Mahashivratri: The Night of Divine Union and Inner Awakening

SawanShivratricelebrated on July 23, 2025, it is a night that is devoted toLordSHIVA or MAHADEV,regarded as one of the principal deities, the greatest of all gods in Hinduism.He is also known as the destroyer of evil and the master of time and transformation in Hinduism. His form is believed to be especially powerful on Shivratri as it takes place during the auspicious Shravan month, believed to be most dear to Shiva.

The tale starts during the Samundra Manthan known as churning of the cosmic ocean in the mythology, when a deadly poison “Halahala ” emerged. Lord Shiva earned his name as “Neekantham”as his throat turned blue when he drank it to save his creation. To reduce the burning effects in aftermath, gods offered him milk and water that inspired the modern-day ritual of ‘Abhishekham.’

Another legend tells us that the Goddess Parvati (his wife) kept strict fasts and penance to win Shiva’s love and on this day, her devotion was rewarded as Shiva accepted her as his divine consort. Unmarried girls still fast on this night, hoping for a husband as ideal as Shiva.Devotees on Shivratri keep a day-long fast and offer water, milk, honey, and bel  leaves to the Shiva Linga, and stay awake through the night chanting “ Om NamahShivaya “ and praying all night long in celebration of this festival. Temples are adorned with flowers and lights, and the air rings with bhajans and mantras.

Pilgrimages are held in places like Varanasi, Haridwar, and Ujjain where massive KanwarYatras are carried out and sacred Ganga water is also offered at Shiva temples. Shivratri isn’t just a festival but also, it is a deeply spiritual experience that reminds us to destroy our inner fears, embrace stillness, and surrender to the higher self Mahadev.