Benefits of observing a fast on Shivarathri, a day and night dedicated to Lord Shiva

Shivarathri, the most important ritual to propitiate Lord Shiva, is observed by foregoing sleep. Also known as ‘Maha vrutham’, the penance is observed only once a year and it is believed to bring wealth and prosperity to the family. Ideally, a couple should fast together.

The Shivarathri day falls on the ‘Krishna chaturdasi’ in the Malayalam month of Kumbham and, this year, it is on February 26. The fasting for Shivarathri should start on the previous day. ‘Pradosham’ is also observed on the day prior to Shivarathri. In other words, Pradosham, which is cherished by Shiva, and Shivarathri could be observed together.

Legend
As per mythology, Shiva swallowed the deadly poison ‘kalakoodam’, which emerged when the Devas and Asuras churned the divine ocean Palaazhi. However, Shiva’s consort Parvathy Devi pressed his throat to block the poison from entering his body and harming him, and Lord Vishnu covered Shiva’s mouth with his hand to prevent the poison from flowing out. Consequently, the poison was stuck forever in Shiva’s throat, turning it blue, and the Lord came to be referred to as ‘Neelakanda’ (one with a blue neck). It was on the night of Shivarathri that Goddess Parvathy and other gods kept awake to avert danger for Shiva.

How to observe?
The fast could begin on Pradosham - the day prior to Shivarathri – with ‘orikkal’, or having food once a day. Devotees should not take food containing rice on the previous day. Similarly, daytime sleep, oil bath and consuming the previous day’s food also have to be avoided.

On the day of Shivarathri, devotees have to wake up early in the day, carry out ablution and chant the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ while smearing sacred ash on their body. Then, they have to pray at a Shiva temple, ideally having a ‘nirmalya darshan’ (witnessing the idol in the early morning).

Though a complete fast is preferred on Shivarathri day, devotees who are unable to observe it can consume offerings from the temple, tender coconut water or fruits. People who cannot forego food altogether can also stick to ‘orikkal’, depending on their health conditions. However, excessive consumption of food should be avoided. Devotees can also partake of ‘vella nivedyam’ - the cooked plain rice offered to the deity in the afternoon.

All devotees should ideally engage in activities aimed at pleasing Lord Shiva during the Shivarathri day, among which the most preferred is ‘daanam’, or charity. ‘Annadaanam’, or offering of food to the needy, is the best form of charity. Shiva could also be propitiated by watering and taking care of ‘koovalam’, the Lord’s favourite tree. Another preferred activity is chanting the ‘Panchakshari mantra’ as many times as possible.

Later, devotees should observe the fast by remaining awake through the night. The next morning, they can end the fast with ‘theertham’ (holy water) by visiting a temple after a bath. They should also avoid daytime sleep on this day.

On the evening of Shivarathri day, male devotees can engage in ‘shayana pradakshinam’ (circumambulation of the temple by rolling on the body), while women devotees can walk around the shrine taking each step by placing feet touching one another. Visiting a Shiva temple on Shivarathri day is also believed to destroy all sins committed by devotees. Similarly, carrying out ‘bali tharpan’ (offering of prayers to one’s ancestors) on the day is considered to bring the blessings of the ancestors.