Monday, March 4, 2019 is one of the most auspicious nights of this year in the Hindu calendar. Known as Mahashivratri, this ancient pre-spring festival invokes the blessings of Lord Shiva for both worldly success and liberation. Lord Shiva is known as the one who destroys that which is old and impure to make room for that which is pure and divine. Lord Shiva annihilates our egos, our attachments and our ignorance.  Dispelling ignorance, Shiva emanates the light of knowledge, making one aware of the universe, ushering in the spring after the cold and dry winter. According to Sadhguru, on this night, the northern hemisphere of the planet is positioned in such a way that there is a natural upsurge of energy in a human being.

This is a day when nature is pushing one towards one’s spiritual peak. It is said that if one can stay awake all night long, with the spine vertical, you will allow for this natural upsurge of energy to find its way and one will obtain the darshan of Shiva. The word “Shiva” literally means, “that which is not.” Shiva is nameless and formless. On another level, it is important to remember that in the yogic tradition, Shiva is not worshipped as a God, but considered as the Adi Guru, the first Guru from whom the knowledge originated. After many millennia in meditation, one day he became absolutely still. That day is Mahashivratri.

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Mahashivratri.