(Photo source: Hotstar Devon Ke Dev Mahadev)
Spirituality has never been in my head. Life is uneasy, and every step of life gave challenges. Educated we, felt life challenges are better to sharpen us. Why should spiritual in challenging times? It’s mean to be spiritual for a purpose, instead, spirituality can be a way of life.
It’s been some time of my life that I took a disciplined approach towards life and lifestyle. I wouldn’t say I opted for Spirituality and I will be awakened. These terms have too deep meaning.
Spiritual is a way of life. Our day’s activity pushes us to do things that are against the principle of spirituality. Improvising life and be spiritual is the best to win the day. Spirituality is an effortful process, don’t give up on it.
Spirituality is a continuous process of imagining a Godly figure. The belief in divine power and continuously looking at us for the choices we make. Reciting the godly text and doing the right things. It can be for any religion and whatever God you believe. Belief is important, not the type of God you believe.
So, I am in the spiritual process and have not yet reached anywhere close to awakened by spirituality.
Then comes the day in Hindu Religion called “Maha Shivratri”. This year it is on the 11th of March 2021.
Everyone needs it. I will pray for it for myself and everyone who plays a part in my life.
I list down some essential things on how to celebrate MahaShivRatri.
Importance of Maha Shivratri
Sadguru says, Maha Shivratri is very significant for people who are on the spiritual path. It is also very significant for people who are in family situations, and also for the ambitious in the world. People who live in family situations observe Maha Shivratri as Shiva’s wedding anniversary. Those with worldly ambitions see that day as the day Shiva conquered all his enemies.
I celebrate Maha Shiv Ratri fasting for a full day and keeping up with the spiritual need. I will recite the mantras. Have good thoughts of life and try to attract the energies which will form as a planetary position. Shiva will be very generous this day to bless and forgive sins.
Who can celebrate Maha Shivratri
Sadguru says Maha Shivratri is not a religion-based festival. It can be celebrated by anyone who believes in cosmic energy.
Maha Shivratri is for anyone who wants to observe a day of spirituality by fasting and recite Om Namah Shivay. The simplest way to be spiritual on a day when God Shiva became still like a mountain. There is the belief that he became Mount Kailash.
Fasting is observed varying strictness depending on individual beliefs and practices. Here are some common fasting types:
- Full one day of fasting, no food or water.
- Limiting oneself eating some types of fruits (banana, watermelon, muskmelon, or even boiled sweet potato) and drinking water or some milk.
- Eating one time during the day, till next morning
Be neat and clean on this day and try to recite Om Namah Shivay. Feed some homeless people with a full meal will be great.
Create a sense of connection when you chant and think of eternal power Shiva in the form of Lingaa. Let go of the attachment of what you are and look for inner peace.
Meditate
Shiva is worshiped as Adi Guru., taught us Yogic life and meditates to keep up his calm of rush. I believe that this universe is calm since he is in a yogic posture and keeping calm.
On the night of Maha Shivratri, it is even considered the darkest day of the year. There will be various cosmic energies around. The best to get a feel of it and grab for your progressive life is to meditate on the night of Maha Shivratri.
Sadguru says we are the animal with an erect spine. We are the best animal to grab the energies of Maha Shivratri by not lying flat or sleeping on this night.
Keep up with your energies. Do not fall asleep on this night.
Recite Mantras
There are many mantras of Shiva. Out of which Öm Namah Shivay is easiest. But then you can even learn some quick mantra list below. You can even run YouTube to make sure you pronounce closest to what it is in Sanskrit.
Reciting mantra keeps you close to God and your thoughts are right.
Mantras:
- Panchakshari Shiva Mantra – ‘Om Namah Shivay’
- Rudra Mantra – ‘Om Namo Bhagwate Rudraay’
- Shiva Gayatri Mantra – ‘Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudr Prachodayat’
- Shiv Dhyaan Mantra – ‘Karcharankritam Vaa Kaayjam Karmjam Vaa Shravannayanjam Vaa Maansam Vaa Paradham | Vihitam Vihitam Vaa Sarv Metat Kshamasva Jay Jay Karunaadbdhe Shree Mahadev Shambo’
- Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra – Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam | Urvarukamiva Bandhanath Mrityomukshiya Mamirat’
Har Har Mahadev mean Hail Mahadev. Shiva is Mahadev and the greatest God of them all.