Lord Shiva is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. By worshipping him, one can attain both worldly pleasures and the ultimate salvation (moksha). The fast, worship, and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva never go in vain. According to the Shiva Mahapurana and Jabali Shruti, there are ten Shaiva Vratas that immensely please Lord Shiva and grant salvation by overcoming worldly desires. However, observing these fasts in the present age (Kali Yuga) is challenging.
In ancient times, Lord Vishnu, Brahma Ji, and Goddess Parvati narrated the significance of the 'Shivaratri' fast to Lord Shiva for the ultimate welfare of mankind. Lord Shiva himself declared that there is no other fast as beneficial as Shivaratri for those who seek both enjoyment and liberation. This fast is a great means to attain Dharma and is suitable for people of all varnas (castes), ashramas (life stages), men, women, children, and even deities.
The Story of Maha Shivaratri Vrat
The Shiva Mahapurana describes a significant story related to the Shivaratri fast. This tale illustrates how a hunter attained purification of the intellect and ultimately merged into 'Shivpada' (the abode of Lord Shiva) due to observing the Shivaratri fast unknowingly.
Mahatma Sut Ji narrated this story to the sages in Naimisharanya:
Once upon a time, a hunter named Guru-Druha lived in a dense forest. He was strong, cruel, and lacked compassion. He survived by hunting animals and had never performed any righteous deeds.
One day, after several days without a successful hunt, he and his family suffered from severe hunger. It was coincidentally the sacred day of Maha Shivaratri. Desperate for food, he wandered through the forest but found no prey. Out of sheer necessity, he and his family unknowingly observed a fast on Shivaratri.
Determined not to return empty-handed, he climbed a Bael tree near a pond and waited for prey with his bow and arrows. Unknowingly, as he sat on the tree, he dropped some Bael leaves and water, which fell onto a Shivalinga beneath the tree, initiating an inadvertent act of worship.
The First Encounter
In the first Prahara (quarter of the night), a doe came to the pond to drink water. The hunter aimed at her, but as he prepared to shoot, a few more Bael leaves and water fell onto the Shivalinga. Thus, he unknowingly performed another act of worship, purging some of his sins.
The frightened doe pleaded for her life, saying she had young children and needed to ensure their safety before returning to him. Moved by her words and unknowingly influenced by the merits of worshipping Lord Shiva, the hunter allowed her to leave.
The Second Encounter
In the second Prahara, the doe's sister arrived at the pond. The hunter again took aim, but once more, Bael leaves and water fell onto the Shivalinga, further absolving his sins.
She, too, pleaded for time to hand over her children to their father before returning. The hunter hesitated but eventually allowed her to go after she swore an oath before Lord Vishnu that she would return.
The Third Encounter
A male deer (the husband of both does) soon arrived. As the hunter aimed at him, Bael leaves and water once again fell onto the Shivalinga. The deer pleaded for time to bid farewell to his family, and the hunter, now unknowingly influenced by the purity of Shiva’s worship, granted him permission.
The Final Realization
After some time, the entire deer family returned together, ready to fulfill their promise. Seeing such a selfless act of truth and duty, the hunter was overwhelmed with emotions. He realized the cruelty of his ways and chose to spare their lives.
At that very moment, Lord Shiva appeared before him, pleased with his unintentional yet sincere devotion. Lord Shiva blessed him, saying, “O Nishada Raja, I am pleased with your fast and worship. Ask for a boon.”
The hunter, now freed from ignorance, bowed to Lord Shiva and said, “I have attained everything by merely seeing you.”
Lord Shiva granted him the name Guha and prophesied, “You shall reside in Shringaverapura and enjoy divine pleasures. One day, Lord Shri Ram will visit your home, and you will become his close companion. Eventually, you will attain liberation.” At the same time, the deer attained divine bodies and ascended to Shiva’s abode.
Mahatmya (Spiritual Significance)
Sut Ji concluded by stating that if an ignorant hunter could achieve salvation by observing Shivaratri fast unknowingly, then those who observe it with true devotion will attain rare pleasures and ultimate liberation. The benefits of Shivaratri fast surpass all other fasts, pilgrimages, donations, and even severe penances.
Thus, Maha Shivaratri is a sacred occasion that not only cleanses one’s sins but also bestows divine blessings, paving the way to ultimate salvation.
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