. On this day, Rudrabhishek puja is performed to worship Lord Shiva. However, before worshipping Lord Shiva, it is essential to know the complete procedure. In fact, special offerings are made during the puja on this day, and a fast is also observed. Therefore, If you also want to perform puja at home on this day, it is essential to keep a few important things in mind. Let’s learn the necessary steps to follow for performing Mahashivratri puja at home.
According to the Puranas, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married on the day of Mahashivratri. It is also believed that on this day, Lord Shiva consumed the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean. This day is marked by special prayers, ablutions, chanting of mantras, and fasting. It is believed that four specific periods of time are considered auspicious for worship on Mahashivratri. The first period is from 6 PM to 9 PM, the second from 9 PM to 12 AM, the third from 12 AM to 3 AM, and the fourth from 3 AM to 6 AM the following morning. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva during these times removes all sorrows and brings happiness and prosperity.
If you want to worship Lord Shiva at home on Mahashivratri, follow these steps:
- After bathing in the morning, remember Lord Shiva and observe the fast while wearing white clothes.
- Then, consume fruits and fruit juice, or observe a complete fast without food or water.
- Chant mantras and also recite “Om Namah Shivaya.”
- In the evening, after sunset, take a bath again and worship Lord Shiva.
- For this, sprinkle Ganga water at the place of worship and apply sandalwood paste with three fingers.
- Now, apply the Tripundra mark by moving your head from left to right. Before the puja, remember Lord Ganesha first and then perform the Shiva puja.
- Before performing the puja, make sure you are sitting in the correct direction according to Vastu Shastra. For this, face east or north.
- Hold bel leaves and rudraksha beads in your hand, chant mantras, and take a vow to perform the puja.
- Then, perform the Jal abhishekam of Lord Shiva, followed by the Rudra Abhishek with Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar). Recite the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra during this time.
- Offer bel leaves, dhatura, sami leaves, and fragrant flowers to the Shiva Lingam. Offering ketki flowers to Lord Shiva is prohibited.
- Now, apply sandalwood paste to the Shiva Lingam and make a Tripundra (three horizontal lines) with ash and sandalwood paste.
- Offer fruits and sweets to the Shiva Lingam.
- After the puja, perform the aarti of Lord Shiva and complete the puja by circumambulating the deity.
- Finally, light camphor and perform the aarti again, and ask for forgiveness from Lord Shiva for any mistakes made during the puja.
- After the puja, perform the aarti of Lord Shiva and complete the worship by circumambulating.
According to religious beliefs, the four phases (prahars) of Mahashivratri puja hold special significance. It is believed that those who worship Lord Shiva during this time receive blessings and merit. If, for any reason, you are unable to go to a temple on this day, you can perform the Mahashivratri puja at your home. You can contact Starstell for online puja booking. Their Vedic priests will perform the puja on your behalf, taking your name in the sacred vow and following all the proper rituals.
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