Second Sawan Monday Fast Story

Worshipping Lord Shiva is considered highly beneficial in Hindu scriptures, especially during Sawan Shivratri. Listening to the vrat story on this sacred day is believed to bring blessings and prosperity. Once, there was a hunter named Chitrabhanu who lived by hunting animals in the forest. He was indebted to a merchant but could not repay his loan due to financial difficulties. One day, the angry merchant imprisoned Chitrabhanu in a Shiva temple. Coincidentally, that day was Monthly Shivratri. In the temple, devotional songs and hymns were sung throughout the night, which Chitrabhanu listened to attentively. The next morning, the merchant released him after Chitrabhanu promised to repay his debt soon. Hungry and exhausted, Chitrabhanu went deep into the forest to hunt, but he failed to find any prey and decided to spend the night there. He climbed a Bael tree near a pond to rest. Beneath the tree was a hidden Shiva Lingam, covered by leaves. Distraught over his debt and hunger, Chitrabhanu began plucking Bael leaves and dropping them below, unknowingly worshipping the Shiva Lingam. During the night, a pregnant doe came to the pond. Chitrabhanu prepared to shoot his arrow but stopped when the doe pleaded to be spared, promising to return after giving birth. Moved by her words, he let her go, unknowingly completing the first phase of worship. Later, two more does appeared. Each pleaded for mercy, sharing their circumstances. Chitrabhanu spared them too, unintentionally completing additional phases of worship by dropping more Bael leaves onto the Lingam. Finally, a stag appeared, explaining he was the husband of the does Chitrabhanu had spared. The stag asked to reunite with his family before returning to Chitrabhanu. Touched by the animals' devotion and honesty, Chitrabhanu spared the stag as well, completing the worship. These events transformed Chitrabhanu’s heart, filling him with devotion for Lord Shiva. He returned to the city, repaid his debt, and led an honest life. Upon his death, Shiva's attendants took him to Shiva Lok, granting him liberation (moksha). This story highlights the power of unintentional devotion and the blessings of worshipping Lord Shiva during Sawan Shivratri.