SHIVRATRI IS THE SUPREME FAST THAT BESTOWS THE GRACE OF LORD SHIVA:ACHARYA BHARATBHUSHAN

SHIVRATRI IS THE SUPREME FAST THAT BESTOWS THE GRACE OF LORD SHIVA:ACHARYA BHARATBHUSHAN

7-AUG-ENG 17

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------Delivering a discourse on the third day of the *Shri Shiv Mahapuran* recitation—organized jointly by Shri Sanatan Shaktipeeth Sansthanam and Sanatan-Sursari Seva Nyas at the Shri Sahdev Giri Temple in Katira during the *Shravan-Samaradhana*—Acharya (Dr.) Bharatbhushan Ji Maharaj, the head of Shri Sanatan Shaktipeeth, stated that the *Koti-Rudra Samhita* outlines ten Shaiva fasts, among which Shivratri is hailed as the 'King of Fasts' (*Vratraj*). He explained that observing a vigil (*jagaran*) and performing worship and rituals during the various watches (*prahars*) of the night on Shivratri multiplies the spiritual merit of the fast infinitely and instantly secures the grace of Lord Shiva. Observing fasts on *Ashtami*, *Ekadashi*, *Pradosh*, and Mondays completes the worship of Lord Shiva. The Acharya noted that anyone who observes these fasts every month remains physically, mentally, and intellectually healthy. He narrated the story of a tribal hunter who observed the Shivratri fast unknowingly; he was blessed with an immediate vision of Lord Shiva, and, having attained spiritual fulfillment, was reborn as Nishadraj—the friend of Lord Shri Ram and ruler of Shringverpur—in his next life.