8th March - Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivratri Means

The word Maha Shivaratri - "Maha" meaning great, "Shiva" meaning auspicious, and "Ratri" meaning the night that gives rest and comfort - reflects the deep spiritual and transcendental nature of the festival.

Maha Shivaratri is indeed considered a night of special spiritual significance in Hinduism. It is believed to be a time when the divine energy of Lord Shiva is particularly accessible, and devotees engage in various spiritual practices to connect with that transcendental consciousness. The emphasis on relief from different types of problems (adhyatmik, adhibhoutik, and adidaivik) aligns with the idea that Lord Shiva is a source of solace and liberation.

In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is often referred to as the "Destroyer" within the Trimurti, the trinity of major deities that govern the cosmic functions. The Trimurti consists of:

• Brahma - The Creator: Responsible for the creation of the universe and all living beings.

• Vishnu - The Preserver: Takes care of the preservation and maintenance of the created universe.

• Shiva - The Destroyer: Associated with transformation, dissolution, and destruction. Shiva is often depicted as a god who destroys the old to make way for the new. This destruction is not necessarily negative; it paves the way for regeneration and renewal.

Shiva's role as the destroyer is multifaceted. It involves the dissolution of the old and worn-out aspects of the universe, allowing for the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction to continue. Lord Shiva is also associated with asceticism, meditation, and the transformative power of spiritual awakening.

While the terms "destroyer" and "destruction" may carry negative connotations in everyday language, in the Hindu cosmological context, Shiva's role as the destroyer is an essential and positive aspect of the cosmic cycle. It represents the cyclical nature of creation and dissolution, emphasizing the continuous process of renewal and regeneration in the universe.

Significance of Maha Shivaratri

Significance of Maha Shivaratri :- 

• Auspiciousness of Maha Shivaratri: While there are 12 Shivaratris in a year according to the lunar cycle, Maha Shivaratri is considered the most auspicious. Staying awake and offering prayers during this divine night is believed to help develop inner consciousness.

• Astrological Alignment: The alignment of the sun and moon on Maha Shivaratri is said to be conducive to elevating the mind. Astrologers suggest that this day is favorable for spiritual practices, meditation, and the natural upsurge of energies in the spine.

• Celebration of Shiva's Marriage: The festival commemorates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees celebrate by worshiping the Shivalinga with offerings like milk, water, honey, flowers, and BelPatra. Fasting and observing the festival with serenity are common practices to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

• Identification with Shiva Tattva: Maha Shivaratri is seen as an opportunity to celebrate the Shiva tattva, the principle or energy of Lord Shiva, within oneself. Spiritual seekers often use this day for meditation, aiming to understand higher truths of life.

• Fasting for Spiritual Benefits: According to the Shiva Purana, fasting on Maha Shivaratri is believed to bring spiritual benefits equivalent to a whole year's rigorous prayers.

Why is Lord Shiv called Neelkanth?

Lord Shiva is often referred to as "Neelkanth" and the name has a specific significance. "Neelkanth" translates to "Blue Throat" in English. The origin of this epithet is associated with a mythological event mentioned in Hindu scriptures, particularly the Puranas.

According to the Puranic legend, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the Devas (celestial beings) and Asuras (demons) to obtain the nectar of immortality (amrita), several divine objects and beings emerged. One of these was a potent poison known as "halahala," which threatened to destroy the entire creation.

In order to save the universe from the destructive effects of the poison, Lord Shiva willingly drank it. However, instead of allowing the poison to reach his stomach, he held it in his throat. The poison turned his throat blue, giving him the name "Neelkanth" or "Blue Throat." This act of consuming the poison but preventing it from causing harm is symbolic of Lord Shiva's self-sacrifice for the well-being of the cosmos.

The Neelkanth episode highlights Lord Shiva's compassion, selflessness, and his role as a savior of the universe. The blue throat serves as a constant reminder of this divine act, and the name Neelkanth is a tribute to Shiva's benevolence and willingness to bear the burdens of the world for the greater good.

What is the importance of Mahashivratri night?

The Maha Shivratri indeed holds great significance in Hinduism as a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness and the conquest of ignorance. Devotees observe Maha Shivaratri by engaging in various spiritual practices that aim at self-discipline, reflection, and devotion.

Some of the key components include:

• Maha Shivaratri is a time for devotees to remember and honor Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil and ignorance. The festival serves as a reminder of the divine presence and the ultimate reality that transcends the material world.

• Devotees often engage in the chanting of prayers, hymns, and mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva. The repetition of sacred chants is believed to invoke divine blessings and create a spiritual atmosphere.

• Maha Shivaratri is a time for contemplation on ethical values and virtues. Devotees reflect on principles such as honesty, non-injury (ahimsa), charity, forgiveness, and the pursuit of knowledge. The aim is to align one's actions with these virtues.

What are the rituals of Mahashivratri?

The day-long fast observed by many devotees during Maha Shivaratri is a significant aspect of the festival. Fasting is viewed as a form of self-discipline, austerity, and purification, allowing individuals to focus their energy on spiritual practices and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is not just a physical restraint but also a symbolic act representing the control of desires and attachment.

• Temples play a crucial role during Maha Shivaratri, with devotees flocking to these sacred places to offer prayers and participate in special pujas and rituals. The atmosphere in temples is often heightened with the sounds of devotional chants, bells, and hymns, creating a spiritually charged environment.

• The adornment of temples with lights adds to the festive ambiance and symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, a theme central to the significance of Maha Shivaratri. The lights are also considered a form of offering and devotion to Lord Shiva.

• Special pujas conducted in temples during Maha Shivaratri involve elaborate rituals, including the ceremonial bathing of the Shivalinga with various substances like milk, honey, yogurt, and ghee. Devotees actively participate in these rituals, seeking the divine blessings of Lord Shiva for spiritual growth, well-being, and the removal of obstacles.

• The overall observance of Maha Shivaratri, including fasting, temple visits, and participation in rituals, is a holistic approach to spiritual development. It allows devotees to express their devotion, purify themselves physically and mentally, and seek the divine grace of Lord Shiva for a life filled with righteousness, inner peace, and spiritual fulfillment.

Symbols of Shivaratri Festival

The Shivaratri Festival's Symbols

The following elements should be included in the Maha Shivaratri devotion, according to the Shiva Purana:

• Bael leaves: Bael leaves represent the soul's purity.

• Food: Fruits and rice are offered to Lord Shiva in exchange for a long life and the fulfillment of wishes.

• Dhoop: To get wealth, incense sticks are ignited in front of the god.

• Betel leaves: These leaves signify contentment.

Chanting mantras for Shivratri

• Panchakshari Shiva Mantra:
  Om Namah Shivaya
  ॐ नमः शिवाय
  
  

• Rudra Mantra:
  Om Namah Bhagavate Rudraya
  ऊं नमो भगवते रुद्राय
  
  

• Rudra Gayatri Mantra:
  Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi; Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat॥
  ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि; तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्॥
  
  

• Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra:
  Aum Tryambakam yajaamahe sugandhim pushtivardhanam |
  Urvaarukamiva bandhanaan-mrityormuksheeya maamritaat ||
  ॐ हौं जूं सः ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृ त्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॐ स्वः भुवः भूः ॐ सः जूं हौं ॐ। ॐ जूं स माम् पालय पालय स: जूं ॐ।

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Mahashivratri Best Wishes

• May Lord Shiva provide you with health, prosperity, and money. Greetings on Maha Shivratri

• On Namah Shivay!!! Let us find happiness and peace in the devotion of Lord Shiva. Wishing a blessed and Happy Maha Shivratri.

• On the occasion of Maha Shivratri, wishing everyone a blessed day dedicated to Lord Shiva. Let us offer him prayers and seek his love.

• Let us take inspiration from Lord Shiva to always be innocent and giving. Wishing a very Happy Maha Shivratri.

• Let us enjoy some bhang as we devote ourselves to the prayers of Lord Shiva. Wishing a very Happy Maha Shivratri to you.

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