Mahashivratri Vrat Katha (The Hunter Chitrabhanu)महाशिवरात्रि व्रत कथा (शिकारी चित्रभानु)

Chitrabhanu, a hunter, was held all day at a Shiva temple for failing to repay a moneylender. It was Shivaratri, and without meaning to he heard the Shiva katha. Released in the evening, he went into the forest and spent the whole night perched in a bel tree. Beneath it, hidden by leaves, was a Shivling.

In the first watch a pregnant doe came by. As he drew his bow, bel leaves and drops of water from his flask fell on the Shivling. The doe asked to be allowed to give birth and return, and he agreed. Through the night another doe and then a stag came; each promised to return, and each time bel leaves fell unknowingly on the Shivling.

At dawn all the deer returned with their families to keep their word. Moved by their honesty, the hunter's heart changed and he let them go. Pleased by the fast, night-long vigil and worship he had performed unknowingly, Lord Shiva appeared and granted him liberation. This is why devotees fast, keep vigil and offer bel leaves on Mahashivratri.