Fasting during Maha Shivratri

During the day of Maha Shivratri, Hindus are recommend and however optional to individual to fast (Vrat). It has been suggested that fasting during the period will detoxify the body and mind, increase the power of prayer, focus during meditation/yoga and will also absolve individuals from their sins.

Maha Shivratri fasting is considered one of the most important fasting periods for Hindus during a year.



Types of fasting done during Shivratri
People obtaining fast can choose any fast they wish to take during the day
 * Nirjala Vrat (water fasting), this type of fast is done when a devotee doesn't consume any water or food throughout the day.
 * Another type of fast is where devotees only eat vegetarian food and only fruits and milk during the day.

Significance of Maha Shivratri fasting
In Shaivism, fasting is traditionally associated with Shiva worship. It is customary for the devotees of Shiva not to eat anything until they worship him and make him offerings. On most of the days, they do not have to fast for a whole day because the worship is performed in the early morning. However, on the day of Maha Shivaratri, they have to wait because the worship continues late into the night. According to Shiva Purana, until his last breath a devotee of Shiva shall never eat food without worshipping him. Those who do so verily eat sin.

Required

 * Everyone who is obtaining the fast the day of Shivratri must wake up early in the morning around the auspicious hours of Brahmamuhurtha.
 * On the day of the fast, everyone should take a bath immediately after waking up and adore fresh and clean clothes to start the day (preferably wearing white which is associated to worship lord Shiva).
 * Anyone observing the fast must recite the holy mantra of lord Shiva which is Om Namah Shivaya around 108 times and mostly throughout the day.
 * Since the prayers for Shivratri is done after sunset time, everyone is expected to take a second bath before the commencement of the prayer.
 * Everyone must offer milk, dhatura flower, belpatra, sandalwood paste, yogurt, honey, ghee, and sugar for lord Shiva as part of the fast and prayer for the lord.
 * The most important aspect of the fasting is abstaining from bad thoughts, bad company and bad words. The devotee must practice virtues and keep away from all evils.

Prohibited

 * One should not consume food made of rice, wheat or pulses as these food items are not allowed during the fasting period.
 * Non-vegetarian food, garlic, onion should be strictly avoided as these items are tamsik in nature.
 * One should not offer Tulsi leafs and coconut water to lord Shiva.

Food/drinks allowed to be taken during fasting
(However this depends on the fast each individual is taking)
 * Rose Thandai
 * Potatoes
 * Milk
 * Sabudana Khichdi
 * Fruits and Dried fruit

Breaking the fast
Devotees should break the fast between sunrise and before the end of Chaturdashi Tithi to get maximum benefit of the fast, as per Panchang. The fast shouldn't be broken during the hours of Shivaratri once taken since its considered inauspicious and sinful.

Break the fast with a simple meal consisting of fruits and milk is allowed to successfully end the fast.

Health benefits/studies
Individuals who are perfectly healthy and don't have any underlying health issues or conditions can carry on with the fast without any exemptions.

Beneficial for Diabetic patients
During a study Dr Pramod Tripathi of Freedom From Diabetes, tells us, “While most doctors globally do not recommend fasting, diabetics can definitely and safely fast for Shivratri,” he says. In fact, fasting may actually be beneficial for diabetics, because every time we consume something, insulin is released in our body, which inhibits burning of fats.

Beneficial for overall health
Several studies also found out that fasting on the day of Shivratri has multiple health benefits to a humans body overall. The fast also helps control blood sugar levels, lowering inflammation, improve heart health and role in autopsies and preventing certain conditions like Alzheimer.