Skip to main content

Maha Shivaratri Worship: Benefits You Cannot Imagine!

(Image: Sri Sathya Sai Baba Facebook page)

Maha Shivaratri 2025: Wondering why Maha Shivaratri is special and why not to sleep during Shivaratri? As a kid, I loved sitting up through the night and praying to Shiva till dawn. Bhajans used to take place in my parents' home and people used to flock to our home to pray. Wherever I am, I try to attend all night bhajans and prayers to celebrate this beautiful and glorious celebration of Shiva.

Maha Shivaratri: Significance

Most people ask why Maha Shivaratri is celebrated. To understand what is the significance of Maha Shivaratri, we need to understand the essence of why we worship Shiva and why He is shown to reside in the mighty Kailasa. A thorough study of the Shiva Purana is a good place to start. Without equipping ourselves with knowledge through the Vedas and the Puranas, none of us can fully comprehend the glory and splendour of Maha Shivaratri.

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba says, "Purity, Sacredness and Steadiness is the crux of Himachalam' - and He further observes that through our sadhana on Maha Shivaratri, 'Deham becomes Devalayam', the abode of true Kailasa." [READ: Where is Kailasham?]

Maha Shivaratri: What To Eat on Maha Shivaratri

Fasting on Maha Shivaratri is believed to bring manifold blessings and divine protection of Mahadev.

For those who cannot fast, keep meals vegetarian, light and sathvic.

Milk, fruits, nuts can be consumed. Avoid overeating on this day.

Consumption of non-vegetarian food, alcohol or any intoxicants should be strictly avoided.

Maha Shivaratri: What is done on Maha Shivaratri

  • Meditation on the Shiva Linga form of Mahadev
  • Abhisheka (Water, Coconut water, Vibhuti, Honey, Panchamruta)
  • Offering Bilva leaves Archana
  • Fasting
  • Prayers throughout the night till dawn

Maha Shivratri: What Should We Avoid on Maha Shivaratri
  • Maintain shuddhi of the mind and body
  • Avoid garlic
  • Avoid non vegetarian food
  • Avoid intoxicants
  • Avoid smoking
  • Avoid drinking alcohol
  • Avoid criticising others
  • Avoid judging others or wishing ill on others
Maha Shivaratri: Why Not To Sleep on Maha Shivaratri

The divine upward energy of Shiva is believed to reach its peak between 11.36 PM and 1.24 AM.

To tap the divine energy of Mahadev into your mind, body and soul, it is essential to keep the spine straight and the mind fully immersed on worship of Shiva Linga.

If you are able to stay awake till at least sunrise, it will bring divine abundance and protection in an incredible way into your life and for your loved ones as well.

As we chant "Om Namah Shivaya," let us learn to dissolve our egos in the splendour of Shivalingam and immerse ourselves in His name and form.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Most LOVED Posts

The Ugly Truth about Caste in Kerala

Many years ago, when I wrote this post on Kerala's caste system, I had not considered that people would start sending in abusive comments about one caste over the other. It baffles me that this is how Indians, all of us, continue to judge each other on account of caste differences.  [ READ: Guru Kripa: Powerful Lessons at the Lotus Feet ] My question is - why do you ABUSE any caste or community? I suggest that you read about the lives of great Masters and their stories - none of them judged anyone on the basis of caste.  You can read the life stories of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, Tulsidas, Jnaneshwar, Namadev, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Shirdi Sai Baba, and many more Gurus in Sanathana Dharma. NONE of them endorse these caste hierarchies in Bhakti Marga. Assuming that Guru Sampradaya does not appeal to your sensibilities, do read this  new book 'Ants among Elephants' written by Sujatha Gidla, who writes about herself as being bor...
181 comments
Read more

Best time to light diya

Want to know when is the best time to light diya or deepam at home? In most Hindu homes, 'deepam' or 'diya' is lit at least twice - once in the morning and then in the evening. For both times, brass is considered to be auspicious for lighting deepam or lamp at home. Clay diyas are auspicious for lighting at home. On Fridays, it is considered auspicious to use ghee in a silver lamp. READ: Which type of Diya is good for your home What does Deepam represent? Attukal Pongala Story of Shivaji ] When Should I Start Lighting Diyas? The symbolic shift begins from darkess to light. Therefore, in the evenings, light diya before sunset to usher in divine blessings into your home. What is the purpose of lighting a diya? Light dispels darkness. When we light a diya, we bring light into our hopes and positive energy in our personal spaces. Nothing is more beautiful than Light. At what time should we light diya today? Every morning at sunrise and every evening before or at sunset. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Does something bad happen if the diya goes off?

Is it bad if a diya goes off? This is a frequently asked question among people who light the evening lamp or diya regularly in their puja room.  [READ: How To Light Deepam at Home and  Why Malayalis Light Nilavilaku ]                                                     [Image by Sachin Yadav @ Pixabay] Why Did My Lamp Suddenly Turn Off? Where there is faith, there should be no scope for fear - this is Bhagawan Krishna's message to Arjun on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.  That represents strength of Bhakti. [READ: Bhakti: Meera's Greatest Wealth] Consider another example in the tradition of Bhakti.  When Prahlada, a young lad, is targeted by his own father, he remains calm under every situation. When he is thrown into the sea, the wise lad is reminded that the sea is the abode of Shriman Narayana. [ READ: Amazing Stories of Lord Shiva ] H...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ayyappanum Koshiyum movie review: Outstanding film! Biju Menon outshines Prithviraj Sukumaran like never before

Ayyappanum Koshiyum movie review: After blockbuster hit 'Seniors', Malayalam film director Sachy is back in full throttle with Prithviraj-Biju Menon starrer 'Ayyappanum Koshiyum' , a thorough and gripping entertainer.  [Malayalam movie: Seniors by Sachy - Watch and get back in Campus!]                                     [Image: Prithviraj Sukumaran's Facebook page] With its gripping narrative, crisp dialogues, outstanding performances and haunting BGM that creates a real mood, the film 'Ayyappanum Koshiyum' left me completely spell-bound. Truth be told,  I watched it till about 2 AM on Amazon Prime video. Biju Menon and Prithviraj Sukumaran, are outstanding in every scene.  Every dialogue and scene between the two actors swings between light-hearted, humorous nuances that take down our society's mask and a blazing, raw intensity that makes you feel deeply for the two warring...
Post a Comment
Read more

Which type of Diya is good for home?

Curious to know which type of diya is good for home? In most Hindu homes, the diya is lit twice a day - once in the morning and thereafter in the evening. For both times, brass is considered to be auspicious for lighting deepam or lamp at home. However, clay diyas are also considered auspicious for lighting at home. [READ: What does Deepam represent? ] For special occasions such as engagement or festivals and on Fridays in particular, silver is considered as a symbol of prosperity, peace and abundance. Lighting a silver lamp is believed to invite Goddess Mahalakshmi's presence into one's home. Other metals such as copper are not usually used for lamps though copper is considered to be ideal for purposes of healing. [ READ: Significance of Om ] Benefits of Lighting Deepam Every Day Light eradicates darkness. We cannot begin to imagine how lighting a deepam brings in more serenity and positivity, not just in our homes, but even in our minds, the way we think and react over small ...
1 comment
Read more