What is Maha Shivaratri Festival
-
Shiva is one of the most revered and powerful Gods in Hinduism. He is the one among the Trinities come as Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva). He is the Supreme in the Universe who is the protector as well as the destroyer. He is the one who is immortal and owns Time. He is the one who has got victory over Death and is also known as Mrityunjay.
By just chanting to the Shiva’s Maha Mrityunjay Mantra, one can defeat death and can recover even from chronic illnesses. Such a powerful Lord is memorized every year on the day of Maha Shivaratri.
This event happens once a year on the 14th night of Chaturdashi Thithi in Krishna Paksha or the duration of February to March. This year, it will be celebrated on 1st March 2022 all over India.
Let’s uncover more aspects about Maha Shivaratri-
Maha Shivaratri – The Darkest Night
Since Shivaratri is celebrated on the 14th night, the Lunar month in Krishna Paksha, it is the waning phase of the moon. On this night, the Moon losses all its brilliance, and it becomes the darkest night of the month.
However, even while being the darkest night, it is not considered evil because it signifies Shiva and his wisdom. The darkness is unlimited, and it has no end; hence, the darkness here represents Shiva, who has no beginning or end. This means that Shiva is omnipresent or the one present in all the Universe.
Maha Shivaratri is a day about introspection, self-observation, yoga, meditation, and fasting. It is about purifying the mind and soul and becoming one with the divine.
The event is celebrated at night, and all the devotees stay awake. They offer prayers and conduct poojas; they remain observed in Shiva. This also helps their mind remain engaged in Shiva; humans learn to practice control, patience, and get rid of negative thoughts. They detach themselves from worldly pleasures and put their attention to Lord Shiva; this is their one major day to cut down on karma and attain salvation.
Shiva – The Adi Guru and the Epitome of Divine Knowledge
Shiva is also known as the Adi Guru, the one who is the source of divine knowledge. Shiva is the Supreme, he is the most compassionate one, and he is the one from whom the knowledge originates.
Those who come under the shelter of Shiva get enlightened with knowledge and taste the ultimate peace and joy. Maha Shivaratri india is a major day for the seekers of spirituality or those who already practice spirituality. The day enriches them with unique experiences and helps them progress on their path.
On Maha Shivaratri, devotees honor Lord Shiva by offering all the dear things to the Lingam. They offer him prayers and meditate upon the name of Shiva. Devotees withdraw themselves from all the worldly pleasures, and they feel the vibrations of Shiva’s name all over their bodies and mind. They practice honesty, forgiveness, and become compassionate toward each other.
Shiva teaches us the meaning of being forgiving and having love in your heart. The vibration of the syllables generated from Shiva’s mantra turns all the negative thoughts into positive and cultivates an energy shift in the being.
On Maha Shivaratri, people observe fast, which helps them attain inner peace. When one devotes himself to Shiva and consumes limited food or no food, it helps strengthen your body and purifies the mind. This happens because your body needs less energy to digest the food since less or no food is consumed during fasting; the remaining energy helps you stay focused on Shiva.
The day gives us a chance to lose ourselves deep in meditation and experience the oneness. Shiva hence is an epitome of self-transformation; he performs great austerities, he knows to abstain from all pleasures. Shiva is the one who can guide us toward self-realization and happiness; hence Shivaratri is the day which every devotee of Shiva celebrates wholeheartedly.
Shiva is also the Lord of the elements. These elements are earth, fire, water, air, and space. These are also the elements with which every living creature is formed, and hence Shiva becomes the Lord of every existence ever.
Devotees who seek realization more than surface-level turn to Shiva and worship him as Adi Yogi. There are several Yogis who consider Shiva as their teacher and their only destination. They can see how Shiva is present everywhere and is the source of the creation and end.
Maha Shivaratri is surely a vibrant festival that is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. However, it is also a day that presents the mystery of Shiva; it is the day that motivates us to be spiritually enlightened. By keeping ourselves engaged in Shiva, we can reach the heights of spirituality and enjoy the state of oneness.
Shiva is the one who is timeless, without any form, and still presents in the whole Universe. This Maha Shivaratri, celebrate Shiva and get the divine guidance to progress in your spiritual journey.