Hindu Fasts: Shivaratri Fast
Said The God Of Fire:-Now I shall describe the process of practising the Shivaratri Vrata, which makes a man the envied possessor of all the good things of the earth and liberate him from the cycles of necessary existences. The observer of the vow (Vrati), should observe a fast and keep a vigil in the night on the occasion of a dark Chaturdashi, occurring between the months of Magha and phalguna, and pray as follows “I shall practise the Vrata, known as the “ShivaRatri Vrata,” fast on the day of its observance keep a vigil in the night and worship the god Shiva, “I invoke the lat- ter diety who blesses his votaries with earthly pros perky and emancipates their souls after death.
I make obeisance to the god Shiva, who serves as a boat in taking the benighted souls across this stream of life. Salutation unto Shiva, the absolute pacific soul,-who increases the progeny of men, and crowns their devotion with kingdoms and principalities, success in life, health and erudition, and opens the gate of heaven to his votaries. Increase my piety, augment my possessions, 0 lord, and may I have the envied goods of the world in abundance and the capacity to enjoy them. May I thrive in fame and happiness, and may I ascend heaven and work out the liberation of my soul, through the merit of my virtues, growing more and more every day”.
