Maha Shivaratri is an important festival celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. It is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati and also the day when Shiva revealed his true form. The festival is celebrated by worshiping Lord Shiva and meditating on his divine power. This year, it falls on the 18th of February in India.
Maha Shivaratri has a deep spiritual significance as it is believed to be a time when one can connect with their inner self and attain spiritual enlightenment. It is said that those who meditate on this day will be blessed with inner peace, strength, and courage. People also use this time to practice yoga, chant mantras, and perform various rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva in order to get his blessings.
Over centuries, on this particular day, households and communities too gather around and sing bhajans, and are awake the whole night in anticipation of the Lord showing his true form.
Lord Shiva is the subject of many stories. According to Sri Sri Sri Ravishankar, Lord Shiva is not a person but rather the spirit that underlies all of creation. Every living thing contains this energy, which permeates the entire cosmos. The name of this force is called the Shiva Tattva.
Maha Shivaratri holds a great spiritual significance for Hindus, as it marks the day when Lord Shiva manifested himself in physical form. This day is observed with fasting and meditation to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. People also perform special rituals such as offering prayers, chanting mantras and performing puja to seek his divine grace. It is believed that those who observe fast on this day are blessed with health, wealth and prosperity by Lord Shiva.
People also visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva on this day to offer their prayers. The festival is seen as an opportunity for spiritual growth and enlightenment, so it should be celebrated by everyone regardless of their religious beliefs.
It is a great opportunity for people to take some time out from their busy lives and focus on spiritual practices like meditation and prayer. By doing so, we can connect with our inner selves and find inner peace. Celebrating Maha Shivaratri also helps us recognize the importance of nature and its beauty.
I Pushpam Appalanaidu, as an ardent devotee of Swami Sivanananda and Lord Shiva, offer my prayers on this day thanking the Lord for his supremacy and showing us his love.
Thank you,
Om Namah Shivaya
