What is Shivaratri?
Shivaratri is considered a supremely sacred observance that destroys sins, fulfills righteous desires, and bestows prosperity and spiritual wealth. It is regarded as the most auspicious day for the worship of Lord Shiva. According to belief, even grave sins such as Brahmana Dosha, Guru Dosha, and Stree Dosha can be nullified by sincerely observing the Shivaratri fast.
The Divine Story Behind Shivaratri
Once, Sage Durvasa an incarnation of Lord Shiva’s energy was wandering through a forest when he saw the celestial nymph Menaka adorned with a divine garland made of flowers from the Kalpavriksha. Enchanted by its fragrance, Durvasa requested the garland, which Menaka humbly offered to him.
Durvasa later presented this garland to Lord Indra, the king of the gods, who was seated atop his celestial elephant Airavata. Indra placed the garland on Airavata’s head, but the elephant, intoxicated by its fragrance, tossed it to the ground. Angered by this act of disrespect, Durvasa cursed Indra, declaring that the prosperity of the Deva Loka would perish.
As the curse took effect, divine abundance diminished, rituals ceased, plants withered, and the gods became weak and vulnerable. Seeing this, the Asuras prepared to overpower the Devas. Distressed, the Devas approached Lord Brahma, who guided them to Lord Vishnu. Vishnu advised them to churn the Ocean of Milk (Ksheera Sagara) along with the Asuras to obtain Amrita, the nectar of immortality.
The Churning of the Ocean and the Emergence of Poison
Using Mount Mandara as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as the rope, the Devas and Asuras began the churning. During this intense process, a deadly poison called Halahala (Kalakoota) emerged, emitting flames and toxic fumes that threatened to destroy the universe.
At this critical moment, Lord Shiva fearlessly consumed the poison to save creation. Goddess Parvati, alarmed, held Shiva’s throat to prevent the poison from descending into his body, while Lord Vishnu ensured it did not spill outward. The poison remained in Shiva’s throat, turning it blue, thus earning Him the name Neelakantha (the Blue-Throated One). The vapors of the poison also gave Lord Vishnu his bluish hue.
That night, Goddess Parvati stayed awake, praying continuously for Lord Shiva’s well-being. This divine vigil is symbolically observed by devotees as Shivaratri, a night of wakeful worship.
The Inner Meaning of the Ocean Churning
The story of the churning of the ocean holds deep symbolic meaning. The ocean represents the human mind. The Devas symbolize noble qualities, while the Asuras represent negative tendencies. Discriminative wisdom aligns and balances both.
The serpent Vasuki represents ego, the churning rod Mandara symbolizes focused attention, and the act of churning signifies deep contemplation. During inner spiritual practice, distractions may arise, but intelligence (Vishnu) stabilizes focus. Through sustained effort, the poison of negativity (Halahala) within us is neutralized by the inner presence of Lord Shiva, who grants the nectar of spiritual liberation.
How to Observe Mahashivaratri Vratam
Devotees observing Shivaratri should clean their homes and surroundings the previous day. Rice-based meals should be avoided the night before; light foods like fruits or milk are recommended.
On Shivaratri day, fasting is prescribed. Those in good health may observe a full fast, while others may eat one light meal, preferably temple offerings. Overeating should be avoided. Night-long vigil (jagaranam) is of great importance, with continuous chanting of the Panchakshari mantra (Om Namah Shivaya).
Those unable to visit temples may stay at home and recite Shiva Purana, Shiva Sahasranama, Ashtottara Shatanamavali, Panchakshari Stotra, Bilvashtakam, or Lingashtakam. In the evening, devotees may consume milk or tender coconut offered to Lord Shiva. Complete fasting devotees should avoid even water until this point.
Major Shiva temples conduct special rituals such as procession on Rishabha Vahana, collective chanting, Yama Poojas, and special abhishekams. The vratam concludes the next morning by consuming temple theertham. It is believed that worshipping all five Yama Poojas grants the merit of observing a thousand Pradosha vratas.
Mahashivaratri vratam is observed for fulfillment of desires, longevity, spiritual progress, and complete liberation from sins.
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