Benefits of Mahashivratri

Shiva is a fascinating deity for some as he defies most of the stereotypes associated with being a God. With his dreadlocks, cobra necklace, austere way of life, and aloof demeanor, he is a complete enigma. Though he is usually shown in a calm and meditative pose, he is quick to anger and even the gods are terrified when he opens his third eye.

Shiva’s representation is rich in symbolism. The snake,Vasuki, coiled around his neck, signifies his control over death and fear. The crescent moon that adorns his hair represents the time cycle. The three spikes of his Trishul (trident) represent the three gunas - sattva, rajas and tamas. The three horizontal lines of ash on his forehead signify the destruction of the three worlds. His third eye represents the future. Hence, He is the Lord of all three times – past, present and future.

The most important festival for Shaivites or Shiva devotees is Maha Shivaratri, the great night of Shiva. It occurs in Phalgun month (Feb-March). Maha Shivaratri occurs only once a year. But every month there is a Shivaratri on the 13th night in Krishna Paksha.

On Shivaratri, Shaivites stay awake during the night, chant Mantras, do meditation, etc. Some consume Bhang (a beverage made from cannabis) and smoke weed. Bhang is also offered during worship. According to mythology, Shiva is known to smoke marijuana.

Mahashivratri is celebrated with great fanfare by Hindus in India and Nepal. People in different regions have their unique customs. In Southern Karnataka, for instance, children will indulge in mischief and then demand punishment. This evokes Shiva’s punishment of Brahma for lying). In Kashmir, Brahmins celebrate Shiva’s marriage to Parvati by beginning the celebrations 3-4 days before the main festival. Mahashivratri is even celebrated in some parts of West Indies, reportedly.

There are different legends about Mahashivratri. Some say it is associated with Shiva’s dance of destruction and re-creation. Others claim that it is the night he married Goddess Parvati. Unlike the majority of Hindu festivals, Mahashivratri is celebrated at night. And while other festivals are exuberant and grand, Mahashivratri is more muted in its celebrations and calls for introspection rather than indulgence. It is regarded as a holy and auspicious night to seek Shiva’s grace and blessings. Worshipping Shiva on this day can bring wish-fulfillment, spiritual awakening, and God realization.

Significance of Mahashivratri

Mahashivratri is a festival with spiritual significance. It is all about seeking a deep connection with Shiva and attempting to become one with him. But it also brings worldly happiness and gain as on it is an auspicious day when the devotee’s prayers are likely to be answered. As it is the wedding night of Shiva and Parvati, young girls observe vrat/fast and ask Shiva to give them a good husband like him. Married women also observe vrat and ask him to ensure good health and a long and prosperous life for their husbands.

By observing the Mahashivratri fast strictly, the devotee can control Rajas Guna (the quality of passionate activity) and Tamas Guna (the quality of inertia). Both these qualities have a negative effect on us. When we spend the whole day focusing on God, praying and worshipping with true devotion, we are able to overcome negative thoughts like anger, lust, jealousy, etc., which are caused by Rajas guna. By keeping all-night vigil (jaagran), we can overcome the influence of Tamas Guna too. Fasting instills discipline and self-control. It also detoxifies the body, makes the mind alert, and helps us to focus on Shiva.

By celebrating Maha Shivratri, we can gain both material and spiritual benefits.

Benefits of Worshipping Shiva

Ablution of Lord Shiva can purify the soul.

• By making offerings (Naivedya) for Shiva, one can attain a long and satisfactory life.
• By lighting a lamp for Shiva, one gains knowledge.
• By offering Tambula to Shiva, one may get favorable results.
• Milk Abishekam for Shiva Lingam can bestow progeny.
• Curd Abishekam for Shiva can enable one to buy vehicles.
• By offering darbha grass mixed in water to Shiva, one can be cured of diseases.
• Offering honey, ghee, and sugarcane to Shiva can make us wealthy.
• By bathing Shiva with Ganges water, one can attain salvation.

Spiritual Benefits of Celebrating Mahashivratri

Those who are on the spiritual path can gain spiritual wisdom by celebrating Mahashivratri. This will bring them closer to him, and bless them with Moksha/liberation. On Mahashivratri, the planetary positions are such that it generates an upsurge of energies in our bodies. This enables both spiritual evolution and physical well-being. Hence, devotees stay awake all night to make the most of these energies. Chanting Mantras and doing meditation on Mahashivratri enhances spirituality and creates bliss and peace.

On Mahashivratri, it is the custom to offer water, milk, honey, and Bael leaves. This has a unique significance. In spiritual terms, Shiva represents the Soul, and these offerings can purify the Soul. Other practices like applying vermilion on the Shiva Linga strengthens moral virtues. Offerings of fruits bestow longevity and wish-fulfillment.

Burning of incense sticks represents wealth blessings and lighting diyas represents the gifts of wisdom and knowledge. Applying Tripundra (the 3 horizontal stripes of holy ash applied on the forehead) boosts spirituality. The 3 stripes signify purity, spiritual knowledge, and the practice of Yoga. Supposedly, those who pray and fast with genuine faith on Mahashivratri will get the benefits of praying for an entire year. They can also be absolved of all their sins and gain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.