MAHASHIVRATRI — THE MYSTICAL NIGHT OF SHIVA
Maha Shivaratri literally means ‘The Great Night of Shiva’. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in the Hindu month of Phalguna; more specifically on the 13th lunar night ( Trayodashi) transiting to the 14th lunar night ( Chaturdasi).
On this night, Sun is in Aquarius sign while Moon is in Capricorn sign. The planetary positions are aligned in such a pattern on this auspicious night that it naturally invokes an upsurge of energy in the human structure. Being awake the whole night and meditating on Shiva’s name rejuvenates the devotees -physically, mentally and spiritually.
Maha Shivaratri is observed a night before Amavasya i.e. the New Moon. Moon represents the Mind; this Mind keeps attracting and distracting us in different directions. On the 14th lunar night when the Moon Energy has its least effect on the Mind, it is appropriate time to direct our energies inwards. This inward journey quietens and calms the Mind and thus helps us connect to the ‘ Shiva Tattva ‘ — the element of Shiva within us. Shiva is the very energy which administers and regulates entire creation — within and without us.
The secret of remaining awake the whole night:
According to Ayurveda, Vata imbalance is the root cause of most diseases. A person with balanced Vata is healthy — both physically and mentally; he is positive, active and calm. Maha Shivaratri is the night to balance the Vata in the body. The energies around us this night are most conducive to align the Cosmic Energy to regulate the excessive Vata.
Sitting comfortably in Padmasana or Ardha-Sukhasana automatically keeps the spine erect. Essentially, performing Anulom Vilom Pranayam — ancient yogic breathing technique — in this pose helps balance and regulate the Vata energy in the body. Besides, this kriya also purifies the Energy Body — Sukshma Sharir and activate Higher Consciousness.
Note: Do not forget to recite the Panchakshari Mantra 108 times after doing the Pranayama.
Maha Shivaratri Muhurat 2020:
Here is the auspicious Muhurat for Maha Shivaratri — 2020 for Mumbai:
- On February 21, 2020: Nishita Kaal Puja Time — 24:27 to 25:17 hours
- On February 22, 2020: Maha Shivaratri Parana Time = 07:03 to 15:47 hours (breaking of fast)
What should you do during Maha Shivaratri?
Maha Shivaratri is a very auspicious and potent night to start any Mantra Sadhna. It is also a promising time to initiate remedies for fulfillment of desires or solving of problems. This is also a good occasion to apologize for your wrongdoings and free yourself from any guilt.
Here is the list of things you can do on Maha Shivaratri:
- Start any health related Mantra recitation such as Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.
- This is the best time of the year when you can start wearing Rudraksha, Pearls and silver ornaments — especially for remedial purposes.
- If you are already wearing a Rudraksha, please energize it on the day of Shivaratri. It will become ten times more powerful.
- For childless couples: For protection of pregnancy and to get a healthy child, the wife should wear Garbha Gauri Rudraksha.
- For early marriage: Eligible boys and girls should wear the ‘Gauri Shankar Rudraksha’ on Mahashivaratri.
- It is also good time to install a Parad/Mercury Shivling (for health); you can also install a Sphatik/Crystal Shivling (for wealth and prosperity).
- People with weak Chandra/Moon should perform Mahashivratri Pooja. Those who cannot perform Pooja should at least meditate on Lord Shiva on this night.
- Those troubled by malefic Shani/Saturn or Pitru / Kaal Sarpa / Manglik / Grahan Dosha should definitely do appropriate remedies on this day. People suffering from Kaal Sarpa Dosh should fast and light up an akhand diya (Eternal Lamp) followed by Rudrabhishek.
- Shiv Aradhana or Shiva Meditation is the most effective and powerful remedy to calm down Rahu and Ketu. A very good remedy for Ketu is the reciting of Shiva Panchakshari Stotra: Na-Ma-Si-Va-Ya.
SHIVA MANTRAS & THEIR BENEFITS:
- Basic Shiva Mantra: A very powerful Mantra which enhances your abilities and raises the intellect to the optimum levels.
- Panchakshara Stotra: The ‘Panchakshara’ literally means “five letters” in Sanskrit and refers to the five holy letters Na, Ma, Śi, Vā and Ya. The human body is made up of five elements and these five letters represent these elements. Na — Prithvi Tattva (Earth element), Ma — Jal Tattva (Water factor) Si — Agni Tattva (Fire element) Va — Vayu Tattva (Air factor) and finally Ya — Akasha Tattva (Sky/Space element).
- Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra: This mantra protects from accidents and cures chronic diseases. Besides it also averts untimely death and increases longevity.
- Mantra for Mental Peace: Om Shiv Shiv Saamb Sadashiv Om — ॐ शिव शिव साम्ब सदाशिव ॐ
- Shiv Gayatri Mantra: Shiv Gayatri Mantra is recited for getting long life (longevity).
ॐ महादेवाय विद्महे रुद्र मूर्तये धीमहि, तन्नो शिवः प्रचोदयात् |
- Nirvana Shatkam: This mantra given by Adi Shankaracharya is a strong healing mantra which grants good health, peace of mind and overall prosperity.
Na Mrityur Na Shanka Na Me Jaati Bhedah, Pitaa Naiva Me Naiva Maataa Na Janma
Na Bandhur Na Mitram Guru Naiva Shishyah, Chidaananda Rupah Shivoham Shivoham
न मृत्युर् न शंका न मे जातिभेद: पिता नैव मे नैव माता न जन्म
न बन्धुर् न मित्रं गुरुर्नैव शिष्य: चिदानन्द रूप: शिवोऽहम् शिवॊऽहम् ॥
- Regular chanting of ‘Bam Bam’ mantra gives relief in diseases which are related to muscles, nerves, joints pain, and rheumatism.
Originally published at http://astrologyindailylife.com
