Kem cho Aunty! Majama cho?
Aunty, today is Mahashivratri! The one night when Shiva Bhagwan stays up, and do all the bhakts—fasting, praying, and desperately trying not to fall asleep during jagrans.
Normally I would say, “Arre yaar, why are people not eating for the whole day? Bhagwan doesn’t want anyone starving!” I’m sure I’m not wrong, but I should understand more what’s behind it, don’t I? Why do millions of people follow this tradition?
So, it seems that Mahashivratri fasting is different—it’s like an ancient version of intermittent fasting, but instead of doing it for weight loss, people do it for moksha! Imagine—a lifetime of pakodas and fafda, but you fast one day, and boom! You get spiritual benefits. Sounds like a good deal, na?
And then there’s the bhaang waala prasad! Aunty, you know how you get sleepy after two ladoos? Now imagine a prasad that makes you feel like dancing on the moon! Don’t worry, it’s all part of the divine experience. But let’s not get too excited—one extra sip, and instead of seeing Shiva Bhagwan in meditation, you’ll see two of him!
Mahashivratri, meaning “The Great Night of Shiva,” is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is observed on the 14th night of the lunar month of Phalguna, marking the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. The festival is celebrated with great fervor, as it symbolizes overcoming darkness and ignorance in life. Devotees stay awake all night, engaging in bhajans and kirtans, believing that sincere prayers on this auspicious night grant blessings, peace, and prosperity.
The history of Mahashivratri has several origins, such as:
- Some believe it marks the wedding of Shiva and Parvati,
- while others say it commemorates the night Shiva performed the Tandav—the divine dance of destruction and creation.
- Another popular legend tells the story of how Shiva consumed the deadly halahal poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), holding it in his throat to save the world, turning his throat blue and earning him the name Neelkanth.
Temples will be packed today, full of uncles shouting Har Har Mahadev! louder than they cheer for India in a cricket match!
Rituals of Mahashivratri include: fasting, chanting nonstop “Om Namah Shivaya” (aka akhand shiv dhun = an eternal, constant recitation of Lord Shiva’s name) and performing abhishek on the Shivling with milk, water, honey, and bel patra.
The milk sales will be through the roof because every devotee wants to pour it on the Shivling. And I know what you’re thinking— “Why are we wasting all this milk when we could be making doodhpak?” I get it, I do, but Milk represents purity, nourishment, and selflessness, and so offering milk symbolizes gratitude for nature’s abundance and Shiva’s blessings.
So, whether you’re fasting, praying, or just enjoying the temple bhajans from a safe distance while sipping cha, remember—Shiv Bhagwan is all about Tandav, transformation, and total chill vibes. So, enjoy the divine energy of the night, and if you do end up taking a little bhaang, at least make sure your WhatsApp messages the next morning are not too embarrassing!
Har Har Mahadev, Aunty! And happy Mahashivratri!
Majama rehjo!