Mahashivratri vrat is one of the most revered Hindu festivals celebrated in honor of “Lord Shiva”. It is observed every year on the 14th night of the moon month of Phalguna, and it is a day of worship, fasting, and spiritual enlightenment.
Devotees fast strictly, go to temples, recite prayers, and conduct rituals such as Rudrabhishek to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is said that this evening, the cosmic dance of Shiva, the Tandava, occurred, representing creation, sustenance, and destruction.
Mahashivratri : The Great Night of Shiva
Mahashivratri vrat is a very spiritual and devotee festival. The name means ‘The Great Night of Shiva,’ indicating the festival’s significance in Hindu tradition.
Contrary to most Hindu celebrations, which include lavish feasting and celebration, Mahashivratri is celebrated mainly through fasting, meditation, and temple worship.
Most devotees remain awake throughout the night, performing Bhajans & Kirtans and praying to Lord Shiva. Devotion on this night is said to liberate a person from previous sins and grant divine blessings.
Legends of Mahashivratri
Various legends have evolved around Mahashivratri, contributing to the festival’s religious significance. One of the most well-known legends is that it celebrates Lord Shiva’s and Goddess Parvati’s divine wedding. People, especially unmarried women, fast and pray for a husband as righteous as Shiva.
A different legend says that when the ocean was churned (Samudra Manthan) on a grand scale, a lethal poison, Halahala, oozed forth from the sea. To avoid annihilation, Lord Shiva consumed the poison and kept it in his throat, which turned blue, thus giving him the name Neelkanth (Blue-Throated One). Mahashivratri is celebrated in commemoration of this massive sacrifice.
A third belief is that Lord Shiva descended on this night as an endless Jyotirlinga (pillar of light), representing his omnipresence. Shiva is thus worshipped by devotees in the form of Shivling, and milk, honey, and water are offered as sacred offerings.
Easy Breakfast Recipes For Mahashivratri Vrat
Sabudana Khichdi Recipe
Sabudana Khichdi is one of the most popular fasting recipes made during Mahashivratri Vrat. It is prepared using soaked tapioca pearls (sabudana), peanuts, potatoes, and mild spices. The food is light but energizing, enough to give the strength required for a day-long fast.
The Sabudana pearls become soft and chewy, supported by the crunch of roasted peanuts. The food is usually flavoured with cumin seeds and green chilies and garnished with fresh coriander and lemon juice for a refreshing taste.
Sabudana Vada Recipe
Sabudana Vada is a crunchy and tasty fried snack, perfect for fasting. The Vadas are made by grinding soaked Sabudana with mashed potatoes, roasted peanuts, and gentle spices.
The batter is made into small round patties and deep-fried until golden. The Vadas are crispy outside and soft inside. They can be enjoyed with coconut chutney or curd and thus become a lovely treat.
Sama Chawal Idli | Vrat Ki Idli
Sama Chawal, or barnyard millet, is a great alternative to rice for fasting. These vrat-friendly Idlis are made using fermented Sama Chawal batter combined with curd. Ginger and green chilies are added for a hint of spice.
The Idlis are soft and fluffy, perfect for wholesome breakfast recipes during Mahashivratri vrat. They are best enjoyed with coconut chutney or a mild, vegetarian aloo curry.
Fruit Chaat Recipe
Fruit chaat is a healthy and rejuvenating dish that gives the body the necessary vitamins and hydration during fasting.
It combines seasonal fruits such as apples, bananas, papayas, and pomegranates, flavoured with rock salt, lemon juice, and mild spices. This is delicious and an instant energy provider during “Mahashivratri” fasting.
Sabudana Tikki
Sabudana tikki are deep-fried patties from soaked Sabudana, boiled potatoes, groundnuts, and spices. They are crispy and soft inside, a delight to eat while fasting. The tikkas can be served with mint chutney or curd for an extra flavour.
Main Course Recipes for Mahashivratri Vrat
Kuttu ki Khichdi
Buckwheat or Kuttu , is a very nutritious and fast food. Kuttu ki khichdi is made from buckwheat groats, potatoes, peanuts, and light spices.
It is easy on the stomach but very energetic, so it is a complete meal during Mahashivratri. The khichdi is usually made in ghee and tastes rich and flavourful.
Rajgira Puri
This Rajgira flour is used to prepare crispy and light puris, a better option than wheat bread during fasting. Rajgira flour, mashed potatoes, and rock salt are ready for the dough, which is deep-fried until golden brown. Vrat wale aloo is the best curry to have with these puris.
Kuttu ka Paratha
Kuttu ka paratha is a well-known vrat recipe that uses buckwheat flour and boiled potatoes for binding.
The mixture is rolled into flatbreads and prepared on a tawa with ghee. It is best served with curd or vrat wale aloo, providing a filling and energizing meal.
Vrat Wale Aloo | Vrat Ke Aloo
This easy yet tasty fasting curry consists of boiled potatoes cooked with rock salt and gentle spices such as cumin and black pepper.
Ghee is used to cook the dish, accompanied by rajgira puris or kuttu parathas. This dish is widely cooked during Mahashivratri fasting.
Top Sweets or Desserts Recipes for Mahashivratri Vrat
Sabudana Kheer
Sabudana kheer is a tasty and energizing dessert, ideal for fasting. Eating Sabudana daily benefits your bone health and density, and promotes your overall skeletal health.
- To make, soak ½ cup of Sabudana in water for 30 minutes.
- Boil 2 cups of milk, add the Sabudana soaked in water, and cook until translucent.
- Add ¼ cup of sugar and ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder for taste.
- Cook until the kheer becomes thick.
- Top with chopped almonds, cashews, and saffron strands for added luxury. Serve hot or cold for a delicious and vrat-safe snack.
Makhane ki Kheer
Makhane ki kheer is a healthy and tasty dessert widely consumed during fasting. Makhana kheer is quite healthy and full of nutrition. One of the main reasons behind that is the Makhana.
- To make it, dry roast 1 cup of makhana in 1 teaspoon of ghee until crunchy.
- Boil 2 cups of milk and add the dry-roasted makhana, allowing it to cook until it becomes soft.
- Add ¼ cup of sugar or jaggery and ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder for taste.
- Cook until the kheer thickens and garnish with chopped nuts.
- Serve warm or cold for a healthy and vibrant sweet dish.
Kaddu ki Kheer
Kaddu ki Kheer is a tasty Indian delicacy made with pumpkin, milk, sugar, and cardamoms. It’s a sweet, creamy dish that’s frequently served during festivals or special events. It is one the Pumpkin kheer is a tasty and healthy dessert that is ideal for fasting.
- Prepare by cooking 1 cup of grated pumpkin in 2 teaspoons of ghee until soft.
- Mix in 2 cups of milk and cook until it is thickened.
- Add ¼ cup of sugar, ¼ teaspoon of cardamom powder, and some saffron strands for taste.
- Cook for some more minutes and serve garnished with chopped almonds and cashews.
- Serve warm or cold for a delicious and vegetarian dessert.
Paneer Kheer
Paneer Kheer is a rich and creamy delicacy made from fresh paneer (cottage cheese), milk, sugar, and cardamom. It’s a tasty and simple twist on conventional kheer. Here’s how to create it. Like other kheer, this is also a staple kheer which is usually made during Indian fasts.
Here’s how you can make it:
Like other kheer, this is also a staple kheer which is usually made during Indian fasts.
- To make paneer kheer, boil 2 cups of milk in a pan and heat it.
- Add ½ cup of broken paneer and mix well.
- Add ¼ cup of sugar, ¼ teaspoon of cardamom powder, and some saffron strands.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Garnish with chopped nuts such as almonds and pistachios. Serve warm or cold to enjoy a yummy Mahashivratri treat.
Dry Fruit Laddu Recipe
Dry fruit laddus is a healthy and energy-rich snack prepared using a mixture of dry fruits like almonds, cashews, dates, and figs.
These laddus are sweetened with dates. Thus, no additional sugar is added, and they become a healthy option, particularly for fasting.
The ingredients are mixed to create small balls full of vital nutrients like fiber, protein, and healthy fats. These laddus give instant energy, make you feel full longer, and sustain stamina during the day.
Final words on the Mahashivratri
Fasting on this holy day is about abstaining from ordinary food and cleansing the body and soul. The special vrat recipes prepared using vrat-friendly ingredients help devotees remain healthy while upholding the day’s san ctity.
These foods are perfectly balanced in taste and nutrition, enabling one to celebrate the festival with devotion and satisfaction. By adopting these sacred customs and healthy foods, Mahashivratri is a real divine festival that brings inner peace and spiritual connection with Lord Shiva.
FAQs:
Devotees usually avoid eating any Tamsic foods, as well as onion, garlic, alcohol, and non-vegetarian meat.
The culture told you not to sleep on Maha Shivratri morning.
During the vrat, non-cereal meals such as sabudana (tapioca pearls), buckwheat, and ragi are permitted.
Really loved this recipe…can we use Amul Milk to make sabudana kheer ?
Yes, definitely you can use amul milk to make sabudana kheer.