Maha Shivaratri- A Journey of spiritual Awakening and Inner Transformation
View(s):- “Hindus Celebrate The Power Of Lord Shiva” Religious And Spiritual Education Column Expert Opinion
Shivratri, also known as Maha Shivratri or Maha Shivarathri (Tamil), is a Hindu festival that is celebrated annually in honour of Lord Shiva, one of the main deities in Hinduism. The festival is observed by fasting, praying and offering devotion to Lord Shiva. Fasting on Shivratri is considered to be extremely auspicious and is believed to bring blessings and fulfillment of desires.
This Hindu festival celebrates the power of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva protects his devotees from negative and evil spirits.
Shiva is known by many names such as Viswanatha (lord of the universe), Mahadeva, Mahandeo, Mahasu, Mahesha, Maheshvara, Shankara, Shambhu, Rudra, Hara, Trilochana, Devendra (chief of the gods), Neelakanta, Subhankara, Trilokinatha (lord of the three realms), and Ghrneshwar (lord of compassion).
He is the epitome of powerful and auspicious energy.
The significance of Maha Shivratri is rooted in Hindu mythology and is associated with several legends. According to one legend, it is said that Lord Shiva saved the world from darkness and ignorance by drinking the poisonous elixir that was produced during the churning of the ocean by the gods and demons. The day is observed to celebrate this event and to honor Lord Shiva’s victory over evil.
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva saved the world from destruction on this day and this festival is a way to pay homage to him.
Another legend associated with Maha Shivratri is the story of the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is said that on this day, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married and their union represents the union of the individual self (jivatma) with the universal self (paramatma).
WAYS TO RECEIVE BLESSINGS FROM LORD SHIVA ON SHIVRATRI
Some of the common rituals performed during Maha Shivratri include fasting, staying awake all night, offering prayers and offerings to Lord Shiva, and chanting mantras dedicated to him. People also visit Shiva temples to offer their prayers and perform special pooja ceremonies.
• Offerings: Devotees, both in temples and homes, honour Him by anointing the Shivlinga (Shivalingam) with offerings such as milk, curd, fruits, Vibhuti, tender coconut, ghee, panchamrita, honey, sandal paste, sugarcane juice, water and Vilva leaves, in a ritual known as “Rudra Abhisheka”. This is considered to be very auspicious on Maha Shivratri and is said to please Lord Shiva. The offerings symbolize purity and devotion.
• Mantra chanting: Chanting the “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra is considered to be very powerful on Maha Shivratri and is believed to bring blessings and fulfillment of desires. Mantras resonate through the air during these offerings, infusing the atmosphere with Spiritual energy.
Pooja: Performing a pooja (worship ceremony) to Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri is considered to be very auspicious Set up the puja by placing a picture or idol of Lord Shiva, along with a Shiv Linga or Shiva Yantra on a pedestal or platform. The pooja involves lighting a lamp, offering flowers, fruits and incense, and reciting prayers and mantras.
• Visiting a temple: Visiting a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri and offering prayers and offerings is considered to be a very auspicious act.
• Helping others: Performing acts of kindness and helping others is considered to be a way to please Lord Shiva.
• Cleanliness: Cleanse yourself by taking a bath and wear clean clothes. Clean the pooja room or designated area where you will perform the pooja.
• Abhishek: Perform Abhishek, which involves pouring milk, honey, or water over the Shiv Linga while chanting mantras.
• Aarti: Conclude the pooja by performing aarti, which involves lighting a lamp and waving it in front of the deity.
Despite His grandeur, Lord Shiva is said to be content with even the humblest offerings such as milk or sweet potatoes, reflecting His benevolence and approachability.
OBSERVANCE OF DAY-NIGHT FASTS AND THE BENEFITS TO DEVOTEES
Maha Shivaratri celebrations are marked by the observance of strict day-night fasts and staying awake throughout the night. Fasting is the practice of abstaining from eating or drinking anything for a specified period. The Hindu religion has always advocated fasting and in recent times, many experts are encouraging people to fast, thanks to the benefits fasting brings. “Maha Shivaratri fast”, is also called Maha Shivaratri Vrat(Viradham). This is a practice of fasting for 24 hours, from morning of the festival until the next day.Puranas say that observing the fast on the night of Shivaratri would bring devotees ” bhukti” or prosperity on earth as well as “mukti” or salvation.
CONCLUSION:
In my humble opinion, Maha Shivratri symbolises a profound ” journey of Spiritual awakening and inner transformation”.
As devotees unite in prayers and meditation, they seek and invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings and seek a deeper connection with the limitless consciousness that He epitomises.
Maha Shivaratri serves as a timeless reminder of the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution, which is mirrored in the rhythms of our own lives.
The Non-Hindus too could celebrate Maha Shivratri and receive blessings from Lord Shiva. People from all backgrounds and cultures are welcome to participate in the celebrations of Maha Shivratri. The festival is a celebration of spiritual unity and all are welcome to join in the prayers and offerings to Lord Shiva.
My message on this Holy day is, “In life, be grateful for everything you have. In gratitude, the mind expands, trust becomes more concrete and Lord Shiva, the Supreme Consciousness directs and facilitates the achievement of higher goals.
Hence, always “BE GRATUITOUS”.
“May Almighty Lord Shiva bless you, your family, work, our Motherland and the Universe”.
Maruthai Ravindhiran is the Former Chairman of Health Awareness Projects, Head of the Pre-Primary School, Senior Advisor and Senior Lecturer and Senior Teacher Trainer of Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Hindu Religious School, the Educational wing of the Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Devasthanam, a 150 year old Sacred and Hall of Fame, Hindu Temple in Colombo 13, Sri Lanka.
Ravindhiran is also the Former President of the Youth League for Sanathana Dharmic Perception (YLSDP), in Sri Lanka for three (3) consecutive years.
He is a Visiting Lecturer in Business English and a Specialist in Professional Communication, Group Communication and Presentation Skills and a Life Transformational and Life Management Coach.
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