
Mahashivratri: An Ethereal Cosmic Night of Devotion and Transformation
Mahashivratri, a sacred occasion for devotees to connect with the divine, seek blessings, and deepen their spiritual practices in reverence to Lord Shiva. Mahashivratri is not only a celebration of Lord Shiva but also a reminder of the deeper spiritual truths Shiva represents. It symbolises the victory of consciousness over ignorance, light over darkness, and the importance of self-discipline and devotion on the path to spiritual enlightenment.
MAHA SHIVRATRI – THE ORIGIN TALE
According to the Puranas, several stories and legends describe the origin of the Shivratri festival.
One story says, during Samudra Manthan, a pot emerged from the ocean which consists of poison. All the Gods and demons were terrified that this will destroy the entire world and so, Gods ran to Lord Shiva for help. To protect the entire world from the evil effects, Shiva drank the entire poison and held it in his throat instead of swallowing it. Due to this, his throat becomes blue and so he is also known as Neelakantha. Shivratri is celebrated as an event due to which Shiva saved the world.
Another story that is mentioned in the Shiv Purana is: Once upon a time Brahma and Vishnu were fighting among themselves over who is superior among the two. Other Gods were terrified and so they went to Lord Shiva to intervene in the war. To make them realise the futility of their fight, Shiva took the form of a massive fire that spread across the length of the universe. By seeing the magnitude, both the Gods decided to find one end each to establish supremacy over the other. So, for this Brahma assumed the form of a swan and went upwards on the other hand Vishnu assumed as Varaha and went into the earth. But the fire has no limit and they searched thousands of miles but couldn’t find the end. On the journey upwards, Brahma came across a Ketaki flower. He asked Ketaki from where she had come; Ketaki replied that she had been placed at the top of the fiery column as an offering. Brahma could not find the upper limit and took the flower as a witness and came.
At this, Shiva revealed the true form and became angry. Brahma did not find the uppermost limit and told a lie. So, he was punished by Shiva for telling a lie and cursed that no one will pray for him. Even the Ketaki flower was banned from being used as an offering for any worship. Since it was on the 14th day in the dark half month of Phalguna when Shiva first manifested himself in the form of a Linga, the day is especially auspicious and is celebrated as Maha Shivratri. Worshipping Shiva on this day is believed to bestow one with happiness and prosperity.
According to another popular legend, on this auspicious day Goddess Parvati and Mahadev got married and Mahadev performed his divine dance called Tandava. Together, they are known as Arthanatheeswarar. The Ardhanareeswara represents a constructive and generative power. Ardhanareeswara symbolises male and female principles which cannot be separated. It conveys the unity of opposites in the universe.
It is celebrated as the anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is also celebrated as a day when Shiva saved the world from the pot of poison. And also, this day marks when Brahma and Vishnu got involved in an argument about their supremacy.
Why should one not sleep on Mahashivratri ?
The consciousness, the aura or the ethereal world that is always ten inches above the material ground touches the earth element on the day of Mahashivratri. This extravagant energy can only be attained by keeping the spine straight and vertical. Staying awake throughout the night with a vertical spine posture may lead to benefits for not only those on religious paths like yogis etc but others as well. Lord Shiva holds a 3rd eye which is the basis of all the realities. It is beyond the physical and provides a dimensional perception. Mahashivratri facilitates your journey towards the opening up of your 3rd eye for a deeper dimensional perception within yourself and your surroundings.
Significance of Maha Shivratri
Followers and devotees of Shiva observe special puja and perform fast in several temples of Shiva across the world. All through the day the devotees keep severe fast, chant the sacred Panchakshara mantra “Om Namah Shivaya”, make offerings of flowers and incense to the Lord amidst ringing of temple bells. They maintain long vigils during the night, keeping awake to listen to stories, hymns and songs. Women pray to be blessed with a good husband and a happy married life. On this day, in various temples fairs and cultural programs are organised. It is also believed that those people who perform puja, fast, and offer prayers to Lord Shiva are blessed with good luck.
Shivratri is the time to feel oneness with Shiva. Shiva is not different from me. Shiva is not different from you. Shiva was not different from anybody. Shivratri is taking refuge in Shiva. We forget that this power is there within us! Shivratri is to remind us that we are Shiva. The greatest offering to God is yourself. To offer one’s self is the key to happiness in life. It brings relief to you. It uplifts you. That’s what Shivratri is about. Be awake inside and Stay in your divine light!
Har Har Mahadev! Om Namah Shivaya!
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