Mahashivratri: Beyond the Myths & Rituals

Every year, Mahashivratri arrives, and we celebrate it with great enthusiasm. But have we ever paused to ask: Is this festival merely about rituals, fasting, and night-long vigils? Or is there a deeper science and spiritual significance hidden beneath the festivities?

Today, let us attempt to dive beneath the surface and understand the true essence of Mahashivratri—beyond the stories.

The Myths: Symbols of a Deeper Truth

There are three prominent stories we often hear about Mahashivratri:

1. The Union of Shiva and Shakti: The rebirth of Ma Sati as Parvati and her marriage to Shiva.

2. The Pillar of Light: The emergence of Shiva as an infinite "Agnistambh" (Pillar of Fire) to settle a debate between Brahma and Vishnu.

3. The Blue Throat (Neelkanth): The night the Devas stayed awake in gratitude after Shiva consumed the Halahal poison to save the world.

   
   

While these stories seem distinct, they all point toward a singular truth: Infinity and Unity. Shiva and Shakti are not two separate entities; they are one, just as fire and its heat are inseparable. If you remove the heat, fire ceases to exist. These stories are metaphors for the ultimate state of consciousness—that which has no beginning and no end.

The Yogic Science: Why Stay Awake?

From a Yogic perspective, Mahashivratri is not just a religious date; it is a planetary event. On this night, the planet is positioned in such a way that there is a natural upsurge of energy in the human body.

This is why it is emphasized to keep your spine erect throughout the night. If you lie down, this surge is impeded. But if you sit with your spine straight and meditate, you align yourself with nature, allowing this energy to assist in your spiritual elevation.

Shiva: Not a Story, But a Method

In the scriptures, when Ma Parvati (Bhairavi) asks Shiva, "Who are you? Are you sound? Are you the void?", Shiva does not reply with a story. He replies with techniques.

He offers the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra—112 methods of meditation. He essentially says, "Do not just listen to stories about me. Practice a technique, reach the experience, and there you will find me."

Shiva is not just a deity to be worshipped; He is an experience to be lived.

How to Observe Mahashivratri

This Mahashivratri, let us move beyond mere listening and step into experiencing. Here is how you can make the most of this night:

• Keep the Body Light: Try to fast or eat very light food during the day. A hunger-free, light body is the best vessel for meditation.

• Keep the Spine Erect: Avoid lying down. Sit with your spine straight to allow the energy to flow upward.

• Meditate: Choose a method—any meditation technique that resonates with you—and sit with it.

Mahashivratri is an opportunity to dissolve your limitations and experience the Shiva principle within. Let us observe this night not just as devotees, but as seekers.

Om Namah Shivaya.

Watch the full insight in Hindi here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwJDRLenN5o