Maha Shivaratri, generally referred to as Shivaratri, is one of the most important festivals in India. It is a night of worship to pay homage to Lord Shiva, the force behind all transformation and growth. Shivaratri means Great Night of Shiva and is an extremely auspicious time to meditate, pray, and recite mantra to invoke Shiva’s presence in our hearts.

Legend

Several legends surround the origin of the Shivaratri. One of them recounts the story of a hunter who was looking tirelessly for a prey in order to feed his family but to no avail. In the evening, he climbed up a tree to spend the night. He started plucking its leaves and throwing them on the ground, hoping to attract an animal. A doe came but pleaded to the hunter to let her live so she could see her family one more time after which she promised to return. The hunter agreed to let her go. The doe returned, this time with a male deer who asked the hunter that he be killed instead. The hunter took pity on them and, despite his hunger, spared their lives. Unknown to the hunter there was a Shiva Lingam - a representation of Lord Shiva used for worship in Indian temples - under the branch he was sitting on. The hunter had unwittingly worshipped that lingam by sprinkling water and throwing leaves on it. When he had pardoned the deer family even in dire hunger, he had pleased Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in front of the hunter and blessed him with wisdom.

This festival  takes place every year beginning on the night before the new moon of the 11th or 12th month of the Hindu calendar*. More specifically, celebrations occur on the 13th night and follow through into the morning of the 14th day of the waning moon (Krishna Paksha).
This year, at our center, the Shivaratri will be held on February 20th.

Celebrations during the Shivaratri consist mostly of mantra recitation. A fire ceremony is traditionally performed as an integral part of the celebrations. During the proceedings, individuals in groups of 3 are invited to be seated in front of the hoven, a ceremonial fireplace, whereby ahutis, offerings of sacred herbs, are put into the fire. This activity not only symbolizes the burning of karma but, according to Vedic texts, eliminates negative traits in our temperament, character and behavior.

As the ahutis are being offered, the entire assembly simultaneously chants specific mantras, chosen for the occasion. During Shivaratri, we will focus on the Maha Mrityunjaya, one of the mantras of Lord Shiva. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra helps release our consciousness from the restraints of any limiting patterns of thought and behaviour. It sets the stage for greater freedom of self-expression. Specifically, this mantra is recited when we need strength to meet a challenge, attain a goal or overcome any blockages that may be interfering with our well-being. A phonetic transliteration will be given to help you pronounce the mantra correctly.

At least one mala, the equivalent of 108 recitations of a mantra, is completed for each mantra that is being recited. Using a rudraksha mala* during the Shiva mantra recitation can bring even more potent results. Rudraksha beads, from the rudraksha tree have a mahogany-like color; they are said to have sprung from the tears of Lord Shiva.

*Malas are available at the Birla Center

Part of the Shivaratri celebrations also includes ahutis, offerings made by pouring milk over a Shiva Lingam as the Shiva mantra is being recited.

The Shivaratri celebration will be held between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm.

Additional Information

The tradition of reciting mantra, while offering sacred herbs into fire, is an especially powerful ritual to burn old karma and invoke the favor of Lord Shiva for the year to come. The custom is to clasp the right forearm with the left hand while holding a pinch of the sacred herbs with the fingertips of the right hand.  As you end each repetition of the mantra, for instance Aum Namah Shivaya Swaha, sprinkle your offering of herbs gently into the fire upon saying the last word Swaha.

At the end of the celebration, a tilak, a red paste - also made of sacred herbs - will be placed at the point between your eyebrows, indicating the 3rd eye. This symbolic gesture is meant to ignite spiritual awareness. In addition, a moli, a bracelet made of string that is dyed red, will be tied around your right wrist as a symbol of commitment to remain joyful and contented in body, mind, and soul throughout the year. In closing, Kheer, a sweet Indian dessert, will be served to everyone.

Celebrants are advised to bring their meditation cushions or blankets to sit comfortably on the floor. Chairs, however, will be available for those who prefer to sit off the ground.  Everyone is invited to bring a devotional offering of a fruit and a flower during this auspicious occasion.

Please note that this activity is free. To reserve your place and/or your accommodations, call us toll free 866.428.3799.

* The months of the year are based on the lunisolar calendar governing the spiritual life of Hindus; an extra month is inserted once every three years.

Upcoming meditations at the Birla Vedic Center

Thursday, March 8: Full Moon and International Women’s day
Friday, April 6: Full Moon
Sunday, May 20: New Moon in Taurus and Solar Eclipse
Wednesday, June 20: Summer’s Solstice