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.

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