Quick Hints for a Healthy Maha Shivratri  

Hindus celebrate Mahashivratri, among the most respected Indian holidays, with great dedication and zeal in honour of Lord Shiva. Shivratri, which literally means "Great Night of Shiva," commemorates Lord Shiva's marriage to Goddess Parvathi. 

In 2022, Mahashivratri, or Shiva's Great Night, falls on February 21st. 

Devotees conduct a day-long fast and worship Lord Shiva with tremendous fervour on Mahashivratri. The Mahashivratri fast starts on the day of the celebration and lasts till the next morning. Fasting regulations are the same for all Shivratris, including the Mahashivratri (there is a Shivratri every month). 

Benefits of Fasting During Maha Shivratri

On this day, it is believed that anyone who worships Lord Shiva receives the Lord's blessings and attains salvation. Fasting that day can provide the same advantages as a year of diligent prayer! Lord Shiva is said to have promised that whoever worships Him and fasts on Mahashivratri will be dearer to him than his own son Kartikeya, according to the scriptures. 

So, are you ready to immerse yourself in Joy by fasting and prayer on Mahashivratri's auspicious occasion? 

Here are some scientific fasting strategies to keep you physically and spiritually fit, hydrated, detoxified, and revitalised. 

Fasting Suggestions for Maha Shivratri

1. Mentally prepare yourself 

Because you're fasting for a sacred and pure purpose, keeping pleasant, calm, and spiritual will help you get through the day with ease. Maintaining your fasting will be easier if you are stress-free and happy. You will feel more energised and your prakruti (innate nature) will be in balance. 

2. Make sure you're adequately hydrated

To detoxify your body, try to drink eight glasses of water when fasting. This will assist in washing away pollutants and trash. If you're fasting just on water, increase your water intake to meet your body's needs. This will also keep you energised and prevent you from being weary and hungry. If your pitta (acidity) levels are too high, however, you should stick to a light diet and drink plenty of water because this body type has a tendency to release toxins too quickly. 

3. Do not engage in strenuous or heavy physical activities

To maintain your rate of metabolism and stay energetic throughout the day, avoid a strenuous workout or any physically demanding work/activity while fasting. Choose more sedentary activities instead, such as working at your desk, reading spiritual books, listening to religious music, or simply meditating to relax your body and mind. 

4. When it comes to detoxing, drinks are the best option

Fasting with a range of liquid foods is a better option for persons who find it difficult to go without food or who have health concerns. Pregnant ladies and diabetic patients, intestinal problems, acute weakness, and other disorders, for example. 

To assist you to get through your fast successfully, incorporate juices, milk, milkshakes, herbal tea, yoghurt, or buttermilk in your diet. 

5. Eat a light meal (if you must)

If you want to include fruits and light meals in your fast, make sure they're soft and in small amounts. Avoiding raw, chewy meals, as well as eating too many meals or fruits, would be beneficial. This is because chewing sends the signal to the stomach, causing the digestive system to activate and release digestive fluids, causing hunger pangs. 

Tapioca, potatoes, yams, and fruits like bananas, papaya, and melons can be substituted for pulses, rice, wheat, and table salt in your Shivratri vrat. 

To keep your diet tasting good, use rock salt.

Here are some Mahashivratri fasting dishes 

Consult an Ayurvedic doctor to see if fasting is appropriate for your body type. 

As we celebrate the marriage of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, here are some foods that may be enjoyed while fasting. 

1. Dishes made with potatoes

For any vrat observer, potato-based foods are essential. Potatoes can be used in a variety of cuisines; just be careful with the salt. Alternatively, you can simply cook the potatoes and consume them with yoghurt. 

2. Milk-based product

You can drink plain milk or mix it with dried fruits. On vrat day, milk-based foods such as curd, barfi, and kheer are permitted. 

3. Fruits that are dry 

Dry foods such as cashews, almonds, and raisins are the greatest method to keep your energy up while fasting. 

4. Fruits

Fruits are your best friend on any given day, and they're one of the finest methods to keep those hunger pangs at bay during fasting. 

5. Sabudana

Sabudana (sago) can be used to prepare a variety of cuisines. Sabudana khichdi, made with potato, sago pearls, and peanuts, is one of the dishes that can be prepared. 

Take Away

Make absolutely sure you have small, regular meals planned before you begin the fast. When it's time to break your fast, consider modest portions of readily digestible food that's high in fibre and protein while being low in calories. These healthy fasting strategies can help you cleanse your body from the inside out.

The focus of your fast can then be on the most important aspect of it: establishing a focused meditative state and, ultimately, being one with the Divine!