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Swamiji encourages all devotees to compulsory fast on the eve of Shiv Ratri and observe "Jagran" ie be awake entire night, until the following evening. Since we have known Swamiji, all members of my family do observe as per Swamiji's preaching ie total abstinence from food and water the entire day, followed by "Jagran".
In year 2002, my younger daughter was preparing for her Final Exams of XII Std. She had her Physics paper 3-4 days after Shiva-Ratri. However, my daughter did observe the ritual on day of Shiv Ratri, but she was unable to study due to lack of sleep. Worried she asked me, what to do? I advised her to make an exception this time and sleep, considering the need to prepare for exams. She being a firm believer of Swamiji, called Swamiji to seek his consent. (She will always seek Swamiji's advice before doing anything.) Swamiji asked her not to sleep & not to worry if she couldn't concentrate on her studies that night.
Days later she appeared for examination, but felt she did not do well & was in doubt whether she would secure good grade in the subject paper. She called up Swamiji and expressed her thoughts to which Swamiji replied -"Do'nt worry. I will give you marks in this paper, but study hard for the remaining exams & you will do well."
On the result day, to her surprise she learnt she had secured highest in the subject among other subjects. Next day, when all friends met in school they were enquiring who got the maximum marks in each subject & she was amazed to discover her Physics score was highest in the class. Immediately she informed Swamiji and thanked for all his blessings and guidance. This incident made her a firm believer of Swamiji & since then she encourages all her friends and relatives to observe Shiva-Ratri fasting & Jagran.
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