MAHA SHIVRATRI – THE ECSTATIC NIGHT OF SHIVA
Maha Shivaratri literally means ‘The Great Night of Shiva”. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in the Hindu month of Phalguna on the 13th lunar night (Trayodashi) transiting to the 14th lunar night (Chaturdasi). On this night, the Sun is in the Aquarius sign while Moon is in the 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 the 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’s Energy has its least effect on the Mind, it is an appropriate time to direct our energies inwards. This inward journey quietens and calms the mind and helps us connect to the ‘Shiva Tattva’ – the element of Shiva within us. Shiva is the very energy that administers and regulates the entire creation – within and without us. Maha Shivaratri is a celebration of spiritual significance and a cultural and cosmic event deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and tradition. Legend has it that on this auspicious night, Lord Shiva performed the heavenly dance of creation, preservation, and destruction, known as the Tandava Nritya. This divine dance symbolizes the cosmic cycles of life, death, and rebirth, highlighting the eternal rhythm of the universe. The Secret of remaining awake the whole night: Staying awake throughout the night symbolizes vigilance and awareness. It represents a heightened state of consciousness and mindfulness in which devotees remain fully present and engaged in their spiritual practice, whether through meditation, chanting, or prayer. This vigilance helps ward off ignorance and negative influences, allowing individuals to deepen their connection with the divine. In Hindu philosophy, the night symbolizes Tamas, one of the three Gunas or qualities of nature associated with darkness, ignorance, and inertia. By remaining awake and actively engaging in spiritual practices, devotees strive to overcome the influence of Tamas and cultivate qualities of light, knowledge, and dynamism associated with the other Gunas, namely Rajas and Sattva. According to Ayurveda, Vata imbalance is the root cause of most diseases. A person with balanced Vata is physically and mentally healthy; 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 aligning the Cosmic Energy to regulate the excessive Vata. Sitting comfortably in Padmasana or Ardha-Sukhasana automatically keeps the spine erect. Performing anulom vilom pranayam – an 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 activates Higher Consciousness. Note: Do not forget to recite the Panchakshari Mantra 108 times after doing the Pranayam. Maha Shivratri Muhurat 2025: Here is the auspicious Muhurat for Maha Shivaratri – 2025 for Mumbai: Maha Shivaratri is on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 Nishita Kaal Puja Time – 12:27 AM to 01:16 AM, February 27 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 the fulfilment 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 to 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 the protection of pregnancy and to get a healthy child, the wife should wear Garb Gauri Rudraksha. For early marriage: Eligible boys and girls should wear the ‘Gauri Shankar Rudraksha’ on Mahashivaratri. It is also a good time to install a Parad/Mercury Shivling (for health) or Sphatik/Crystal Shivling (for wealth and prosperity). People with weak Chandra/Moon should perform Mahashivratri Pooja or at least meditate on Lord Shiva on this night. Those troubled by malefic Shani/Saturn or Pitru/Kaal Sarpa/Manglik/ Grahan Dosha should 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. You can read and contemplate on scriptures related to Lord Shiva, such as the Shiva Purana, Linga Purana and Rudram Chamakam, to deepen your understanding and connection with His divine attributes and teachings. You can perform Rudrabhishekam, a special ritual where Lord Shiva’s lingam or idol is bathed with various sacred items like water, milk, yoghurt, honey and ghee while chanting Vedic hymns and mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva. SHIV MANTRAS & THEIR BENEFITS: Basic Shiva Mantra: A very powerful Mantra that 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
RUDRAKSHA – THE MIRACLE BEADS
Rudraksha has been used in India since times immemorial for its therapeutic, medicinal, astrological and spiritual significance. Rudraksha actually refers to the seed of the tree which goes by the same name. The scientific name of Rudraksha is Elaeocarpus ganitrus. There was a time when these beads were very popular in India – people of all ages, sex and groups wore them in the form of malas and bracelets. In one of the best-known research papers published by Dr. Subhas Rai of the prestigious IIT, Banaras, Dr. Rai has confirmed that Rudraksha beads have potent electromagnetic, paramagnetic and inductive properties. These very properties endow healing powers to the beads. Uniquely, there are no do’s and don’t’s for wearing a Rudraksha bead or mala. Anyone can wear them – irrespective of age, sex, religion, caste or creed. Similarly, one can wear it all the time. For safety purposes, one may remove it while sleeping (to prevent cracking) and bathing (if using chemical soaps and shampoos). Benefits of Rudraksha: Rudraksha beads provide a kind of protective cocoon to the wearer and safeguard them from various adverse circumstances and negative energies they may come across in their daily lives. For this reason, the wandering sadhus, sanyasis and travellers wear these beads. It is not only an antacid, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-gout, antioxidant but is also a muscle relaxant and anti-depressant in properties. Hence the body of a regular wearer remains free from diseases. The beads are helpful in stabilizing blood pressure. It also regulates heartbeats. It reduces headaches and is beneficial in treating mental disorders. Moreover, it is possible to control and manage Epilepsy too with the help of Rudraksha. Wearing Rudraksha on the arm also helps in preventing a paralytic attack. Tying a cord or thread containing 3 to 5 Rudraksha on the waist helps in alleviating back pain. Similarly, it also helps in calming the mind and increasing concentration. It is very useful for those who are suffering from hypertension or depression. Some particular beads have the power to revive stagnant business, acquire much-deserved promotions and bring all-around success. Wearing a Rudraksha Mala bestows one with Riddhi, psychic powers and prosperity. Moreover, the beads also reduce the adverse effects which malefic planets indicate in a horoscope. It helps to increase willpower and nurtures the mind to align itself to positivity. Besides, it calms the movement of energy in the Chakras and gives a tranquil feeling of peace. In addition, these beads confer freedom from past karmas. It opens the heart and mind to superior wisdom; thereby unravelling one’s purpose in life more clearly. Note: The Rudraksha tree is of Indonesian and Nepalese origin. It somehow found its way to India and flourished well in the hilly regions of Uttaranchal. One can visit their orchard which was developed and managed by Shri Shivdas Moolchand Khatri. This farm is situated on the Dehradun-Mussoorie road behind the Shri Prakasheshwar Temple. To read more about Rudraksha Remedies, click HERE.
RUDRAKSHA – GENERAL REMEDIES
THE BLESSING OF SHIVA Rudraksha has multifaceted properties of healing the body, mind, psychological and emotional issues. It is also a remedy for eliminating/reducing the malefic effects of planets in one’s horoscope. These beads are believed to provide a kind of protective energy for the wearer; they are able to cocoon them from the various circumstances, places and individuals they encounter in their day-to-day life. Here are some of the benefits of Rudraksha that one can use in daily life: Chronic cough and phlegm: Rub a Rudraksha and a dry Tulsi stem with water. Extract pastes of both. Mix this combined paste with a teaspoon of honey. If taken regularly for 3 months, your chronic cough will vanish. Eyesight: Hold a Rudraksha to your eye level in front of the rising Sun. Gaze at it for 20-30 seconds. Then touch it to both the eyelids. This, when done for 3 months on a regular basis, not only improves eyesight but also cures the early stage of cataract. Conjunctivitis: Keeping Rudraksha in a pot of water for at least four hours energizes it. This water can be used as eye drops. Furthermore, this proves to be very soothing to those suffering from burning eyes or conjunctivitis. Heart and Senses: Rudraksha bead helps in stabilizing the body and calming the heart and senses. It also helps regulate the heartbeat and keeps blood flowing. It keeps heart attacks and high blood pressure at bay. Especially 5 Mukhi beads is considered to be good for heart diseases. Constant fever: If your baby is suffering from constant fever, tie a 3 faced (3 Mukhi) Rudraksha around his neck. Anti-inflammatory: Rudraksha beads have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Drinking the water of soaked beads helps increase immunity and offers resistance to various diseases. It is a rich source of Vitamin C. Stammering: If your child stammers, boil two 4 faced (4 Mukhi) beads in milk. Cool it a bit and let him drink before going to bed. Follow this for three months for effective results. Do not forget to remove the beads from milk and wash it properly for your next use. Weak memory: Those suffering from weak memory should boil 4 faced (4 Mukhi) Rudraksha in milk and drink it. This is good especially for students and older people. Vaastu Dosha: If you are facing problems in life due to a Vaastu or Nazar Dosha, make a Bandanwar (decorative door hanging) with 54 or 108 big sized Rudraksha beads and hang it inside the main door. This will remove all the negative impacts and energies from the house. To read: RUDRAKSHA – THE MIRACLE BEADS, click HERE.