Nourish Your Soul This Mahashivratri
Om Namah Shivaya, as we chant this mantra we could feel the energy of Shiva around us, protecting us and being with us. And it is that time of the year when we are going to celebrate Lord Shiva’s night once again. It’s the time to be in the presence of Shiva as Mahashivratri falls tomorrow on 8th March, same as the day of International Women’s Day this year.
Mahashivratri is a time when Shiva devotees come together to revel in the joy of existence, to partake in rituals and ceremonies that honor the timeless bond between Shiva and Shakti (Parvati). It is also a time for introspection, prayers, and fasting, as devotees seek to connect with the Divine Energy of Lord Shiva which spread through the universe.
This particular night is a celebration of life in its various forms.
As we soak ourselves in the festivities of Mahashivratri, it’s significant to know the best ways to make our bodies receptive of the grace specially during the night. From age-old vrat recipes to contemporary twists honoring ancient customs, Mahashivratri fasting feasts unveil the diverse culture of India.
Know the Dos and Don’ts
Fasting on Mashivratri gives us the ability to cleanse our body and mind, increase attentiveness, and prime the soul for intense devotion to the Lord and make our body ready for further receing of the Grace during this night.
Many devotees stick to fast-friendly foods such as sago, millet, pumpkin, potato, makhana, arbi, banana, and yoghurt, to mention a few. Some choose to fast without food or water. It’s critical to stay away from foods like wheat, rice, salt, and specific veggies as well as legumes. Here are the dos and don’ts we should abide by:
Do’s
1. On the day of the fast, get up early, preferably before sunrise or Brahma Muhurta.
2. It is recommended to take a bath and wear clean, preferably white clothing on the day of the fast.
3. Keep chanting ‘Om Namah Shivay’ throughout the day.
4. Devotees should take a second bath in the evening before performing Shiv Puja.
5. Before beginning the fast, people with particular medical issues or those on medication should speak with their doctor.
Don’ts
1. Since these foods are prohibited during the fast, one should avoid consuming anything made of rice, wheat, or pulses.
2. Since garlic and onions are tamsik in nature, non-vegetarian meals, as well as garlic, should be completely avoided.
3. Don’t offer coconut water to Shivling.
What You Can Have on Mahashivratri
From Sabudana Vada to Rajgira Rose Kheer, the devotees develop their own recipes and meals for Mahashivratri; out of all the dishes for fasting, here are three simple meals to try for:
Sabudana Khichdi: Made from tapioca pearls (sabudana), potatoes, and peanuts, and flavoured with cumin seeds and green chillies, Sabudana Khichdi is a popular fasting dish. Tapioca pearls offer energy because of their high carbohydrate content material, even as potatoes provide potassium and fibre. Peanuts have healthy fats and protein, supplying satiety and crucial nutrients. Green chillies aid digestion and improve metabolism, even as cumin seeds aid digestion and feature anti-inflammatory properties.
Kuttu Ki Puri: Kuttu (buckwheat) flour is used to make deep-fried puris, commonly paired with potato curry for the duration of fasting. Buckwheat is gluten-free and rich in fibre, making it proper for digestion and coronary heart health. Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates and vitamins, whilst the spices used like black pepper and sendha namak (rock salt) offer flavour without compromising the fasting regulations. Black pepper aids digestion and has antioxidant residences.
Thandai: This traditional festive drink is made with a blend of almonds, fennel seeds, cardamom, rose petals, and milk. Almonds are rich in healthy fat, protein, and vitamin E, promoting pores and skin fitness and offering energy. Fennel seeds resource digestion and freshen breath, even as cardamom has antimicrobial houses and aids in detoxification. Rose petals have an aromatic aroma and feature cooling residences, making Thandai a fresh beverage in the course of Mahashivratri festivities.
Mahashivratri is a time for devotion, introspection, and celebration for all the devotees of Lord Shiva. May the blessings of Lord Shiva fill our hearts with love and compassion.
Om Namah Shivaya! May Shiva’s energy always light our way.
