Non-Silk Road. Mahashivaratri - the great night of Shiva
Maha Shiva Ratri or Shiva's Great Night.
This night is especially favorable for curbing the mind, for prayers and rituals that will help overcome or realize the cause of psychological, spiritual or material obstacles that lead to suffering and lack of freedom. Any spiritual practice will be favorable for this day: yoga, mantra recitation, meditation, as well as fasting and others.
Shiva(Skt. शिव, śiva, “Auspicious”, “Graceful”, “Good”).
He is the one who creates, maintains and destroys creation, the defender of righteousness, the conqueror of demons, the giver of all blessings and the ruler of all things, to whom all other gods obey; in one direction of Hinduism, his hypostasis of the destroyer of the Universe at the end of the world cycle comes to the fore - Mahayugi, to create space for new creation. Considered the creator of the sacred sound ("Om") and Sanskrit, language of worship. He has the hypostasis of a healer and deliverer from death (Mahamrityunjaya). His retinue are spirits and demons; selflessly serving him, they get the opportunity to work off their karma and find the best incarnation.
Also known as Rudra, Shankara, Shambhu, Mahadeva, Maheshwar (Great God), Nataraja and others Shiva names .
It is depicted most often sitting in a lotus position, with white skin (smeared with ashes), with a blue neck, with hair matted or twisted into a bun at the crown (jata) - the union of spiritual, physical and mental energy; wearing a crescent on his head - a symbol of mind control; entwined with snakes as bracelets (on the neck and shoulders), symbolizing the evolutionary power contained in human body, a spiritual force that can be developed through yoga. He is dressed in a tiger or elephant skin and sits on them, which personifies hidden energy and victory over lust. On the forehead - the third eye, meaning his ability to see in depth, and three horizontal lines, which are interpreted as three sources of light - fire, sun and moon or Shiva's ability to see the past, present and future. Mahadeva holds a trident in his hands, reminiscent of his role in the process of creation.
Shiva is the highest consciousness of man.
Shiva is the cosmic male principle.
Shiva is called the power that destroys our delusions in the process of spiritual improvement.
Shiva Nataraj- the embodiment of the cosmic mystery of creation. God with flowing hair dances in a fiery halo, destroying and creating new worlds and forms. This process is endless like the Universe itself.
There is a legend that Shiva in the form of Nataraja performed the great dance of the destruction of the false Reality.
The postures that he performed during this Cosmic Dance became the basis of the yogic asanas of hatha yoga.
In conversations with his wife Parvati, Shiva revealed the subtle aspects of other areas of yoga.
MAHASHIVARATRI
On this night, according to legend, Shiva performed tandava - the dance of primary creation, preservation and ... destruction.
Yogis and various practitioners revere the manifestations of Shiva - as the Father of the World, and as Shakti - the Mother of the World. In their essence, Shiva and Shakti are a single principle.
In one of the legends, Shiva promises his help to those who dedicate this night to spiritual practice, this is perhaps the most significant factor that distinguishes this night from all the others. Symbolizing the aspect of transformation, Shiva helps to overcome obstacles on the path and experience inner bliss and peace.
Shiva is addressed throughout the night of Shivaratri, performing Abisheka (abhiṣeka; "washing", "sprinkling", usually accompanied by the recitation of Vedic mantras and / or kirtans), chanting mantras and performing other rituals and practices.
On Shivaratri, there are usually four pujas dedicated to various aspects and manifestations of Shiva to cover the various methods and moods of worship, both Vedic and Tantric. In addition, such veneration symbolizes various stages spiritual growth, transitions from one achara to another on a single path of Shiva-realization.
In the 9th century, the Kashmiri saint poet Utpaldeva, describing Shivaratri, wrote: "When the Sun, Moon and all the stars are set simultaneously, the radiant night of Shiva comes, spreading its own radiance."
Legends of Shivaratri
According to the Puranas, one day two gods from the Hindu Divine Trinity, Brahma and Vishnu, fought each other to prove their prowess. The other gods were horrified by the magnitude of their battle and asked Shiva to intervene. To let them realize the futility of their struggle, Shiva took the form of a flaming Lingam between Brahma and Vishnu and challenged both of them by asking them to measure the gigantic Lingam (Shiva's symbol).Awestruck by its size, Brahma and Vishnu decided that each of them would find one edge to ascertain the superiority of one over the other. Brahma took the form of a swan and flew upward, while Lord Vishnu took the form of Varaha - a boar - and went underground to the lower worlds. Both searched for thousands of miles, but neither could find the end.
On his way up Brahma came to a Ketaki flower. Exhausted and confused after his efforts to find the top end of the fire column, Brahma secured Ketaki's agreement to lie about seeing the top of the column where the flower was at that time. Accompanied by his accomplice, Brahma appeared before Vishnu and declared that he had indeed found the beginning of the cosmic column.
At that moment, the central part of the column opened up and Shiva appeared in all his splendor. Feeling awe, both - Brahma and Vishnu - bowed to Shiva, recognizing his superiority. Shiva explained to them that both of them originated from himself, and then divided into three various aspects divinity.
However, Shiva became angry with Brahma because of his false statement. The Lord cursed Brahma so that no one would ever pray to him. (This legend explains why there are so few Brahma temples in India.) Lord Shiva also punished the Ketaki flower for false evidence and forbade offering its flowers to the gods during worship.
Since it happened on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Phalgun, when Shiva first appeared in the form of a Linga, this day is very auspicious and is celebrated as Mahashivaratri, the great night of Shiva. To mark this event, practitioners fast, stay awake and offer their prayers to the All-Good throughout the day and night. The Puranas say that the worship of Shiva on Shivaratri gives a person happiness and prosperity. This day is very favorable for spiritual practice, since on such special days any efforts in sadhana bring hundreds of times more effect than on ordinary days.
MANTRAS SHIVE
1) Shiva Shadakshara Mantra(6 syllable mantra of Shiva):
Om Namah Shivaya
Glory to Shiva (Good Lord) is a mantra that purifies all elements.
2) Shiva panchakshara mantra(5 syllable mantra of Shiva):
Namah Shivaya
Glory to Shiva (Good Lord).
3) Maha-mrityunjaya-mantra- Mantra of the Conqueror of Death
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe
We worship the three-eyed Lord (Shiva),
Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
filled with sweet fragrance, nourishing all beings.
Urvarukam iva bandhanan
Just as a ripe cucumber is separated from the stem,
Mrityor mukshia ma mritat
may he free me from the shackles of samsara and death, and may he strengthen me in immortality
This mantra is able to prevent accidents, save from incurable diseases and misfortunes. She bestows health long life, peace, wealth, prosperity, satisfaction, long life and liberation. This mantra is recommended to be recited on your birthday.
4) Shiva moksha mantra:
Shivo Ham
I am Shiva. Moksha mantra, bestowing liberation and divine consciousness.
5) Rudra Gayatri:
Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha
Tatpurushaya Vidmahe
May we attain that Supreme Spirit!
Mahadevaya Dhimahi
We contemplate the manifestations of the Supreme God in everything.
Tanno Rudrach Prachodayat
May that Rudra guide us to the comprehension of the Truth!
6) Shiva Gayatri:
Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha
Ohm. Oh Earth, Airspace and Heaven!
mahadevaya vidmahe
May we attain the Great God!
Rudramurthae Dhimahi
We contemplate in everything the manifestations of God in the form of Rudra.
Tanno Shivah Prachodayat
May that Shiva direct us to comprehend the Truth!
7) Mantra of resorting to Shiva for protection:
Ohm. Namah Shivaya Shantaya
Worship Shiva, full of peace
Karana-traya-hetave
Support and cause of the Three Worlds!
Nivedayami chatmanam
I give myself to you with all my soul
Gatistvam Parameswara
I seek refuge in You, O Supreme Lord!
8) Mantra of devotion to Shiva:
Shiva bhaktish - shive bhaktish
Devotion to Shiva, devotion to Shiva
Shiva bhaktir-bhave bhave
devotion to Shiva in birth after birth
Anyatha sharanam nasti
I have no other refuge and protection
Tvameva sharanam mother
You alone are my Refuge!
9) Mantra-invocation of Shiva:
Ohm. Namaste Astu Bhagavan Visveshvaraya Mahadevaya Tryambakaya Tripurantakaya Trikagnikalaya Kalagni-Rudraya Nilakanthaya Mrityunjayaya Sarveshvaraya Sadashivaya Sriman-Mahadevaya Namaha.
Worship to the Lord, the Lord of the Universe, the Great God, the Three-eyed One, the Destroyer of the three demonic cities (three types of evil: anger, lust and envy), the Personification of the three sacred fires, the Fire of Eternity and Destruction, the Blue-Skinned One, the Great Conqueror of death, the All-Master, the Eternally Good! Holy Great God - worship!
What is asked in Maha-Shivaratri from Shiva
Maha-Shivaratri has a special meaning for women and sadhus.
“When the sun, moon and all the stars are set simultaneously, the radiant night of Shiva comes, spreading its own radiance.” So says one of the main religious texts of Hinduism of the 9th century.
Ritual dances at the Mahashivaratri festival
Shaivism
The Great Night of Shiva or Mahashivaratri is one of the main religious holidays in India. It refers to the tradition of Shaivism (Shaivism) to the direction of Hinduism, which in turn includes many schools, the philosophy of which often differs quite a lot, but at the same time is based common ground- worship of Shiva as supreme deity.
It is worth noting that the traditions of Shiva worship are strong not only in India itself, but also beyond its borders, for example, in Sri Lanka and even in predominantly Buddhist Nepal.
When is Mahashivaratri celebrated?
Like other Hindu holidays, the date of Mahashivaratri "floats" depending on the dynamic lunar calendar. As a rule, the Great Night of Shiva falls on February-March, the time of celebration also depends on the moon and varies in different latitudes.
According to one of the legends, it was on this night that the wedding of Shiva and Parvati took place, one of the manifestations of the power of God - Shakti, according to another - it was on this day that Shiva performed Tandava - the dance of creation and destruction: two contradictory at first glance but essentially the same components of one - any process that can be characterized as birth.
What does the name of the holiday mean?
Maha is translated from Sanskrit as “great”, “ratri” means “night”. It is interesting to note that the prefix “Maha” itself, which is not uncommon in the names of Hindu holidays, indicates that in addition to the main holiday, there are also its secondary counterparts in the form of rituals performed at regular intervals, usually nightly and monthly.
But only once a year, the worship of Shiva has a special power.
Devotees, during the whole day leading up to the holiday and the following night 
they fast, pray, meditate and perform japa, that is, they recite special mantras. On this night, the Panchakshara mantra “Namah Shivaya” or its variation “Om Namah Shivaya” sounds throughout India - one of the main mantras of Hinduism (mantra of 5 syllables), dedicated to Shiva.
Each of the syllables of this mantra has a special power. It is believed that its repetition unites all the elements of existence (earth, fire, air and ether) and all the potencies of Shiva (creator-keeper-destroyer-savior) together and returns the soul, captivated by the habitual reactions of the mind "samskaras" to the Absolute.
On this day, it is also customary to drink a special drink “bhang”, the main ingredients of which are milk, almonds and hemp. Contrary to popular belief, this practice (as well as other practices of Shaivism associated with the use of cannabis) is not universally used - as a rule, only sadhus drink bhang - leading a strict ascetic lifestyle and devoting their lives to serving Shiva.
Like any religious holiday, Mahashivaratri also has a naive folk form. For example, family Indian women on this day pray to Shiva for family well-being and prosperity at home, and unmarried people ask for a successful marriage.
This holiday is of particular importance in the traditional Shaivist cities - Varanasi, Gokarna, this should be taken into account when planning a visit to India during the period.
Today, February 25, 2017, one of the greatest holidays of Hinduism - Maha Shivaratri, is held on the new moon of February-March. "Maha" in Sanskrit means Great, "Ratri" - "night", Maha Shivaratri is the Great Night of Shiva.
All night on this holiday, a yagya (ceremony) is held in honor of Shiva and his wife Parvati. Also, according to tradition, the entire previous day and all night (in 2017 from February 24 to 25) fasting is observed, and the next day only sattvic food is allowed. Shiva's mantras are chanted all night, various pujas are held, and in the morning a bath is performed, if possible in the sacred waters of the Ganges. Perhaps this is the most meditative day of the year, when the fabric of being is thinning and we are approaching Pure consciousness (which symbolizes the marriage of Shiva and Parvati). However, the potential of this holiday is able to influence both spheres of life: both spiritual and material aspects.
The Puranas reveal the significance of this holiday as follows: once, when all the worlds were swallowed up by Shiva, and nothing was present in this darkness, Parvati began to worship Lord Shiva with great devotion and Shiva, pleased with her prayer, decided to reward Parvati and fulfill her every desire. She asked only for the benefit for all beings in all worlds: so that in the future, anyone who worships the Lord with devotion on the day of Shivaratri should be rewarded with Moksha (enlightenment).
There are four types of puja, each of which is performed on this night in turn, with a break of 3 hours:
Linga Puja at Maha Shivaratri
During this puja there is a long libation of water on the Shivalingam. Anyone can approach the altar, put their hands over the Shivalingam in a dhena mudra resembling a cow's udder, and focus on their desires. Meanwhile, the priest pours water through the believer's fingers. You need to bring your mind into a meditative state. You need to understand what you are willing to sacrifice in order to receive something important from Shiva in return.
Rajasika Puja in Maha Shivaratri
Closer to midnight, they begin the 2nd puja, the rajasic one. Rajas means "passionate, dynamic". This puja is filled with mantras from the Puranas and Tantra of the “right hand” and is accompanied by a magnificent worship service with an abundance of various offerings, ecstatic singing and fun. During this puja, it is customary to pray for wealth, career, fame. Or you can just praise Shiva and enjoy the process of worshiping him.
Tamas Puja at Maha Shivaratri
Here the veneration of the formidable aspects of Shiva is performed and his sinister wife Mahakali is revered with him. Until now, in some parts of India, this puja begins with the sacrifice of an animal and the libation of sacrificial blood on the Shivalingam. The soul of an animal, having received a blessing, is reborn into a more perfect forms and his meat will be cooked and distributed as a sacrament. Offerings in this puja are also tamasic: wine, fish, meat, etc. Prayers and mantras from the Tantras of the “left hand” are said here, and black magic, spells, prayers for reprisals against enemies, envious people, demons and evil spirits. However, the enemy can be not only a specific person, but also their own vices and shortcomings. Splitting a coconut in front of the altar is also practiced. This fruit symbolizes the breaking of one's own ego (ahamkara). Like the coconut, the ego has a strong shell, but an emptiness inside. Pride, a sense of self-importance is as deceitful as a coconut.
Fourth Puja in Maha Shivaratri
This is the worship of Shiva as the Absolute, beyond all qualities, names and forms. During this puja, deep meditation and search takes place. internal unity with Shiva. It happens at the hour of Brahma Muhurta (from about 3 to 5 in the morning) - that pre-dawn time when amazing silence reigns in nature, which is ideal for meditation,
which makes it possible to realize Shiva as one's own Higher Self. Also, in this puja, according to tradition, homa or agnihotra (fire sacrifice) is performed. Prayers are written on paper and burned in the fire.
The word Shiva has several meanings. Here are some of them. Shiva is the eternal ocean of the Supreme Divine Consciousness, the one God. Shiva is one of the three main the gods of the Indian pantheon (the other two are Vishnu and Brahman). Shiva symbolizes one of the three aspects of Divine perfection - the aspect of Divine power (while Vishnu symbolizes Divine love, and Brahman - Divine wisdom). Shiva is called the Force that destroys the Universe at the end of its existence (while Brahman is the Force that creates the Universe, and Vishnu is the Force that supports its existence). Shiva is the cosmic male principle. Shiva is the highest consciousness of man. Shiva is called the power that destroys our delusions in the process of spiritual improvement.
Why is the night of Mahashivaratri so significant?
Shivaratri is an auspicious opportunity to concentrate the mind on God. Dedicate at least this one night to the contemplation of the Lord, excluding all other thoughts and worries.
The reason is in the sacred sense underlying this holiday. This night falls on the night of the new moon. And the moon symbolizes our mind. The moon is the lord of manas or our primitive mind (not to be confused with intellect). Mind, like a pair of fish playing in a pond and in constant motion. One fish always looks to the future, the other always looks to the past. This is how our life goes, between regrets about the past and worries about the future.
Probably, each of us has experienced a state in which the mind breaks a lot of thoughts. It is impossible to stop their run, and worries and fears about the future, constant playing in the imagination of pictures of the future - turns everything inside into a hot desert. Our mind is like a stormy ocean, constantly moving and generating an ebb and flow of thoughts. We constantly conduct an internal dialogue, we speak and discuss, we think, we experience. And very rarely there is silence inside us ...
So, the ebb and flow of the activity of our mind is controlled by the Moon. On the night of Shivaratri, she disappears from the visible sky, the mind calms down. His wanderings through the expanses of the future or immersion in the abysses of the past are suspended. We have a unique opportunity to "catch" the moment of the present. Therefore, spend at least part of this night devoting time to your inner world. You can conduct your rituals or use the recommendations in the article "".
In one of the legends, Shiva promises his help to those who dedicate this night to spiritual practice - this is its uniqueness and sacred meaning. For this reason, this night is recommended to be spent awake in meditation, prayer or spiritual practice. As an aspect of transformation, Shiva helps spiritual seekers overcome obstacles on spiritual path and experience inner bliss and peace.
Legends of Shivaratri
According to the Puranas, one day two gods from the Hindu Divine Trinity, Brahma and Vishnu, fought each other to prove their prowess. The other gods were horrified by the magnitude of their battle and asked Shiva to intervene. To let them realize the futility of their struggle, Lord Shiva took the form of a flaming Linga between Brahma and Vishnu and challenged both of them by asking them to measure the giant Linga (Lord Shiva's symbol).
Awestruck by its size, Brahma and Vishnu decided that each of them would find one edge to ascertain the superiority of one over the other. Brahma took the form of a swan and flew upward, while Lord Vishnu took the form of Varaha - a boar - and went underground to the lower worlds. Both searched for thousands of miles, but neither could find the end.
On his way up Brahma came to a Ketaki flower. Exhausted and confused after his efforts to find the top end of the fire column, Brahma secured Ketaki's agreement to lie about seeing the top of the column where the flower was at that time. Accompanied by his accomplice, Brahma appeared before Vishnu and declared that he had indeed found the beginning of the cosmic column.
At that moment, the central part of the column opened up and Shiva appeared in all his splendor. Feeling awe, both - Brahma and Vishnu - bowed to Shiva, recognizing his superiority. Shiva explained to them that both of them originated from himself and then split into three different aspects of divinity.
However, Shiva became angry with Brahma because of his false statement. The Lord cursed Brahma so that no one would ever pray to him. (This legend explains why there are so few Brahma temples in India.) Lord Shiva also punished the Ketaki flower for false evidence and forbade offering its flowers to the gods during worship.
Since it happened on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Phalgun, when Shiva first appeared in the form of a Linga, this day is very auspicious and is celebrated as Mahashivaratri, the great night of Shiva. To mark this occasion, the devotees of Lord Shiva fast, stay awake and offer their prayers to the Lord throughout the day and night. The Puranas say that the worship of Shiva on Shivaratri gives a person happiness and prosperity. This day is very favorable for spiritual practice, since on such special days any efforts in sadhana bring hundreds of times more effect than on ordinary days.
Wedding of Shiva and Shakti
One day Lord Shiva and his consort Sati were returning from the ashram of sage Agastya after hearing Rama katha, or the story of Rama. On the way they passed through the forest and Shiva saw Lord Rama who was looking for his wife Sita, who had been kidnapped by Ravana, the king of Lanka. Lord Shiva bowed his head in reverence before Lord Rama. Sati was surprised by Shiva's behavior, and inquired why he offered his obeisances to a mere mortal. Shiva told Sati that Rama is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. However, Sati was not satisfied with his answer, and the Lord invited her to go herself and verify that this was the case.
Using her power to change form, Sati assumed the form of Sita and appeared before Rama. The Lord knew immediately true identity Devi, and asked: “Devi, why are you alone, where is Shiva?” After that, Sati learned the truth about Lord Rama. But Sita was like a mother to Lord Shiva, and since Sati took the form of Sita, her status has changed. From that moment on, Shiva began to treat her dispassionately and distanced himself from her as from his wife. Sati was upset by this change in his attitude towards her, but she remained on Mount Kailash, in the abode of Lord Shiva.
Later, Sati's father Daksha arranged a yagna, but he did not invite either Sati or Shiva there, because earlier there had been a quarrel between them before the court of Brahma. But Sati, who really wanted to take part in the yajna, went there, despite the fact that Lord Shiva did not approve of this idea. To her great grief, Daksha ignored her presence and did not even offer prasadam to Shiva. Sati felt humiliated and, as if from a blow, experienced great pain from such an insult. She jumped into the sacrificial fire and burned herself.
Upon hearing the news of Sati's self-immolation, Lord Shiva became furious. He picked up Her body and carried it in his arms, beginning to perform the Rudra Tandava dance, the dance of destruction. He leveled Daksha's kingdom to the ground. Everyone was terrified because Shiva Tandava is capable of destroying the entire universe. To appease Lord Shiva, Vishnu divided Sati's body into twelve pieces and threw them on the ground. The places where Shakti's body parts fell became Shakti Peethas, including Kampura Kamakhya in Assam and Vindhyavasini in Uttar Pradesh.
Left alone, Lord Shiva devoted himself to severe penances and retired to the Himalayas. Sati was reborn as Parvati in the family of the God of the Himalayas. She performed penances to break Shiva's meditation and get his attention. It is said that it was quite difficult for Parvati to disturb Shiva's meditation, and she asked for help from Kamadeva, the God of Love and Passion. Kamadeva asked Parvati to dance in front of Shiva. When Parvati was dancing, Kamadeva fired his arrow at Shiva, interrupting his penance. Shiva was greatly enraged, and, opening his third eye, turned Kamadeva into ashes. And only after the prayer of Rati, Kamadeva's wife, Shiva agreed to resurrect him.
Later, Parvati performed severe austerities to win over Shiva. Through her devotion and the support of the gods and sages, Parvati, also known as Uma, was eventually able to seduce Shiva to leave his austerities and marry her. Their marriage was solemnly celebrated the day before Amavasya, in the month of Phalgun. This day of the divine union of Lord Shiva and Parvati is celebrated as Mahashivaratri every year.
OM NAMAH SHIVAYA!
Mahashivaratri, or "the great night of Shiva", is a holiday in honor of the Hindu deity Shiva. It is celebrated annually in February-March (according to the Gregorian calendar), on the night before the new moon in the last winter lunar cycle (Phalgun month). It is believed that on this night Shiva performed tandava (the dance of primary creation, destruction and creation).
The prefix maha means great, chief. Shivaratri is celebrated several times a year, but Mahashivaratri is the most important. So, in Hindu scriptures (especially in the Skanda Purana), you can find 4 types of Shivaratri:
Believers on this day read "katha" stories and sing hymns in honor of Shiva, perform Abisheka (long, continuous libation of water on the Shivalingam), repeat mantras and much more.
After the end of the celebration, which usually lasts about a day, a fair begins on the banks near the reservoirs.
If a person is awake during Shivaratri, then he is promised material wealth and a place in heaven. Meditation on a festive night is 100 times stronger than usual, which is associated with the position of the Sun and Moon.
Lingam is a symbol of the holiday, the main and most important form of Shiva. Most often it is a vertically standing cylinder with a hemisphere on top. At the base is a square (circle), which means yoni (“womb, birthplace”).
Holiday date
In 2015, the holiday is celebrated on the night of February 17. The festivities begin just after sunset.
How is it done in India?
Mahashivaratri in India is the day of worship of Shiva and Parvati. The celebration begins on the day of Shivaratri after sunrise and does not stop all night. Shaivites spend the whole day at the altars, tirelessly repeating prayers, mantras, hymns.
Believers observe fasting, food and drink are forbidden, even Mahashivaratri prasadam. All food is for next day. Hindus take part in the all-night vigil - jaagran (jaagran). It is believed that Shiva will free from all sins and from the cycle of rebirth if all the rituals are followed.
Shivaites perform a ritual bath in the sacred river Ganges, put on new clothes and visit the nearest Shiva temple. There they present him with milk, water, fruits, incense, etc. By the end of the holiday, real milk rivers appear near the temples.
Whole families often come to temples, stand in line for a long time to perform puja. People create a religious and pious atmosphere by singing bhajans and mantra "Om Namah Shivaya". In the temples of Shiva, bells ring, and many garlands and lamps are lit, in large temples orchestras (brass and percussion) perform.
The legend about the origin of the holiday
There are many legends about how this holiday appeared. One of the most popular says that Shivaratri is nothing but the wedding of Shiva and Parvati.
The legend from the Linga Purana says that on this night Shiva appeared before Vishnu and Brahma in the form of a Lingam - a non-anthropomorphic symbol, beginningless and endless.
What is asked of Shiva on this day?
Women and sadhus treat this holiday with special trepidation. Indian women ask Parvati for a successful marriage and beautiful children (since Parvati's husband Shiva is an ideal husband), as well as for family well-being and prosperity.
Since Shiva patronizes ascetics, sadhus (translated as "virtuous person", most often ascetics, saints or yogis) consider Mahashivaratri their holiday. In the name of Shiva, sadhus drink thandai (thandai) - a bhang cocktail made from milk, with the addition of cannabis and almonds.
Technical aspects of conducting
On this day, 4 pujas (worship services) dedicated to various manifestations of Shiva are necessarily performed, trying to cover both Vedic and Tantric methods and moods. Such veneration also symbolizes various transitions from one achara to another, the stages of spiritual growth.
The rites are somewhat different in different regions of India. This holiday is especially celebrated in Varanasi (Kashi) - the sacred city of Shiva, and in Kashmir, since the veneration of this deity is very developed there.
In the 9th century Kashmiri saint poet Utpaldeva Shivaratri described it this way: “When the sun, moon and all the stars are set simultaneously, the radiant night of Shiva comes, spreading its own radiance.”
Pandits from Kashmir celebrated Mahashivaratri for 23 days. First, they cleaned the house for 6 days and bought items for Puja. Then they prayed for 2-3 days. One day gifts were given, another 2 days Bhairavas were revered. One day worshiped Shiva. The next day, the eldest in the family gave gifts to all other family members. Then - another day of worship of Shiva.
Prasad, most often made from walnuts or rice cakes, was distributed the next day. The holiday used to last until the 8th lunar day(Ashtami). The last day marks the end of winter by burning the kangri. These days were full of fun and joy, people dressed in a new and most best clothes, families played with sea shells together.
Modern Shivaratri is performed somewhat differently. Every 3 hours, a large, full puja is performed. The service begins with an introductory ceremony - an appeal to the wise elephant-headed son of Shiva and Pravati - Ganesha. He is asked for clarity of mind, wisdom, good luck in new endeavors, success, and prosperity.
Opens the Vaidika Puja (Vedic Puja) to Shiva. It is believed that the ancient Aryans worshiped not idols, not holy images (murti), but sacred fire. Therefore, this puja begins with the kindling of the sacred fire and with a small agnihotra (fire sacrifice, pouring sacrificial oil into the fire). As a rule, melted butter is poured into the fire, branches of a certain tree are tossed.
It used to be believed that agnihora should not be done to young girls, stupid or ignorant people, as well as to the sick and the uninitiated. Now this ritual is performed by representatives of both sexes.
Next, sattvic (that is, having the quality of goodness) offerings are offered, mantras from the Vedas are repeated. Prayers during the 1st Puja (from 19:00 to 22:00) should be said only with good intentions. It is not recommended to express selfish desires and petty material requests, as well as engage in black magic. It is advised to devote this time to taking care of yourself and your neighbor: "God! Grant me faith, saving knowledge and a true guru!”- usually for such prayers spend the first few hours. It is recommended to pray for others: "God! Make all the sick healthy, the hungry - well-fed, bring prosperity and well-being to our world ... "
Linga Puja
It starts with abhishek, while those who wish can go to the altar and do dhena mudra (the position of the hands is similar to the udder of a cow) and concentrate on those desires that they need. The priest (priest) at this time pours water through his fingers in a continuous stream. At the same time, it is mentally necessary to turn to Shiva and reflect on the balance in the world.
Rajasika Puja
Toward the middle of the night, the linga puja turns into rajasika (translated as “passionate, active, dynamic”) puja, accompanied by mantras from the Puranas and Tantras of the “right hand”. Accompanied by a magnificent divine service, all kinds of gifts are offered, accompanied by ecstatic singing, joy and fun. People are already allowed to ask for material things: prosperity, wealth, fame, career, with personal motivations in the guna of rajas (passion). If there is nothing to ask for Shiva, you can simply enjoy worshiping him.
Tamas Puja
Here Shiva and His consort Mahakali are revered in formidable aspects. The puja begins with a sacrifice, after which sacrificial blood is poured onto the Shivalingam. Heavy offerings: strong drinks, wine, meat, fish. Prayers and mantras of the "left hand" Tantras are recited.
This is the time of black magicians and spellcasters, they use their charms with might and main. Shiva is asked to punish demons, evil spirits, enemies and envious people. In a state of meditation, they call on shivagans (devoted warriors of Shiva) to get even with all ill-wishers. All prayers, as it were, set demons on the victims.
Many rituals are metaphorical, so it is possible to fight with the enemies within ourselves: with vices and shortcomings. Splitting a coconut in front of the altar means breaking one's ego (ahamkara) and meditation is aimed at eradicating all undesirable qualities in oneself. The ego, like the coconut, has a strong, thick shell, but an emptiness inside. Pride and a sense of self-importance, like coconuts, hard on the outside, but empty and liquid inside.
Meditate and during the sacrifice of the animal. It is believed that at this time the pasha-bhava (bestial nature) in ourselves is destroyed, and the killed animal is only a symbol. The blessed soul of the animal is reborn in the best forms, and the cooked sacrificial meat is distributed in the morning as communion.
IN modern world only a few closed groups perform this rite, most prefer more humane imitations. In the past, sacrifices were given a more significant role. For example, ashvamedha (described in ancient epic Ramayana) was held by King Dasaratha so that he would have children.
fourth puja
During the last puja, Shiva is revered as the Absolute, beyond all qualities, names and forms. During the puja, deep meditation and a sense of oneness with Shiva are important. The peace and quiet at this pre-dawn time of Brahma-muhurta (muhurta - the time from about 3 to 5 in the morning) only contributes to such meditation.
A person plunges into deep meditation, falls into the gap between sleep and reality. It is believed that at this time one can enter a higher state of consciousness - turiya. Turiya is an area of pure consciousness, which is the basis for the 3 others (svapna, jagrata, sushupti) and is considered the highest. With prolonged meditation, one can be transferred to turyatita - a state above turiya, thought and mind, where the manifested consciousness is connected with the Absolute, the Divine.
Shiva is felt as the Higher Self, as the Soul. Homa (agnihotra, fire sacrifice) is performed here, during which written prayers will be burned. They are written in advance or during the service. The polite form of writing is very important. A person must first introduce himself to Shiva and only then voice his request.
Conclusion
Having finished long meditations, tireless prayers and complex rites, Hindus say that they feel the purification of the mind from worldly thoughts. This night provides a unique opportunity to relax, gain spiritual experience, forget about the needs of the flesh. In thoughts, one should leave only the name of Shiva and constantly repeat prayers.
