Maha Shivaratri is one of the most important festivals associated with Shiva worship. Shivaratri (the night of lord Shiva) is observed on chaturdasi (14th day), the eve of New Moon Day (Amavasya) falling in the middle of Maagha and Phalguna (February March).
Mahashivratri is very significant for people who are on the spiritual path. It is also very significant for people who are in family situations, and also for the ambitious in the world. People who live in family situations observe Mahashivratri as Shiva’s wedding anniversary. Those with worldly ambitions see that day as the day Shiva conquered all his enemies. But, for the ascetics, it is the day he became one with Mount Kailash. He became like a mountain – absolutely still. In the yogic tradition, Shiva is not worshipped as a God, but considered as the Adi Guru, the first Guru from whom the science of Yoga originated. After many millennia in meditation, one day he became absolutely still. That day is Mahashivratri. All movement in him stopped and he became utterly still, so ascetics see Mahashivratri as the night of stillness.
Maha Shivaratri is one of the most important festivals associated with Shiva worship. Shivaratri (the night of lord Shiva) is observed on chaturdasi (14th day), the eve of New Moon Day (Amavasya) falling in the middle of Maagha and Phalguna (February- March). During Shivaratri night, penance should be observed without sleep and food, along with the worship of Shiva.
There are five nights of Lord Shiva:
1) Maha Shivaratri (Great Night of Lord Shiva, see below),
(2) Yoga Shivaratri (night which a yogi creates for himself by yogic trance),
3) Nitya Sivaratri (Nightly Shivaratri),
(4) Paksha Shivaratri (Fortnightly Shivaratri) and
(5) Masa Shivaratri (Monthly Shivaratri).
Form of Faith in mahashivratri
A Vrata (penance) is observed on Maha Shivaratri during the night. The night is divided into four quarters called yama. Believers stay awake and fast during the night while worshipping the Lord. Observing people take a single meal during the day and sleep in a clean place during the night previous to the beginning of the day of penance. In the morning of Shivaratri, believers take a ritual bath in a river like Ganga, Cauveri, Godavari, Krishna etc., if possible. Then visit a Shiva temple and worship or witness the worship of Lord Shiva. The worship is continued throughout the night. According to scriptures the penance should be observed by worshipping Lord Shiva with lotus flowers, offer Him a pudding called pongali – rice and mung bean cooked together in milk, and recite Rigveda till the end of first yama (quarter of the night). In the second yama, they should worship Him with Tulasi leaves (Ocymum sanctum), offer Him a pudding called payasam- rice cooked in milk to a liquid consistency, and recite yajurveda. In the third yama, bael leaf (bilva leaves, Aegle marmelos or Crataeva religiosa) worship, offering of sesame flour mixed food, and recitation of Samaveda are observed. In the fourth yama or the last quarter of the night, neelotpala (blue lotus or sengalinir) flower worship, offering of simple food and recitation of Athrvaveda are observed. (Food is offered to the Lord, but not eaten until the entire penance is completed in the next morning).
What is Mahashivratri and Why it is Celebrated?
Mahashivratri, “The Great Night of Shiva” is the most significant event in India’s spiritual calendar.
The fourteenth day of every lunar month or the day before the new moon is known as Shivratri. Among all the twelve Shivratris that occur in a calendar year, Mahashivratri, the one that occurs in February-March is of the most spiritual significance. On this night, the northern hemisphere of the planet is positioned in such a way that there is a natural upsurge of energy in a human being. This is a day when nature is pushing one towards one’s spiritual peak. It is to make use of this, that in this tradition, we established a certain festival which is nightlong. To allow this natural upsurge of energies to find their way,one of the fundamentals of this nightlong festival is to ensure that you remain awake with your spine vertical throughout the night.
The Puranas offer a plethora of traditions and legends relating to the history of Maha Shivratri. The reasons why Maha Shivratri is celebrated are as mentioned below:
Shiva devotees mark this day because one of the traditions indicates that Mahadev and Devi Parvati got married on this day. Thus, Maha Shivratri is a celebration of Shiva and Shakti’s mutualistic relationship.
A pot of poison appeared from the ocean at the Samudra Manthan. The Gods and demons were afraid since the poison had the potential to wipe out the whole planet, and they fled to Shiva for assistance. Shiva drank the lethal poison to preserve the world from its terrible consequences, but he didn’t drink it. He was given the name Neelakantha since his neck became blue due to this. On the day of Shivaratri, devotees commemorate when Shiva intervened to rescue the world.
The practice of all-night devotion may have originated for another reason as well. The deity Shiva, who wears a crescent moon as an ornament in his hair, was worshipped even though it was a moonless evening.
Tandav is a sacred dance that Lord Shiva performs on the midnight of Shivaratri, according to another myth. There are three aspects of life on Earth represented by this dance: genesis, conservation, and demise. Shiva performed his Tandav while reciting hymns and appearing as a flame.
How is Maha Shivratri celebrated?
Mahashivaratri is a major Hindu festival dedicated to the adoration and celebration of Lord Shiva’s majesty. Maha Shivaratri is the most important night of the year for devotees of Lord Shiva to celebrate and honour him. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Mahashivaratri occurs on the 13th or 14th day of the month of Phalguna in the late winter.
On Maha Shivratri, after concluding the morning rituals, worshippers take Sankalp, promising to follow a full day of fasting and eat on the next day of Shivratri. They pray for Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati’s blessings to complete their fast without difficulties. A second bath must also be taken in the evening before doing Shiva Puja or going to the Shiva temple, according to the rules of the religion. The preparations for Shivratri and fasting begin a day before when devotees psychologically ready themselves by consuming satvik bhojan and leading a stress-free life, among other things. They remain up throughout the night, simply eating the Prasad offered to Lord Shiva by the sages. It is also marked by commemorating Shiva, reciting mantras, and engaging in Meditation and yoga practices.
Authentic form in the context of Mahashivaratri
In different parts of the Indian Continent, various myths are attributed to the observance of the day. It is said that Lord Shiva destroyed the whole world in a deluge on this night, which is part of a cyclical creation and destruction. However, Lord Shiva’s wife Parvati worshipped the Lord and requested him that life be restored back, and bless the mortals with salvation when they worship Lord Shiva, as she did. Her request was granted. The night, which Pravati fixed for mortals for the worship of Ishwara (Lord of the Universe), was named mahaa-shiva-raatri (Great Night of Shiva).
According to a legend in the Shiva Purana
According to a legend in the Shiva Purana, once Brahma and Vishnu were fighting over who was the superior of the two. Horrified at the intensity of the battle, the other gods asked Shiva to intervene. To make them realize the futility of their fight, Shiva assumed Linga form of a huge column of fire in between Brahma and Vishnu. Awestruck by its magnitude, they decided to find one end each to establish supremacy over the other. Brahma assumed the form of a swan and went upwards and Vishnu as Varaha went into the earth. The column of fire had no limit and though they searched for thousands of miles, neither could find the end. On his journey upwards, Brahma came across a ketaki flower wafting down slowly. When asked where she had come from. Ketaki replied that she had been placed at the top of the fiery column as an offering. Unable to find the uppermost limit, Brahma decided to end his search and take the flower as a witness. At this, the angry Shiva revealed his true form. He punished Brahma for telling a lie, and cursed him that no one would ever pray to him. The ketaki flower too was banned from being used as an offering for any worship, as she had testified falsely. Since it was on the 14th day in the dark half of the month of Phalguna that Shiva first manifested himself in the form of a linga, the day is especially auspicious and is celebrated as Mahashivratri.
According to Kannassa Ramayana
According to Kannassa Ramayana, Brahma was born in the lotus that originated from the navel of Sri Maha Vishnu. Brahma tried to find the origin of the lotus and found Lord Vishnu. He asked Vishnu, “Who are you?” Vishnu replied, “I am Vishnu, your father.” Father and son got into a quarrel over the origins Brahma and then into a fight. They shot their respective the most powerful weapons of mass destruction, Brahmastra and Narayanastra arrows, which caused devastation of the world. At that point a great phallus appeared to the amazement of both. They both determined to find the beginning and end of the great phallus and failed to reach its edges. At that moment Lord Shiva revealed himself and withdrew both weapons of mass destruction. Shiva enjoined that Brahma, Vishnu and the whole world should do penance that night every year by fast and worship of his great Phallus, Shivalinga. That night was Shivaratri.
According to Vaamana purana, chapter 6, Shiva wandered about the world naked grieving the death of His wife Satidevi at the Yajna fire conducted by her father Daksha. He covered his body only with the ashes of His wife and lived on alms. Kamadeva (Cupid/Eros) followed Shiva wherever He went attacking with the arrows of love. Shiva reached the Vindhya Mountains and entered Daaru forest, where certain ascetic Maharishis and their beautiful wives lived. When the women saw the most handsome naked ascetic in the world they were overcome by love for him, brought fruits and roots, and followed him. Enraged Maharishis castrated Shiva and Shivalinga fell to the ground. As the Phallus fell, Shiva disappeared and the world shook with a huge upheaval. Brahma and Vishnu startled by the upheaval came to the place where the great phallus fell. Bewildered by the enormity of the Phallus, they decided to find the beginning and end of the great Phallus. Failing to find the origin and end of the Phallus, they praised Lord Shiva and requested Him to rescue the world. Shiva appeared and agreed to take back his phallus on one condition that all worship His Phallus. Vishnu agreed to that condition and prepared four texts Saivam, Paasupatam, Kaaladmanam and Kaapaalikam for the four kinds of humans depending upon their qualities and abilities (gunas). That was the beginning of worship of Shivalinga.
According to Vaamana purana, chapter 45, eighty-eight thousand Vaalakhilyas were born from the mind of Brahma. Vaalakhilyas emaciated their bodies by constant baths, fasting and worship of Shiva for one thousand divine years. Yet they failed to realize Shiva. However, Parvati took pity on them and suggested Lord Shiva to show mercy on the Vaalakhilyas. At this request Lord Shiva told Parvati that the Valakhilyas were mere fools, they were not free from lust and anger and they were not following the correct path to salvation. Puzzled at this response, Parvati requested Him to show their true nature. Shiva told Parvati to wait there and went to them. He appeared to them as a handsome naked young ascetic with only a garland on the head and with a begging bowl in the hand. The wives of the Vaalakhilya rishis gave fruits and roots to him. Enchanted by the divine handsome nude ascetic, the women were seduced. The rishis got enraged at the seduction of their wives and struck down Lord’s Phallus. Lord Shiva disappeared and returned to Kailasa Mountain as the Phallus fell to ground causing a great upheaval in the universe. Surprised and scared by the outcome of their actions, the sages ran to Brahma for advice. Brahma enlightened them and suggested them to go to Kailasa and pray to Lord Shiva for instruction. Lord Shiva pleased by the prayers appeared to rishis and told them to install the Shivalinga in a lake called Sannihita and worship. Rishis went to Lord’s fallen Phallus and attempted to remove it to the lake. However, they could not move the great Phallus at all. They went back to Lord for advice, whereupon Lord Shiva helped them remove the Phallus and install in the lake Sannihita. Thus installed Lord’s Phallus is known as Sthaanu. That was the beginning of worship of Shivalinga.
According to Maha Bharata, sauptika parva, in the beginning Lord Brahma entrusted Lord Shiva with the duty of creation. Shiva went to acquire all the power to procreate. Lord Brahma having waited for Lord Shiva for a long divine time created prajapatis to do the creation. Shiva came out of his penance after acquiring the required powers of creation and found out that the job entrusted to him was taken away. Lord Shiva felt that there was no need for his great powers acquired for creation and the Phallus, and so he plucked his Phallus out and threw it away. The great Phallus of Lord Shiva fell on earth pointed upwards. In his frustration, Lord Shiva performed a dance of annihilation. Finally, at the request of Devas who worshipped Shiva’s Phallus, Lord Shiva agreed to shed the fire of wrath in the water. Since then the worship of Shivalinga became popular.
According to another legend, Lord Shiva performs the ritualistic dance of Creation, Preservation and Dissolution on this night and so devotees also spend the night fully awake while reciting praises of Shiva. In some parts of the country Shivaratri is believed to have been the night when Shiva consumed the poison to save the world. Shiva was in pain and agony. The whole night, water, milk and other cooling material are poured on the Shiva Linga to relieve Shiva of suffering from the heat.
Worship of Shiva in general: According to Agnipurana, Nandikesa and Mahakala should be worshipped first. Then Ganga, Yamuna, the ganas, Vastupurusa, Sakti, and Dharma are to be worshipped. Later, the navasaktis (nine energies), i.e., Vaama, Jyeshta, Raudra, Kaali, Kalavikarini, Balavikarinin, Balapramathini, Sarvabhuutadamani, and manonmani should be worshipped. Then chanting of mantra, “Haam, huum, haam, Shivamuurtaye” should be performed.
The Shiva worship should incorporate six items: offering bilva leaves to the Linga after giving it a ceremonial bath, which represents purification of the soul; applying vermilion paste on the linga after bathing it, which represents virtue; offering food, which is conducive to longevity and the gratification of desires; lighting incense, which yields wealth; lighting an oil lamp, which signifies the attainment of knowledge; and offering betel leaves, which marks satisfaction with worldly pleasures.
Shivaratri’s importance is described in many stories. According the following stories, even if one prays inadvertently to Shiva during Shivaratri, s/he would go to heaven even if s/he were a dreadful sinner.
According to Sivaratrimahatmya
According to Sivaratrimahatmya, Sukumara was the son of a Brahmin manager of the king of Kunjara, a kingdom on the banks of river Sindhu (Pakistan). He married a non- Brahmin and relinquished Brahminism. One day he went to a Shiva temple searching for flowers for his beloved wife. It was Shivaratri and the festival was being celebrated at the temple. Sukumara participated in the celebrations. Shortly afterwards he died. Agents of Kala Yama came to take his soul to hell for he relinquished his dharma and religion. At the same time angels from Kailasa also came to pick Sukumara’s soul. Shiva’s angels won over Yama’s agents and took Sukumara to Shivaloka due to his accidental participation in Mahashivaratri celebrations.
According to one legend in the Shiva purana, Lubdhaka was poor tribal man and devotee of Lord Shiva. To collect firewood he went to forest, and he lost his way back to home. He started hearing roaring sounds of forest animals as the darkness increased. He was scared and climbed nearby tree for shelter and safety. He was afraid that he may doze and fall from tree and wild animals may kill him. He decided to stay awake till morning, hence he started Chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” and pluck one leaf from that tree and throw it down. Till morning he was chanting Om Namah Shivaya and every time, he was plucking one leaf from tree and throwing it down. Morning he climbed down of the tree, to see the tree was Bel tree; he has put 1000 Bel leaves on Shiva-Linga. Lord Shiva was pleased with Lubdhaka, for his whole night Jaagaran, chanting Om Namah Shivaya, and worshipping with Bel leaves. Shiva rewarded Lubdhaka with divine blessings. All devotees on Mahashivaratri hear this story and they also worship Shiva-Linga.
Another fascinating legend links Lord Shiva with the “Pralay”. Pralay, in Hindu mythology, means the day when “shrishti” (creation) and “Brahmaand” (the Cosmos) is destroyed by the fury of Nature. It is said that the whole world was facing destruction at one point and Goddess Parvati prayed to her husband Lord Shiva to save the “Jivas” (living souls), remaining in space, during the long period of pralaya. She also desired that the Lord bless them to be active again, if they worship him. Her prayer was granted. Parvati named the night of her wish-fulfillment as Maha-Sivaratri, or the great night of Shiva, and ordered mortals to observe this night as a time to worship Lord Shiva.
The king Chitrabhanu of Ikshvaku dynasty was observing fast and praying Lord Shiva along with his queen and entire kingdom. The renowned sage Ashtavakra and his pupils came on a visit to kingdom. He learns that entire kingdom, queen and king all are fasting and praying Lord Shiva. The sage Ashtavakra asked the king the reason for fasting and praying Lord Shiva. The king Chitrabhanu replied, “I have the gift of remembering the incidents of my past birth. In my past life I was hunter, catching birds and animals in forest and selling them in town. One day while catching birds, it became late night, and I started hearing roaring sounds of animals. For my safety I climbed nearby bel tree. To keep awake I started plucking bel leaves and started throwing on the Shiva-Linga, at the same time my water tumbler was leaking and water was falling directly on Shiva Linga. Morning I climbed down the tree and came to my house and sat for meals. Old man came to my doorsteps and asked for food. I gave all my food to him, the old man was pleased and showed his true form – Lord Shiva. He blessed me, for my rebirth as a ruler of this kingdom and also to remember the incidents of my past birth. Today I recall that old incident, now I want all my people to get blessings of Lord Shiva, by fasting, praying, and feeding all needy people on this holy day Maha Shivaratri”.
Shivaratri is seen as the wedding anniversary of Lord Shiva’s marriage to the Goddess Parvati.
Shivratri – The Darkest Night of the Month
Shivratri, is the darkest day of the month. Celebrating Shivratri on a monthly basis, and the particular day, Mahashivratri, almost seems like celebration of darkness. Any logical mind would resist darkness and naturally opt for light. But the word “Shiva” literally means “that which is not.” “That which is,” is existence and creation. “That which is not” is Shiva. “That which is not” means, if you open your eyes and look around, if your vision is for small things, you will see lots of creation. If your vision is really looking for big things, you will see the biggest presence in the existence is a vast emptiness.
A few spots which we call galaxies are generally much noticed, but the vast emptiness that holds them does not come into everybody’s notice. This vastness, this unbounded emptiness, is what is referred to as Shiva. Today, modern science also proves that everything comes from nothing and goes back to nothing. It is in this context that Shiva, the vast emptiness or nothingness, is referred to as the great lord, or Mahadeva.
Every religion, every culture on this planet has always been talking about the omnipresent, all-pervading nature of the divine. If we look at it, the only thing that can be truly all-pervading, the only thing that can be everywhere is darkness, nothingness, or emptiness.
Generally, when people are seeking well-being, we talk of the divine as light. When people are no longer seeking well-being, when they are looking beyond their life in terms of dissolving, if the object of their worship and their sadhana is dissolution, then we always refer to the divine as darkness.
Significance of Maha Shivratri
Mahashivratri is a celebration of marital affection, desire, and connection. There are two kinds of the same energy: Shiva and Shakti, and only when they work together can they be called complete or strong. It signifies that marriage is a union of two people committed to each other and who will stand together through the ups and downs of life together. When one team member fails, the other should always be there to step in and remedy it.
A person’s sins will be released and vanquished by praying to Lord Shiva in the middle of the night, allowing them to begin travelling along the road of holiness.
The notion that fasting during this period would bring better luck to them more quickly is another important significance of this festival.
Mahashivratri is a time to reflect on the timeless reality of Shivoham, which translates as ‘I am that concept.’ My name is Shiva. ‘I am truth, goodness, eternal, and glory,’ I declare.
It is regarded as a good day for personal enlightenment, monetary success, and advancement.
Spiritual Significance of Mahashivratri
Legends apart, why this day and night are held with such importance in the yogic traditions is because of the possibilities it presents to a spiritual seeker. Modern science has gone through many phases and arrived at a point today where they are out to prove to you that everything that you know as life, everything that you know as matter and existence, everything that you know as the cosmos and galaxies, is just one energy which manifests itself in millions of ways.
This scientific fact is an experiential reality in every yogi. The word “yogi” means one who has realized the oneness of the existence. When I say “yoga,” I am not referring to any one particular practice or system. All longing to know the unbounded, all longing to know the oneness in the existence is yoga. The night of Mahashivratri offers a person an opportunity to experience this.
Medical benefits of Mahashivaratri celebrations:
A disturbed mind has a tendency to think negative, whenever some untoward incidence happens. But regular Om Namah Shivaya chanting ensures positivity, even in dire circumstances. Reasoning ability improves and helps to take right and better decisions in difficult conditions. It also helps to distinguish between right and negative people and thus choose a positive group of friends. So there are immense health benefits of Om Namah Shivaya chanting. It is very much important to practice it perfectly under the guidance of an able teacher to get good results.
- Helps to improve Concentration,
- Reduces stress and Anxiety,
- Rejuvenating and Pacifying,
- Detoxifies body,
- Improves functioning of Heart and Digestive system,
- Ensures sound sleep,
- Improves functioning of Reproductive system and development of womb and fetus,
- Improves Reasoning ability and Reduces negativity.
Maha Shivratri is the most significant event for many Lord Shiva worshippers in Hindu mythology. This article briefly explains the fact why Maha Shivratri is celebrated. A devotee who offers true devotion to Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivratri would be forgiven of their sins and achieve moksha. A group of people link their hands and form a single line, worshipping the deity Shiva with one voice. Mahadev is the supreme ruler of all the devs in Heaven and is the most powerful. The things he does are per their wishes, and he leads the world. Being somewhat enraged by nature, Mahadev responds to the desires of his worshipers far more quickly than other deities.
Article By -: Kalyan Singh
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