Mahashivratri – A Journey from Ritual to Realization
Shaila
Chh. Sambhaji Nagar
Hari Aum!
Koti koti naman at Your Lotus Feet Maa ji.
Maha Shivaratri has been a very special festival for me since childhood. Some memories are not just events; they are emotions woven into our being. Mahashivratri is one such sacred thread in my life.
In my maternal home, Shivratri was not merely a date on the calendar—it was a deeply lived experience. The preparations began the previous night. We would offer 1008 lotuses to Lord Sree Shivji the next morning, and all the children would gather together to gently open the petals of each lotus. There was laughter, humility and a sense of excitement in the air. As children, we did not fully understand the depth of what we were doing, but we felt the sanctity of it.
From a very young age, I was always asked to perform Lord Sree Shiv ji’s Puja—even if it was something as simple as offering a little Gangajal before leaving for school. That small daily act slowly and unknowingly made Lord Shivji an inseparable part of my life. What began as obedience to elders became a personal bond with the Divine.
After my wedding, I continued the tradition in my own small way. On the eve of Shivratri, I would prepare 108 belpatras, carefully wash them, and write “Sree Ram” with chandan on each one to be offered the next morning. The act was repetitive, yet meditative. Every leaf felt like a prayer, every stroke of chandan a reminder of surrender.
However, my understanding of worship transformed deeply after coming under the SISS wing. There, I learnt the correct method of offering Puja—the Shodashaupachaar—as taught by Mata ji, detailed in Ishwar Upasana book. Ritual was no longer mechanical; it became conscious. Each step had meaning, each offering symbolized an inner refinement.
This year, I was fortunate to attend Mahashivratri at SISS. The entire day was immersed in sadhana. Guided meditation by Mata ji, Bhaav abhivyakti, and a powerful Sree Rudrabhishekam in the evening created an atmosphere of profound devotion. The night continued with further guided meditation, culminating in Dhyaan Sadhana past midnight. It was not just an observance—it was a spiritual immersion.
The main purpose of meditation, as I have learnt, is Aatm shuddhi—inner purification. Meditation is a beautiful instrument to reconnect with our divinity, which has gathered impurities over several lifetimes. Mata ji explained that meditation is not an “event” that happens; it is a state of mind. Devotion is good, but knowledge about devotion is even more important. Only when understanding accompanies faith, does higher truth begin to reveal itself. When I have a higher purpose, it becomes easier to rise. I cannot continue to live in my lower nature; I must consciously drop my inauspicious tendencies. Growth demands refinement.
Fasting on Mahashivratri is also deeper than merely abstaining from food. It signifies restraint over the five organs of perception and the five organs of action. It means refraining from unnecessary indulgence of the mind. How can I understand Sree Shiv tattva, if I cannot maintain sacredness in thought, word, and deed?
We often say that shallow waters are disturbed while deep waters remain still. If I cultivate depth within myself, I gain the capacity to absorb. Depth can be developed through introversion—by turning inward instead of constantly being distracted by the outer world.
Mata ji also explained why we should not worship a broken (khandit) idol. Brahman is akhand—indivisible and whole. If we worship what is broken, we may unconsciously forget this truth of ‘Wholeness’. The symbol must remind us of completeness, not fragmentation.
Going subtler is the highest kind of seva. When I focus on others’ attributes and flaws, my own mind becomes disturbed. Why should I burden myself with that? I am greater than my mind, and I must live with that awareness. Let me not embrace worldliness in thought and action. Let me instead walk towards Immortality.
For me, Mahashivratri has evolved from a childhood ritual of offering lotuses to the Deity to a conscious journey of merging with my ‘Self’ in my lotus heart within. From petals in my hands to silence in my heart—the journey continues...
Heartfelt Gratitude to Manish ji who always make retreats and camps easy to comprehend yet deep in its impact.
I ask for forgiveness for the mistakes I must have made.
Pranaam