Maha Shivaratri: The Great Night of Shiva
Written and reviewed by The Kriya Yogi · Updated 20 May 2024
Maha Shivaratri, the 'Great Night of Shiva,' is the most important festival in the Shaivite calendar. Unlike many Hindu festivals that are celebrated with feasts and outer displays, Shivaratri is a night of deep inwardness, fasting, and vigil. It is said that on this night, the planetary positions are such that there is a natural upsurge of energy in the human system.
The short answers
- Celebrated on the 13th night/14th day of the Phalguna month (Feb/March).
- Marks the night Shiva performed the Tandava (cosmic dance).
- Commemorates the wedding of Shiva and Parvati.
- A time for fasting (Vrata) and staying awake all night (Jagaran).
- Believed to be the night when Shiva saved the world by drinking the Halahala poison.
- Considered the most auspicious time for overcoming spiritual obstacles.
The Significance of the Night
While every month has a 'Shivaratri,' the one that falls in the late winter is Maha (Great) Shivaratri. Spiritually, the night represents the darkness of ignorance being overcome by the light of wisdom. The vigil kept throughout the night signifies the practitioner's alertness and commitment to spiritual growth, even in the 'darkness' of the material world.
The Legends of Shivaratri
Several stories explain the origin of the festival:
- The Wedding of Shiva and Parvati: It is the anniversary of the union between the ascetic Lord and the Mother Goddess, symbolizing the balance of spirit and matter.
- The Halahala Poison: During the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), a deadly poison emerged. Shiva drank it to save the universe, turning his throat blue (Nilakantha). The vigil commemorates his sacrifice.
- The Emergence of the Lingam: It is the night Shiva first manifested as the Jyotirlinga (pillar of light) to Brahma and Vishnu.
The Practice of the Vigil
The core of the celebration is the Jagaran—staying awake all night. Devotees gather in temples, chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' and performing four Pahars (watches) of puja. The act of staying upright and awake is said to help the spine become a conduit for the heightened cosmic energies present on this night.
Fasting and Purification
Many devotees observe a strict fast, consuming only water or fruit, or nothing at all. This physical discipline is intended to quiet the body and senses, allowing the mind to focus entirely on the Divine. The internal 'heat' generated by the fast is seen as a way to burn off past karmas.
Approaching it with care
Prepare Your Mind
Set an intention (Sankalpa) for the night a few days in advance.
Observe a Fast
Choose a level of fasting that suits your health, focusing on simplicity.
Stay Awake with Chanting
Participate in or listen to chants throughout the night to keep your energy high.
Practice Meditation
The hours between midnight and 3 AM are considered particularly potent.
Cautions worth reading
- If fasting, ensure you stay hydrated and listen to your body.
- Do not force wakefulness through stimulants like caffeine; use the energy of the mantra.
- Respect the silence and focus of others if attending a group event.
What scholars and evidence say
Astrological and astronomical alignments during this period have been noted in traditional texts to correlate with changes in human physiology and receptivity.
Questions people ask
+ Why do we stay awake on Shivaratri?
+ What should I eat on Shivaratri?
+ Is Shivaratri every month?
+ What is the best mantra for this night?
+ Can women celebrate Shivaratri?
Sources
- The Skanda Purana
- Sadhguru, 'Why Mahashivratri?'
- Swami Sivananda, 'Hindu Fasts and Festivals'
These are living traditions, best approached with a teacher or community where possible. Nothing here is medical advice; check with a clinician before starting a new movement or meditation practice if you have a health condition.