Maha Shivaratri: A Night of Inner Awakening and Divine Consciousness

Renowned spiritual scholar and astrologer Chilakamarthi Prabhakar Chakravarthy Sharma highlights the profound significance of Maha Shivaratri, emphasising its role as a sacred occasion for self-realisation and inner transformation.

Sharma, a respected pravachan (spiritual discourse) speaker, author of Panchang (almanac), and Vedantic scholar, explains that Maha Shivaratri is not merely a festival but a powerful night dedicated to awakening the divine consciousness within.

He describes Shiva as the eternal Tattva — the underlying force beyond dualities such as light and darkness, creation and dissolution. The word Shiva signifies auspiciousness, peace, and welfare, embodying the supreme energy that dispels ignorance and grants wisdom.

According to Sharma, ‘Shivaratri’ means the night of Shiva and Ratri, symbolising the transition from ignorance to knowledge. On this night, devotees observe fasts, vigil, and chant sacred mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya,” which harmonise the body with cosmic energies.

He recounts mythological stories associated with Shiva, such as the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) and Shiva’s consumption of poison, which turned his throat blue — becoming Neelakantha. Other traditions mark the night as when Shiva and Parvati were married, and the Jyotirlinga manifested.

Sharma elaborates on different forms of Shivaratri: daily, monthly, and the most sacred Maha Shivaratri in the month of Magha. He stresses that one day of sincere worship can be equivalent to a year's devotion.

The rituals include holy baths, Abhishekam with water, milk, honey, and Bilva leaves, and night-long vigils divided into four phases: Rudra chanting, prayer, storytelling, and Maha Mangala Harati.

Devotees are advised to observe fasting, perform Rudrabhishekam, chant “Om Namah Shivaya,” and practice charity, while avoiding anger, non-vegetarian food, falsehood, laziness, and harming others.

The power of the Panchakshari mantra — representing the five elements — is central to the spiritual practice, aligning the human consciousness with the cosmos.

Sharma concludes with a profound message: “Do not search for Shiva outside. Melt your ego within — that itself is Shiva Darshan.” When ignorance is dispelled and true knowledge dawns, that is the real essence of Maha Shivaratri.