On the festival of Shivaratri fasting and night vigil (jaagaran), are
advocated. Hindus worldwide perform Shiva puja with bael leaves (Aegle
marmelos) and milk abhishek. On Mt.Girnar in Saurashtra, a grand mela is
held, where people throng to have darshan of sannyasis and mystics.
People observe a strict fast on this day. Some devotees do not even take
a drop of water and they keep vigil all night. The Shiva Lingam is
worshipped throughout the night by washing it every three hours with
milk, curd, honey, rose water, etc., whilst the chanting of the Mantra
'Om Namah Shivaya' continues. Offerings of Bael leaves are made to the
Lingam as Bael leaves are considered very sacred and it is said that
Goddess Lakshmi resides in them. Hymns in praise of Lord Shiva, such as
the 'Shiva Mahimna Stotra' of Pushpadanta or Ravana's 'Shiva Tandava
Stotra' are sung with great fervor and devotion. People repeat the
'Panchakshara' Mantra, 'Om Namah Shivaya'. He, who utters the names of
Shiva during Shivratri, with perfect devotion and concentration, is
freed from all sins. He reaches the abode of Shiva and lives there
happily. He is liberated from the cycle of births and deaths. Many
pilgrims dock to the places where there are Shiva temples
Devotees of Shiva fast during the day and maintain a long vigil during
the night. In temples all across the country, bells ring, and sacred
texts are chanted and traditional offerings of leaves and milk are made
to the Shiva lingam, the phallic symbol of the god. According to ancient
scriptures, Shiva manifests himself in the form of a huge flaming lingam
known as Jyotirlinga on Shivratri. It is the duty of every worshipper to
worship this lingam with at least one bilwa leaf to help the devout keep
awake, stories or katha expounding the greatness of Shiva are organized,
devotional hymns and songs sung and sacred texts recited. Shiva is
worshipped to release the worshipper from the cycle of birth and
rebirth. In Kashmir, the festival is held for 15 days; the thirteenth
day is observed as Herath, a day of fast followed by a family feast.
