Mahashivratri: The Sacred Night of Inner Awakening and Self-Transformation
Mahashivratri is a sacred and special festival of Sanatan Dharma, which is made for Lord Shiva. This festival is celebrated every year on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha of the month of Phalguna. In Mahashivratri, "Shiva" means benevolent power, meaning "night" thus symbolizes the darkness of ignorance that it is considered to be the night, when the seeker moves from ignorance to knowledge and liberation from worldly bondage. This night is considered very special from both Hindu astrology and spiritual point of view.
Why Is Mahashivratri Celebrated? Know These Two Divine Legends!
According to the Puranas, the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati was solemnized on the day of Mahashivratri. It symbolizes the union of Shiva and Shakti, which is considered the basis of the balance of creation. According to another story, on this day, Lord Shiva saved the earth by accepting the poison from the churning of the ocean, due to which Mahadev was also called Neelkanth. Legendarily, this event indicates that by the grace of Shiva, the negative effects of the planets and difficult situations of life can also be calmed.
Astrological Significance: A Night of Planetary Alignment!
According to astrology, on the day of Mahashivratri, the moon is near its weak state, which makes it easier to control the human mind and emotions. The Moon is the planet of emotions of our mind and the weak position of the Moon leads our mind towards self-reflection by reducing the ego. In the Puranas, Lord Shiva is considered to be the presiding deity of the planet Saturn, so the day of Mahashivratri is considered very auspicious for the peace of Shani Dosh, Sadesati, Dhaiya, Kalsarp Dosh and Chandra Dosh. The sadhana done on this holy day is successful in reducing the malefic effects of the planets. According to the Puranas, the Tridev in Hinduism – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva) – are considered to be symbols of creation, maintenance and destruction of the universe. Basically, the act of maintenance is associated with Lord Vishnu, but Mahadev is also considered to be the basis of balance and preservation of the universe. Shiva maintains balance in the creation, when he is destroyed, he creates the universe again. Shiva is called by many names along with Mahadev, Bholenath.
Why Is Mahashivratri Observed at Night?
Mahashivratri, like other Hindu festivals, is celebrated not during the day, but at night. According to the Puranas, the night of Mahashivratri creates a special combination of the energy of the earth and the universe, making your meditation and meditation very effective. It is believed that on this day, the possibility of awakening of the Kundalini power of a person increases. That is why yogis, seekers and ascetics consider the night of Mahashivratri to be the highest for awakening and meditation. There are also devotees of Shiva who are residents of cremation grounds, they anoint Shiva with the ashes of dead bodies on this day. With the chanting of the name, he stays awake all night and worships Shiva, by which he practices the victory of ego and fear. They are called Aghoris or Shaiva tantric seekers. By the way, Mahadev is also called the cremation ground, because he is the master of both life and death. The sadhana done by the Aghoris in the cremation ground means accepting the truth of death and moving towards salvation.
Beneficial Rituals to Follow on Mahashivratri
On the day of Mahashivratri, it is considered very beneficial to anoint the Shivling methodically. The anointing of Shivling with water gives you mental peace, milk calms the moon dosha and offering bel leaves gradually benefits Saturn and Pitru Dosh. Chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra or "Om Namah Shivaya" mantra 108 times on the day of Mahashivratri relieves fear, disease and negative energy. Fasting on this day purifies the body and mind, as well as this day is considered special for planetary peace. This day is very special to worship the new house. If it is advised to wear Rudraksh in your horoscope, then you should wear Rudraksh on this day. It will be very auspicious for you. Rudraksha is considered to be a blessing of Lord Shiva. According to astrologers, the planet Rudraksha is helpful in calming the doshas and increasing mental balance. Wearing whatever Rudraksha is recommended in your horoscope increases positive energy.
Practices to Avoid on This Sacred Night
According to astrologers, tamasic food such as meat, wine, garlic and onions should not be consumed on the day of Mahashivratri, because they increase the effects of Rahu-Ketu in your horoscope. On this day, Tulsi, Ketaki flowers and coconut water should not be offered on the Shivling. Anger, lies, evil and bitter speech should also be avoided on this day, as the negative deeds done on this day can further boost your planetary defect.
What Is the Impact of Mahashivratri on Zodiac Signs?
The effect of Mahashivratri will be seen in different forms on all zodiac signs. Confidence and energy will increase in Aries and Scorpio zodiac signs. Taurus and Libra natives will have an increase in the chances of improvement in the relationship. Cancerians seem to get mental peace and relief from Lunar Dosha, while for Capricorn and Aquarius, it will give a measure of peace in the movement of Saturn Dosha.
The Deeper Essence of Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri is not just a celebration of puja and fasting, but the day is an occasion to meditate and awaken consciousness. This day teaches that there is regeneration only after destruction and there is light only after darkness. The worship of Shiva is not possible by outward appearances, but only by purity and restraint of mind. Mahashivratri is a festival that is a wonderful confluence of religion, astrology and spirituality. On this day, faith, reverence and worship done with the right rituals remove obstacles in life. Mahashivratri is considered to be a special day to get the blessings of Shiva, Shiva is also known by the name of Bhole Baba. Therefore, devotion done with a true heart and spiritual practice is necessary to bless Lord Shiva throughout his life.
Author: Shalini Mehta
Designation: Director Sai Kiran Institute Of Vedic Sciences
