Maha Shivaratri: Why is it celebrated?
‘The great night of Shiva’- a literal translation for ‘Maha Shivaratri’, a Hindu festival largely celebrated in India as well as in Nepal. The festival is celebrated on Chaturdasi (14th day), the eve of new moon day (Amavasya) falling in the middle of Maagha and Phalguna (February to March) according to the Hindu calendar. Among all the twelve Shivratris that occur in a calendar year, Mahashivaratri, the one that occurs in February-March has the most spiritual significance. The day is celebrated to honour Lord Shiva, an important deity in Hindu culture.
There are five nights of Lord Shiva are;
- Maha Shivaratri (the great night of Lord Shiva)
- Yoga Shivaratri (night which a yogi creates for self by yogic trance)
- Nitya Shivaratri (Nightly Shivaratri)
- Paksha Shivaratri (Fort nightly Shivaratri)
- Masa Shivaratri (Monthly Shivaratri)
A Vrata (vow) 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. People who observe fast take a single meal during the day and sleep in a clean place during the night previous to the beginning of the day of ‘Vrata’. In the morning of Shivaratri, believers take a ritual bath in a pious river then visit a Shiva temple and worship to Lord Shiva.
It is believed that on this night the northern hemisphere of the planet is positioned in such a way that there is a natural upheaval of energy in a human being, a supposed day when nature is pushing one towards his/her spiritual peak, and thereby one of the fundamentals of this nightlong festival is to ensure that you remain awake with your spine vertical throughout the night.
What does Shiva signify?
Our culture, traditions, and festivals have a deeper meaning. All of them are associated with a specific divine energy. This divine energy is given a name and form for us to understand the virtues, qualities and its blessings clearly. One among these energies, and the presiding energy, is Lord Shiva.
Shiva can be split into: ‘Sha + ee + Va’
- Sha stands for shareeram or body
- ee stands for eeshwari or life-giving energy
- Va stands for vayu or motion.
For centuries, Lord Shiva has been glamorised by a particular pictorial description: A body smeared with ash, a tiger skin encircling his loins, a crescent moon adorning his forehead, matted hair piled high on his head from where the celestial river Ganga flows, one hand holding the trident, other set in a classical mudra. Sometimes he is playing the ‘dumroo’ as he is consumed in the cosmic dance. The ‘third- eye’ between the brows highlighting his bold handsomeness, snakes encircling his cerulean neck. But it is believed as the symbolism for which Shiva stands for - is more significant rather than the glorious picture manufactured by people.
The word ‘Shiva’ simply means ‘mangalam’ (auspicious). In fact, the term ‘Shiva’ has a much larger connotation which includes;
- having the potential
- being capable of
- boding well
- being favourable or promising.
Why is Maha Shivaratri celebrated?
Ratri means that which gives rest and comforts you. Everything is quiet and peaceful. The environment becomes calm and the body naturally goes into sleep/rest mode.
Ratri also means that which gives relief from the three types of problems: problems to the body, to the mind and to the soul –
Adhyatmik, Adhibhoutik and Adidaivik
‘Shivaratri’ is the night of that transcendental divine consciousness, which brings solace to all layers of consciousness. This night is symbolic of the merging of Shiva and Shakti, making the environment more alive. Thus, it is beneficial to stay awake on Mahashivaratri.
This night brings a sense of deep serenity and benevolence. Any meditation done on this day is a hundred times more effective. It is also astrologically linked: when the sun and moon are in a particular alignment, it helps to elevate the mind. Ancient seers said such days were congenial for spiritual practices. According to Indian astrology, there are certain days and time frames in a year that are conducive to spiritual growth and meditation. Mahashivaratri is one such day.
Mahashivaratri is the wedding of the material and spiritual. It is said that the Shiva tattva (principle/ energy) is, generally, ten inches above the material ground. On Mahashivaratri this consciousness descends and touches the earth element. It is a good time for our inner consciousness to come alive within our body. That is why a spiritual seeker has a special significance for Mahashivaratri.
A fine day to align your mind, body and soul!
Apeksha News Network family wishes you a blessed Maha Shivaratri!
