Monthly Shivratri Fast Story

Long ago, there was a hunter named Chitrabhanu who lived by hunting animals in the forest to support his family. He was in debt to a merchant and could not repay it due to his poor financial situation. One day, the angry merchant locked Chitrabhanu in a Shiva temple. By coincidence, that day happened to be Monthly Shivratri. Throughout the night, devotional songs and prayers were held in the temple, which Chitrabhanu listened to. The next morning, the merchant released him after Chitrabhanu promised to repay the debt the next day. After being freed, Chitrabhanu went to the forest to hunt but was tired and hungry from the previous night. He ventured deep into the forest but couldn’t find any prey. At sunset, he realized he would have to spend the night in the forest. Nearby, he drank water from a pond and climbed a Bael tree to rest. Unknowingly, there was a hidden Shiva Lingam under the tree. While worrying about his debts and family, he absentmindedly plucked Bael leaves, dropping them below—these fell on the Shiva Lingam, offering worship unknowingly. Later, a pregnant doe came to drink water. Chitrabhanu prepared to shoot it but stopped when the doe pleaded for her life, promising to return after giving birth. Moved by her words, he spared her, unknowingly completing the first phase of worship. Over the night, two more does appeared, each with their own plea. Chitrabhanu spared them as well, unintentionally completing the second and third phases of worship by dropping more Bael leaves on the Lingam. Finally, a stag (the husband of the does) approached and asked to reunite with his family before returning to Chitrabhanu. Touched by the loyalty and love of the animals, Chitrabhanu spared the stag too. These events transformed Chitrabhanu’s heart, filling him with devotion to Lord Shiva. He returned to the city, worked hard to repay the debt, and lived honestly. Upon his death, Shiva's attendants escorted him to Shiva Lok, granting him liberation (moksha). This story highlights how even unintentional devotion to Lord Shiva can bring blessings and transformation.