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Mahashivratri – The holy night of Shiv and Shakti

by with One Comment festivalsmantrasanatan dharmashaktishivatantraYoga

An Introduction to Mahashivratri: A Yogic Celebration Honoring Bhagwan Shiv

Mahashivratri stands as a pinnacle among the holiest days, revered globally for its significance in the yogic tradition. Mahashivratri translates as “the Great Night of Shiv,” and it holds exceptional reverence. This annual festival commemorates Bhagwan Shiv, the epitome of cosmic consciousness and the ultimate yogi. While Shivaratri occurs monthly in the Hindu calendar, Mahashivratri is observed once a year during late winter, preceding the arrival of spring.

In ancient Indian culture, people celebrated 365 festivals annually. These festivities were not merely occasions for merriment; they served as opportunities to immerse oneself in various spiritual practices such as yoga, meditation, chanting mantras, kirtan, and the pursuit of truth. Whether driven internally or externally, participation in these rituals was valued for its contribution to meaningful karma.

Unifying Yogic Discourse

Despite the diverse purposes of these festivals, they shared a common thread: the discourse conducted during these events often centered around yogic principles, serving as a medium for spiritual exploration and enlightenment.

The Significance of Mahashivratri

Among these festivals, Mahashivratri stands out as a cosmic event of unparalleled importance. It transcends the realm of ordinary celebrations to offer a unique opportunity for individuals to unite with Shiva, the divine entity. As the night unfolds, it reveals profound yogic experiences, fostering a transformative shift toward spiritual enlightenment within each participant.

Stories and legends

Numerous stories and legends surround Mahashivratri, illustrating its profound significance. Whether recounting the divine marriage of Bhagwan Shiva with Mata Shakti, his resurrection of Chandra Dev, the purification of Earth by Mata Ganga, or the dissemination of yoga knowledge, these narratives underscore the sacredness of the occasion. Some even suggest that by observing Mahashivratri, one may accrue the merits of a million years of meditation and potentially attain a state akin to Shiva himself.

Significance of Mahashivratri

Rooted in Hinduism, Mahashivratri signifies a solemn remembrance of transcending darkness and ignorance prevalent in life and the universe. Devotees engage in various practices, including prayers, fasting (Vrat), yoga, and meditation. They focus on virtues like self-restraint, honesty (Satya), nonviolence (Ahimsa), and forgiveness. Throughout the night, ardent worshippers remain awake and chant mantras and do meditation. Yet there are others who embark on pilgrimages to Shiva temples or sacred Jyotirlingams, fostering a deep spiritual connection.

Shiv Shakti Unon in Mahashivratri

Bhagvan Shiv: The Divine Yogi

Bhagvan Shiv revered as the first yogi (ādiyogi) and guru (ādiguru), imparted timeless wisdom to the saptrishis (seven sages) on the banks of Lake Mansarovar in the Himalayas. This profound knowledge of yoga transcended borders, spreading across continents over millennia. Bhagvan Krishan’s rendition of this knowledge through the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita further solidified his status as Yogeshwar, the god of yoga.

Rituals and Practices

The observance of Mahashivratri involves fasting, with devotees abstaining from solid foods, and consuming only water. The night is spent in reverent prayer, often chanting “OM NAMAH SHIVAY” as a devotional practice. The following morning, the fast is broken with fruits, milk, or water, symbolizing surrender to Mahadev and the eternal cycle of creation and dissolution.

The Supreme Shiv Consciousness
The Supreme Shiv Consciousness

Universal Reverence for Shiv

The reverence for Shiv transcends time and geographical boundaries. Shiv temples and jyotirlingas stand as symbols of divine light and universal presence across the world. From ancient India to distant lands like Egypt and Mesopotamia, Shiv’s worship resonates across cultures. This is reflective of the universality of his divine essence.

The Supreme Shiv Consciousness - union of shiva shakti on Mahashivratri sivaom
The Supreme Shiv Consciousness – union of shiva shakti on Mahashivratri sivaom

Seeking Spiritual Enlightenment

On Mahashivratri, devotees bask in Shiv’s infinite brilliance. Yogis do fasting and worship throughout the day and night, seeking liberation from past karma and enlightenment. The sacred chants of “ॐ नमः शिवाय” (Om Namah Shivay) and “हर हर महादेव” (Har Har Mahadev) are the main mantras. They can be heard from a distance as the echos of devotion to the supreme lord of yoga, Bhagwan Shiv.

Mahashivaratri transcends mere ritualistic observance, inviting seekers on a transformative journey. It is a night dedicated to spiritual awakening, self-realization, and divine communion with Bhagwan Shiv.

rudraksha

Rudraksha – How to wear, Important Rules & Precautions

by with No Comment mantrasanatan dharmashaktishivatantraYoga

In antiquated Hindu society, rudraksh is connected with the tears of Bhagavan Shiv ji, (Rudra + aksa). You must’ve seen numerous yogis, sages, babes, and babes wearing rudraksh. Its a mala as well as its entire power field of vitality, it’s not just a style embellishment but as well as an assistant to the spirit, paying little heed to your motivations to wear the rudraksh, there are particular Rules to Wear and if not remembered the rudraksh can bring about genuine harm to your prosperity.

Normally the dots of Rudraksha are hung together as a mālā. Customarily, it is trusted that the quantity of dots utilized ought to be 108 in addition to one. The additional dab is the bindu or “guru dab”. On the off chance that the mālā does not have a bindu, the vitality is said to end up recurrent and wearers who are touchy may get to be unsteady.

At the point when the dots are hung, it is prudent to do as such with either a silk or a cotton string. It is then encouraged to change the string at regular intervals to keep it from snapping and the 109 globules from disseminating. The Rudraksha mālā may likewise be hung with either copper, silver or gold, commonly by a diamond setter. A typical issue with mālās set up with such metals is the mālā being tied too firmly. This may bring about the internal parts of the Rudraksha seeds splitting and disintegrating from intemperate weight. Along these lines, it is important to guarantee that the mālā is tied freely.

Somebody who truly wants to leave undesirable propensities and carry on with an existence of virtue can wear Rudraksh’s and may get themselves free not long after in the wake of wearing it . This has happened to numerous. It might transpire likewise, on the off chance that you will unequivocally. Rudraksh force is more than any jewels, yantra, tantra, mantra and Jantra. By and large the wearer and the admirer of Rudraksh is honored with flourishing, peace and wellbeing. However there are sure safeguards to be taken to keep away from the addition of sins. These safety measures are, for example:-

  • Rudraksh must be worn after Sidhhi (method of purification & charging with Mantra), performing the prayers and ritual rites for its sanctification and Hawan, etc. It should be worn on auspicious day, Monday or Thursday. Rudraksh Mantra and Rudraksh Origin Mantra is to be chanted daily 9 times while wearing in the morning and after removing before going to bed. Rudraksh must be removed before going to sleep and must be kept at the puja place.)
  • Rudraksha, being organic, is preferably worn in ways that do not involve metal
  • Rudraksh can be worn in the morning after having a Bath. It can be worn after reciting the mantra as above and incense/ ghee lamp etc must be used. It must not be touched before bathing. One should clean his hands properly after using the toilet.
  • The wearer of the Rudraksh should not eat non-vegetarian food and should not take alcohol. He should speak truth always and must go to Lord Shiva temple for his blessings.
  • Rudraksha must not be taken to the cremation grounds and funerals. Also, it must not be taken to the place while visiting a newborn baby.
  • NEVER wear the Rudraksh while having sex.
  • WOMEN must not wear the Rudraksh during their menstrual cycle.
  • ALWAYS keep your Rudraksh clean. Dust and dirt can settle in the pores of the bead. Clean these as frequently as possible with something with soft, fine bristles. If the thread becomes dirty or worn out, change it. After cleaning, wash your Rudraksh with some blessed holy water. This helps maintain its sanctity.
  • ALWAYS keep the Rudraksh oiled… After regular cleaning, oil the bead and treat it with incense. This is of UTMOST importance. especially when not using the bead for sometime, or storing it for a while.
  • Many get confused with the shape and size. One should not seriously worry about it. Just see that the Mukhi is well defined, corns and contours are natural, and there are no cracks near the central hole. Normally the buyer gets a feel when Rudraksh is kept in the palm. He/She feels that this is the one which was wanted.
  • Rudraksh is hot in nature. Some people just can’t wear it. Their skin shows signs of allergy. They can never wear any gold, silver, or thread chain. So better not to use it. Keeps the beads in the Puja room and offer daily prayers.