Mahashivratri

While every month has a Chaturdashi (14th day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) known as Shivaratri, which is referred to as the monthly Shivaratri, the Shivaratri that falls in the month of Magha (Phalguna) is considered especially significant and is known as Maha Shivaratri. The Skanda Purana explains that observing a fast on the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha in the Magha (Phalguna) month and having the darshan (sight) of Lord Shiva is quite challenging. It is said that it is only due to the accumulation of immense merit over a hundred crore (one billion) lifetimes that one gets the opportunity to worship Lord Shiva with bilva leaves.

The effect of the merit acquired by bathing in the waters of the Ganga for ten thousand years is attained by worshiping Lord Shiva with bilva leaves just once. All the virtues lost over countless ages are said to be present in their entirety during this auspicious time of the Magha month's Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi, which is Shivaratri. Observing a fast on this Shivaratri yields more merits than performing a hundred yajnas (fire sacrifices). The merit of worshiping the Shiva Lingam with a bilva leaf cannot be matched by anyone in all three worlds.

In the Skanda Purana, it is mentioned that in the Satya Yuga, Lord Shiva is of white complexion, in the Dvapara Yuga, he is of golden complexion, and in the Kali Yuga, he is of dark complexion. Therefore, in the present Kali Yuga, the color of the Shiva Lingam is dark (Shyam) in appearance. When the demon Ravana was attempting to carry the Shiva Lingam with him after performing severe penance, Lord Ganesha, through his divine powers, placed the Shiva Lingam in the Gokarna region.

On the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha in the Falgun month, those who bathe in the holiest Gokarna Tirtha and have the darshan of Lord Shiva attain the realm of Shiva. The person who worships Lord Shiva on this auspicious day takes on the form of Shiva and attains the status of Brahma. This sacred place destroys all sins, and those who worship Lord Shiva with bilva leaves on this day have their sins reduced to ashes quickly. There is no other place in this cosmic universe quite like the Gokarna region.

The worship method for Maha Shivaratri and monthly Shivaratri is the same, but there may be variations in the worship methods based on the regions.

Worship Method:

On the thirteenth day, you should have a meal, and then observe a complete fast on the fourteenth day. On the day of Shivaratri, after completing your daily duties, go to a Shiva temple or a place of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva.

After that, with utmost care, create a sacred circular space known as 'Gauri Tilak' in all three worlds. The central part of this circle is known as 'Divya' and within this space, you can either construct the Divya Lingatobhadra or set up the 'Sarvatobhadra Mandala.' Following this, establish 'Prajapatya' kalashes, which should be pure and filled with garments, fruits, and donations. Place them in the peripheral area of the mandala.In the central area of the mandala, place a gold or other metal kalash, as per your ability. The devotee should then create a golden idol of Lord Shiva with Parvati. The idol should weigh one tola or half a tola of gold, or it can be made according to one's strength.In the left part, place an idol of Parvati, and in the right part, place an idol of Shiva. In the night, perform their worship with bilva leaves, roots, offerings, and Ganga water, among other things. Avoid laziness and perform the worship meticulously.

While performing these activities, take guidance from four priests who conduct Vedic rituals. Also, invite a respected Acharya to lead the ceremony and follow their instructions devotedly. Perform the worship of Lord Shiva with devotion. Throughout the night, engage in chanting, singing, and dancing related to Lord Shiva. The devotee should spend the entire night in prayer and devotion.

In this manner, after performing the prescribed worship and pleasing Lord Shiva, perform a ceremonial fire ritual (Homma) in the morning. Then, according to your capacity, construct the 'Prajapatya' (related to Prajapati) as appropriate.

Subsequently, arrange for a feast for the Brahmins and give donations as per your ability. Then, decorate the Brahmins and their wives, along with necessary clothing, ornaments, and accessories, and offer them donations following the rituals.

Afterward, with a calf adorned with essential items, present it to the Acharya (teacher) and say that through this donation, you seek Lord Shiva's blessings. Then, along with the

idol and a vessel, place it on the back of a bull and offer it to the Acharya, following the rituals.

After that, place the idol along with the vessel on the bull's back, decorated with clothing and accessories. Then, with folded hands and a humble voice, offer a prayer to Lord Maheshwara, expressing your heartfelt devotion.

Prayer:

O Lord of Lords, Great Lord, Protector of the Refuge-Seekers,

By observing this fast with devotion, O Devesha (Lord of Gods),

Bestow Your grace upon me.

I have performed this vow in accordance with my devotion, O Shiva,

May it reach completeness through Your blessings.

Whether it was done in ignorance or with knowledge, such as chanting and worship,

Let it be successful, by Your mercy, O Shankara.

O Lord of Lords, Great Lord, Protector of the Refuge-Seekers, Deveshwara! Be pleased with this vow and shower Your grace upon me. O Shiva-Shankar! I have observed this vow with deep devotion. Any deficiencies in it are made complete by Your blessings. Shankar! Whether I performed any worship, chanting, or other acts knowingly or unknowingly, let them be successful through Your grace. In this way, offer Pushpanjali (flower offering) to Lord Shiva and then bow down in prayer. One who completes this vow without any shortcomings attains their desired blessings without a doubt.