Mahashivaratri is the most auspicious festival of Hindus that is observed in the reverence of Lord Shiva, who is one among Hindu trinity. It is celebrated by the devotees of Lord Shiva with great fervor and dedication. This year, this auspicious festival is falling on 13th Feb 2018 and people are all excited to offer prayers and things to seek pious blessings from Lord Shiva. There are many legends that are associated with Mahashivratri. You might be also wondering what to offer or what should be avoided to offer to Lord Shiva to attain his blessings. So, we are here to help you out. Read the article to know things you must not do to get his holy blessings” for a peaceful life.

Legends

Mahashivaratri which is known as the great night of shiva has legends attached with it behind the celebration. There are legends that depicts it is the night when lord shiva did tandav nratya. While some other tales are to be believed it is that holy night when Lord shiva married with Goddess parvati ji.

Do’s

• Take holy bath

whether you are observing fast or offering your prayers to lord Shiva, the first thing which should be considered is to take bath in the morning. Add some sesame seeds in your bucket to get rid of impurities.

• Abhishekam

one must do Shiva Abhishek with milk, curd, honey, ghee and powdered sugar. Visit the nearby temple or perform Abhishek at home if you have shivling at home. Give the shivling a bath of holy water after each offering.

• Offer milk items

Lord shiva loves items made of milk. You can offer him milk, kheer or barfi. Bhaag and dhatura is also offered to shivling by devotees.

• Chant “Om Namah Shivay”

Don’t panic if you don’t know the ABC of the puja or are not aware of the mantra while doing Abhishek or offering Prashad, Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” with pure devotion and faith.

• Observe fast if possible

The fast begins in the morning and lasts up to next morning. One can have fruits and milk or vrat ka khana during the fast. There is no hard and fast rule that you should do fast. It all depends on your desire.

Don’ts

• Don’t offer bael leaves (bilva patra) which are infected or cut

Although bael leaves are loved by Lord Shiva but remember not to offer cut or infected bael leaves. Only clean full leaves of bael must be considered to offer in front of lord sShivato attain his blessings.

• Kumkum should be avoided

No matter kumkum or vermillion is used to offer to deities while performing puja. It shouldn’t be offered to Lord Shiva. Opt for ash as we all know lord shiva applies ash on his forehead.

• Don’t use bronze utensil

One thing which must be kept in mind to not use bronze utensil while offering milk, and curd. Use silver pot instead of bronze.

• Don’t take full round

According to Shiv Puran, devotees should not take a full round of shivling. One must go around in a semi-circle and pause at the position it started from.

• Don’t offer coconut water

Though coconut is loved by goddess durga, one should not offer coconut water to shivling. Don’t use conch while offering milk.