Shivratri Vrat
Shivratri is observed as a festival as well as a Vrat(fast).It means the 'night of shiva' and is observed on Shiva Triyodashi of Gujarati month Phalgun ,that is thirteen day of the Gujarati month phalgun (February -March).The devotees remain awake the whole the whole night either indulging in meditation, jap,kirtan or reading and recitation of Shiva Mahima Strotra and Shiva Tandava Strotra.The 'Lingam' Symbol of Shiva is worshipped with Gangajal,milk,curd,honey and clarified butter.Bel leaves,dhatura,fruit,aak flowers etc.are offered to Lord Shiva.shrines and spend the whole night practicing devotion and piety.The devotees keep strict fast.
Shivratri Vrat Katha(Story)
A very interesting story is told by the devotees on this occasion to underline the significance of the fast observed on this day.Once , named a hunter Suswar lived near Varanashi.He earned his livelihood by killing and selling birds and beasts.One day he went on a hunting expedition and was late.It was being dark he could not return home.The forest was dense and full of terrible beasts of prey.To protect himself from wild beasts he climbed up a bel tree to spend the night.At night , he suffered pangs of hunger and thirst on the one hand and on the other he was very much worried about his dear wife,children and old mother at home,who had been waiting anxiously for his return.He was feeling anxious and restlessness,he kept on plucking the bel leaves and dropping them down on the ground.Under the tree,there was a Shiva-linga, though performed unwittingly , highly pleased Shiva.Therefore ,the hunter after his death,got a place in the blissful abode of Lord Shiva,and after ages was reborn as a king ,names Chitrabhanu.The King observed Shivaratri and did penance on that day.
Lord Shiv Aarti
Om Jai Shiva Omkara,Hara Shiva Omkara.
Brahma Vishnu Sadahiva,Ardhangee Dhara......Om Jai ....
Ekanan Chaturanan Panvhanan Raje,
Hasanan Gurudasan, Vrisha Wahan Saje, Om Jai....
Do Bhuja Chara Chatur Bhuja ,Darshbhujate Sohe.
Teenon Roopa Nilkharataa, Tribhuvana Manamohe , Om Jai.....
Akshaya Malaa ,Vana Malla,Rudra Malaa Dharee,
Chandan Mrigchhala Sohai ,Bhaale shashidharee, Om Jai...
Kar Mein Shreshtra Kamandal Chakra Trishool Dharta,
Jagkranta Jagharta, Jagpalan Karta ,Om Jai...
Brahma Vishnu sadashiva, Jannat Aviveka
Pranavakshra Ke Madhye, Ye Teenon Hee Ekaa, Om Jai....
Trigun Shivji ki Aarti , jo koi Nar Gaave,
Kahar Shivanand Swami , Man Vanchhit Phal Paave.
Om Jai .....
