Mahashivratri, known as ‘The Great Night of Shiva,’ is the most important event in India’s spiritual calendar. It is not only a religious festival but a chance to upgrade an individual’s consciousness and array with the divine energy which sustains the universe. On this night, the cosmic energy is at its peak and offering the accurate conditions for meditation, chanting and purification.
This sacred night has immense significance as it permits us to break down negative patterns, cleanse our energy and invite divine blessings into our lives. In this blog, we will discuss about Maha Shivratri significance and the powerful remedy for abundance and life healing.
The Spiritual Significance of Maha Shivratri
The Maha Shivratri is one of the most significant events for people with spiritual beliefs. People who live in family situations observe Mahashivratri as the wedding anniversary of Lord Shiva according to the Shiva Purana, but it has a different significance based on spirituality. The 14th day of every lunar month is considered Shivratri. Among all the 12 Shivratris which occur in a year, Mahashivratri is considered the most auspicious and sacred, which falls between February and March. The Maha Shivaratri significance states that on this night, the northern hemisphere of the planet is situated in such a position that there is an increase of energy in a human, and nature is pushing an individual towards his spiritual peak. The spiritual significance of this event is discussed below.
- Manifestation of Shiva Lingam
According to Linga Purana, on Maha Shivratri night, Lord Shiva appeared as an endless pillar of fire or the Jyotirlinga, symbolizing his strength. This event is esteemed by Rudrabhishek and the devotion of Shivling.
- Shivratri: Union of Shiva and Shakti
Shivratri denotes the union of Shiva, that is, the consciousness and Shakti, that is, energy. Thus, this auspicious night represents the combination of the two basic forces that rule existence: consciousness and energy.
- Cosmic Dance of Shiva
According to another tradition, Maha Shivratri is the night when Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance known as Tandava, which represents formation, protection and destruction. Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Shiva on the night of Maha Shivratri helps them to achieve moksha.
- Pathway to Inner-Awakening
On the day of Shivratri, the position of the planet creates a powerful energy flow that enhances spiritual practices. Staying awake and enchanting in spiritual practices helps to align the mind, body and soul with this cosmic energy. There is a belief that keeping the spine erect throughout the night drives the free flow of energy and activates the higher states of awareness.
Life-Healing Practices
On the auspicious day of Maha Shivratri, devotees observe some rituals to purify their minds, souls and bodies to connect with Lord Shiva. These practices are as follows.
- Fasting or Upavasa- Detoxing the Mind and Body
Fasting on Shivratri is a strong way to purify the mind and body. Devotees observe upavasa or a day-long fast to cleanse their bodies, remove toxins and promote both mental and physical clarity and make themselves more amenable to divine blessings. Devotees can observe ‘Nirjala Fasting’ or the most dedicated fasting, where they refrain from having food as well as water for a whole day and night. Also, some devotees choose partial fasting where they can consume only fruits, milk and water.
Upavasa on Maha Shivratri is not only a physical avoidance of food but a process to control the senses and energy toward spiritual practices, including meditation, chanting and prayer. There is a belief that fasting with devotion and a pure heart brings the blessings of Lord Shiva and helps to get rid of negative karma.
- Jagaran or Whole Night Vigils
One of the amazing aspects of Maha Shivratri is the nigh-long vigils or jagaran where devotees stay awake the whole night and observe the prayer and meditation of Lord Shiva. This night is divided into four parts or ‘prahars’, and special pujas and offerings are performed in each prahar.
The significance of staying awake on Maha Shivratri signifies consciousness and vigilance on the spiritual path. It is believed that during jagaran, focus on Lord Shiva helps to overcome spiritual ignorance and awaken the inner consciousness.
- Chanting Shiva Mantras
Chanting Shivratri mantras for healing is another powerful spiritual practice. Chanting powerful mantras such as “Om Namah Shivaya” to beg the blessings of Lord Shiva. Chanting “Mahamrityunjaya Mantra” inculcates strength and courage in those who are feeling vulnerable, and this mantra empowers them with clarity and courage to overcome challenges. Reciting the “Shiva Rudra Mantra” fulfils the desires of devotees. The chanting of Shiva mantras releases mental stress and blockages, enhances spiritual vibrations and cleanses the aura and aligns one’s energy with the transformative power of Lord Shiva.
- Meditation- Connecting with the Energy of Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva, the Adiyogi, represents self-awareness and stillness. Meditating on Shivratri empowers an individual to comprehend deep insights and healing. Devotees meditate by manifesting Lord Shiva’s peaceful and disciplined nature. During meditation, devotees mentally chant “Om Namah Shivaya” and seek to surpass the material world and connect with the deeper essence of life, which is signified by the supreme consciousness of Lord Shiva.
Rituals for Abundance
As a tradition, devotees perform several rituals on the day of Mahashivratri. These rituals for abundance are as follows.
- Rudrabhishek- Holy Offerings to Lord Shiva
Rudrabhishek is the ritualistic bathing of the Shiva Lingam, which is the most auspicious and powerful ritual during Maha Shivratri. Devotees offer various substances to Lord Shiva as a symbol of devotion. According to the Shiva Purana, each offering has a particular symbol of worship and purification.
Water: For purification of the soul. There is a belief that since Lord Shiva has the fiery energy of the third eye, water is used to cool Lord Shiva.
Milk: It is the symbol of purity and devotion.
Honey: It represents sweetness and the offering of all desires to the divine.
Yogurt: It signifies prosperity and fertility.
Ghee: It is for removing ignorance and darkness.
Sandalwood Paste: For the devotion and cooling of the mind.
During this ritual, devotees chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for healing and protective powers.
- Offering Bilva Patra and Datura Flowers to Shiva Lingam
One of the most auspicious offerings to Lord Shiva during Maha Shivratri is the Bilva Patra and Datura Flower. This tri-foliate leaf represent the three eyes of Lord Shiva and it is considered as the most sacred and dear to Lord Shiva. Offering these leaves to Lord Shiva helps to overcome sins, bring spiritual merit or punya and attain peace, affluence and deliverance.
- Visiting Shiva Temples
On the sacred occasion of Maha Shivratri, devotees gather at Shiva Temples, specially Jyotirlingas to pray, perform rituals and seek blessings. Pujas and hawans are performed at these temples on the day of Maha Shivratri. It is believed that visiting temples on the day of Shivratri brings happiness, affluence and spiritual growth. The auspicious atmosphere of the temples with collective chantings and rituals enhances divine vibrations and increases the spiritual experience.
Conclusion
Maha Shivratri is an auspicious occasion for connecting with Lord Shiva through various pujas, and devotion. The rituals performed during Maha Shivratri including fasting, whole night vigils, rudrabhishek, offering bilva patra, chanting help devotees to purify their minds and souls and rise their inner consciousness and connect with divine.
Through these sacred habits, devotees can overcome ignorance and negativity, looking for the blessings of Lord Shiva for peace, spiritual growth and moksha. By observing these rituals with devotion, Maha Shivratri empowers spiritual transformation in one’s life.
FAQs
- What is the importance of Maha Shivratri in Hinduism?
Maha Shivratri is one of the most powerful night in Hindu spiritual calendar. It celebrates the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva and Lord Shiva’s consumption of poison (Halala) during Samudra Manthan.
- What is the significance of fasting on Maha Shivratri?
Fasting symbolizes the purification of mind, body and soul which enhances spiritual focus and beg divine blessings. It’s a form of self-discipline to help devotees overcome material desires and connect with consciousness.
- How does Mahashivratri help in abundance and healing?
Mahashivratri creates natural increase of energy. Engaging in spiritual practices on the night of Shivaratri helps to overcome emotional blockages, attract affluency and enhance inner peace.
- Can Children take part in Maha Shivratri Rituals?
Yes, children can observe these rituals through simplified form of stories such as Shiva-Parvati’s wedding, Lord Shiva consumed poison to save the world. These stories will teach the values of love, devotion and sacrifice. Also, children can visit temple, perform light fasting and chant mantras.
