Mahashivratri, a night sacred to Shiva, is honored with devotion and fasting (vrat) through prayer and vigil into the night. The intention of fasting is to purify the body and mind and to create a strong focus on the divine. Depending on how you choose to fast – whether through nirjala or phalahar – there are some recommended practices for fasting that can help make your fast meaningful.
When you fast, follow these guidelines:
1. Start your Fast with a Sankalp
When you start your fast, take a true sankalp (sacred intention) in front of your chosen deity. Take the time to consciously dedicate the fast to Lord Shiva and request strength to complete the fast with devotion.
2. Choose the Right Type of Fast
There are three types of fasts:
- Nirjala Vrat (No Food or Water, only if physically fit)
- Phalahar Vrat (Only fruit, milk, nuts or vrat-friendly foods)
- Falahari Meal Once Per Day (A light Sattvic meal without grains)
Choose a fast that corresponds with your health and your own personal abilities
3. Choose Sattvic Foods
It is recommended to choose foods that will keep the fast as Sattvic (pure) as possible. These foods include:
- Banana, Apple, Papaya (fruits)
- Sattvic (pure), Dairy (only if acceptable to you)
- Sabudana, Singhara Atta, Kuttu Atta
- Nuts and Dried Fruit.
This will assure that the majority of your foods consumed during the fast would have a Sattvic nature, which is important for keeping focus on the Divine.
4. Drink Enough Fluids
If you are fasting nirjala, then you must not drink anything during the course of the entire fast. If you are fasting by eating fruit, drinking coconut water, or milk, it is important to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water, coconut water, and milk will help prevent the feeling of weakness and can help maintain your energy while you are praying.
5. Perform Shiva Puja Properly
Offer:
- Water or milk to the Shivling
- Bel (Bilva) leaves
- Datura, fruits, and flowers
Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” and, if possible, read or listen to the Shiva Purana.
6. Maintain Cleanliness and Calmness
Make sure you take a shower before breakfast and dress in clean (preferably white) clothing and keep your environment around you tidy, with positive thoughts and without anger or negative feelings.
7. Stay Up All Night (Jagran):
Singing bhajans, praying, or doing meditation at night is considered to be a great blessing.
Don’ts while fasting:
1. Don’t Eat Tamasic Food
For Example:
- Onion and garlic.
- Meat and Fish.
- Alcoholic Drinks/Tobacco.
- Wheat and Rice (unless you are fasting).
These foods are known to deplete your spiritual power.
2. Avoid Overeating
The Goal of The Fast is To Supplement You, Not to Replace Meals, So You Should Try to Avoid Eating Heavy Fried Samosas or Pastries for Breakfast If Possible, Etc. If You Overeat, You Won’t Be Able to Continue & This Will Cause You Discomfort.
3. Don’t Allow Yourself to Feel Negative Emotions
Anger, Gossiping, Speaking Harshly, and Thinking Harmful Thoughts Are Directly Opposed to The Reason Why You Are Fasting; So Try to Show Patience and Compassion Towards Each Other.
4. Don’t Ignore Your Health
If You Have Diabetes, Low Blood Pressure, or You Are Pregnant, You Should Speak with Your Doctor Before Attempting A Vrat; You May Need To Change Your Vrat, But The Important Thing Is To Have Devotion, Not Rigidity.
5. Do Not Sleep At All During The Evening
It Is Considered Very Untoward To Sleep Through A Holy Night’s Observation, On Mahashivratri Traditionally. Try to Keep Your Mind Engaged In Prayer/Meditation.
6. Do Not Break Your Fast In A Fashion That Does Not Follow
The Correct Endeavors; If You Are Going To Break Your Fast The Following Morning, Be Sure To Have Proper Morning Prayers Before You Do.
Spiritual Significance of Fasting
It is not enough merely to avoid eating while fasting on Mahashivratri; rather, fasting represents:
- Self-control over one’s desires
- Clearing one’s mind of illusions
- Becoming one with the universe’s consciousness
- Surrendering oneself to Lord Shiva
The spirit of fasting is best expressed through self-control, faith and the transformation that occurs as a result of fasting.
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Final comments:
Fast sincerely, humbly and with full awareness; it does not matter if you do not fast in strict or simple ways, what is important is that you do so in devotion. May Lord Shiva’s blessings provide you with peace, strength and more complete spirituality through this holy week.
Om Namah Shivaya!!
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