Shivaratri is very important in worshiping Lord Shiva. Shivaratri There are twelve Shivaratri in twelve months, one in each month. Only one of these falls during the Mahasivaratri season. Mahasivaratri is one of the most prominent Hindu festivals. Pundits say that this Mahasivaratri occurs on the day of Magha Mahana Chaturthi, i.e. when the Moon aligns with Arudra, the birth star of Shiva, and it is said in the Shiva Purana that Lord Shiva appeared as Linga Kara on this day.
On Mahasivaratri, devotees of Shiva visit Shiva temples all over the country to worship Shiva. They wake up early in the morning, take a head bath, wear traditional clothes, worship Lord Shiva at home and visit the nearest Shiva temple. Anointed with leaves, cow's milk, honey and Panchamruta which are pleasing to Lord Shiva. Fasting the whole day and staying awake all night remembering the name of Shiva and keeping vigil on Mahasivaratri will be blessed by Shiva.
Stories of Shivaratri:
1.    Samudramantana
There are many stories in the Puranas about how Shivaratri came about. Gods and demons were dismayed when Kalakoota poison emerged in Ksheerasagaramadhana. This kalakuta poison has the power to destroy the world. Not knowing how to save the world from this, the gods and demons ran to Shankara and begged for refuge. Then Maha Shiva became the world's helper and swallowed the saliva and hid it in his throat. Kantaseema's entire throat turned blue as he hid a powerful world-destroying shriek in his throat. That is why Lord Shiva got the name Nilakantha. Hindus celebrate Mahasivaratri on that night when the threat to the world is removed.
2.    Shivaratri vigil done by the hunter in the forest.
Once upon a time there lived a hunter in a mountain area. Every day he used to go to the forest and hunt any animal and bring it as food for his family. One day, when he went hunting in the forest as usual, he found not a single animal, and Nana was distressed. Not wanting to go back without hunting a single animal, he roamed the forest. Not a single animal could be seen, and it was already dark. The hunter found himself in the middle of a thick forest and having no chance of reaching his den, he climbed a tree there. Wild animals roam in that forest at night. Thinking of these, the hunter was running around in fear, picking the leaves of the tree, and throwing them down. He spent his days reciting Lord Shiva's name to gain courage so as not to fall asleep for fear of becoming prey to wild animals if he fell down. Just as the sun rose, Lord Shiva appeared and gave the hunter access to Shiv Loka. The tree that the hunter climbed in fear is the Bilva tree! Mahasivaratri is the night of vigil with the remembrance of Shiva's name!! This second story is that the hunter is worthy of Shiva's grace and attains Shiva's world!!
Rules to be followed on Mahasivaratri Puja:
➤ Wake up before sunrise.
➤ Head should be bathed in fresh water, in a flowing river, or in a nearby pool or pond.
➤ One should fast all day.
➤ Jagarana Diksha (waking up the whole night) should be performed by chanting the following mantras while remaining in Yoga Diksha throughout the day:
⟾ Shiva Bijakshari Mantra
         Om Namah Shivaya
⟾ Mrityunjaya Mantra :
       Om Triambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardanam
       Urwarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat
⟾ Rudra Gayatri:
       Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe
       Maha Devaya Dhimahi
       Tanno Rudra Prachodayat
Recite the above mantras to the best of your ability.
First time Rudraksha wearer, wearing Rudraksha today is very good.
On the day of Mahasivaratri it is good to worship with Bilva leaves.
If you anoint Shivalinga with Panchamruta (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar) on Mahasivaratri, you will be eligible for Shiva's grace.
Night vigilance’s importance is high among all the rules observed today. When Mahasivaratri comes, children and adults all observe the ritual of vigil very faithfully and compete for the grace of Lord Shiva, the god of gods and goddesses. Many cultural programs and Vedic preaching programs are organized for the vigilance of Shiva devotees.
Harahara Mahadeva Sambho Sankara...
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