Lord Siva’s Assurance-

 When the creation had been completed, Shiva and Parvati went out to live in the top of Mount kailash. Parvati asked. ‘O venerable Lord; which of the many rituals observed in Thy honor doth please. Thee most? The Lord replied- the 13^th and 14^th night of the new moon, in the dark forth night during the month of Phagun, is my most favorite day. It is known as Shivratri. My devotees give me greater happiness by mere fasting than by ceremonial baths and offering of flowers, sweets and incense. The devotee observes strict spiritual discipline in the day and worship me in four different forms during each of the four successive three hour period of the night. The offering of a few bail leaves is more precious to me than the precious jewels and flowers. My devotee should bathe me with milk in the first period, with curd in the second, with clarified butter in the third, and with honey in the forth and the last. Next morning, he should feed first and after performing the prescribed ceremonies, he can break his fast. O Parvati: there is no ritual which can compare with this simple routine in sanctity’s parvati was deeply impressed by the speech of Lord Shiva. She repeated it to her friends. who in turn passed it on to the ruling princess on the earth. Thus, was the sanctity of shivratri broadcast all over the world. The formal worship consist of bathing the Lord shiva is considered to be the form of light. He is burning with the fire of austerity. He is, therefore best propitiated with cool bathing. And pray to him O Lord: I will bathe thee with water, milk etc. Do Thou kindly bathe me with milk of wisdom? Do Thou kindly wash me of all my sins.