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Poetry/Story
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| Shiva |
"Devotes of Shiva observe a fast during Mahashivratri and stay up all night at a place of worship. Shiva is offered special food made from the fruits of the season, root vegetables and coconuts, during rituals worship.
Those who observe the Mahashivratri fast only break their fast the next morning and eat a prasad(food offerings) offered to Shiva. Young girl observe the fast and worship Shiva so that he may bless them with good husbands. They sing devotional song in praise of the lord and holy texts are chanted throughout the night. The pandits in the temples perform puja according to the scriptures. This is done four times during the night. In temples, Shiva linga- the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is worshipped. Devotees flock to the temples to perform the ritual of bathing the Shiva linga. It is bathed with milk, water and honey, then anointed with sandalwood paste and decorated with flowers.
According to the Shiva purana, the Mahashivratri worship must incorporate six items: the ceremonial offer of cooling bel leaves to the hot-blooded deity, representing purification of the soul; the Vermillion paste applied on the linga after bathing it, representing virtue; food offering which is conductive to longevity and gratification of desires; incense, yielding wealth; the lighting of the lamp which is conducive to the attainment of knowledge; and betel leaves marking satisfaction with worldly pleasures. These six items, till today, form an indispensable part of Mahashivratri.
In Gujarat people fast on this day and visit temples of Lord Shiva. They offer the milk and water to the Shivalinga. In the evening Lotus flower made up of Pure Ghee are decorated around the Shivalinga."
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Author By : stuti |
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