THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MAHASHIVARATHRI

Dear Balarishi,

What is the significance of Mahashivarathri ? How should a person with minimum exposure to spiritual ethics make use of this night ?

 

Every month, the fourteenth day after pournami is known as Shivarathri. The Shivarathri which falls on the month of Maasi is known as Mahashivarathri. As per our puranaas, many events signifying the greatness of Shiva & Sakthi happened on this Mahashivarathri.

 

When Sakthi was reborn as Parvathi and did penance to marry Shiva, it was on Mahashivarathri, their wedding took place. AanadhaThaandava of Shiva & Sakthi took place on this night.

 

There was an ego fight between Brahma and Vishnu.They decided to ask Shiva to give the verdict. They were not able to find the tip and toe of Shiva as he stood as a stream of
light.  Vishnu took  the  form of varaaga and travelled beneath the earthto find the feet of Shiva. Whereas Brahma took the form of a hamsa and went upwards in an attempt to see the head of Shiva. Their search was in vain.

 

Responding to the prayers of  Devas, Shiva gave darshan in the form of Lingothbava.   Uthbava means "being available to others vision". This also happened on a Mahashivarathri.

 

Apart from the puranaas, in yogic tradition much emphasis is given for Mahashivarathri as this particular night is supportive for all spiritual practices. Anyone who is willing to connect with the divine can avail the support which is readily available this night. If you are initiated into a particular saadhana, practicing it on Mahashivarathri will be more effective.

 

 

Seekers are asked to undertake Upavaasam , so as to be receptive and aware of the spiritual upsurge happening on this night. Though one has no much exposure to spirituality, just by being awake and keeping his spine erect inner cleansing can be felt. One can induldge in reading spiritual works and chanting panjaakshara throughout the night. The whole of Mahashivarathri is very important for spiritual saadhanas. In particu'ar, Arthajaama - from  2 Am to 5 Am is very significant !