He who performs the worship of my phallic emblem and the embodied image on this day will be competent, to perform the task of creation and the maintenance etc. of the universe.
शिवरात्रावहोरात्रं निराहारो जितेंद्रि यः १२ब्। अर्चयेद्वा यथान्यायं यथाबलमवंचकः १२ ।
The devotee shall observe fast on Śivarātrī, both during the day and the night. He shall perfectly restrain his sense-organs. He shall adore (with flowers) to the extent of his strength. He shall not deceive any one.
This is the time when the virtue of devotion to me increases like the tide in the ocean at the rise of the moon. Festivities like the installation of my idols etc. on that day are very auspicious.