why is Mahashivratri celebrated: The Science
Mahashivratri is one of the most important nights in Bharat, from a spiritual perspective. But do you know that why is Mahashivratri celebrated? On Mahashivratri, lord Shiv is worshipped, and also celebrated. Devotees sing devotional songs and offer their love to Lord Shiv. Unfortunately, Mahashivratri has taken shape of a belief system, and science has been lost. Although we worship Lord Shiv, but most of us don’t truly know that why is Mahashivratri celebrated. Mahashivratri is an opportunity for us, to drop the limited physical and transition into the infinite non-physical. In this article we will uncover the science behind Mahashivratri and Shiv. To understand that, we need to get familiar with the following concepts.
The Boundary Factor
Everything in our material world has a boundary encapsulating it. This is because, without a boundary, matter would not have a definite physical and tangible form. Only because of the presence of a boundary, matter seems like matter, otherwise, it would be all over the place. So is the case with humans, we too are encapsulated in a boundary. Because of this boundary, we feel like distinct individuals, and different from others.
It is important to know that, it is because of this distinctness that we have so much negativity around. Only because we see others as distinct individuals, do our negative tendencies rise. As in, we do not mind harming or hurting others, for our own benefit. Further, it is this bounded existence which gives rise to fear. Because for protecting boundaries, we need fear, not love. This is the reason why we continually live in a fight-flight response. Everybody seems like a threat.
Nonetheless, it is funny to see that we all propagate the idea of “we all are one,” but do not have the courage to drop the dimension that separates us. Coming to the question, why is Mahashivratri celebrated, it is a reminder for us for our Shiv nature. Keep reading to learn more. (Read: Science Of Sanatan Dharma)
The Boundless “ONE”
We often say that, god is infinite, omnipresent. We say the same for love, that love, “has no boundaries.” However, do we truly comprehend this? When we say that god, is infinite, we are essentially saying that god does not have a boundary, therefore it is non-physical in nature. We cannot see or touch god, isn’t it? Furthermore, because god has no boundary, therefore it is not a distinct entity, hence god is, “one.”
We all say that god is love, although we say it very superficially, we do not understand it. Love, in reality, is not an emotion, but the source of creation, or, god. This is important to know if we want the answer to why is Mahashivratri celebrated. The entire motive of spirituality, is to transition from physical, into the non-physical, from visible, into the invisible. This happens when we drop our sense of individual identity, and emerge as an infinite dimension.
When we experience our existence beyond boundaries, we experience ourselves as a part of infinite god, hence see that we actually, are one. We lose our “fear driven” bounded existence, lose our boundaries, and merge with love, that has no boundaries.
When someone asks that why is Mahashivratri celebrated, it is important to know that this is a path of devotion. Devotion being, being “devoid” of ourselves, wherein we lose our limited nature, and merge with the infinite. Now that we have some idea about why is Mahashivratri celebrated, let us understand the third eye factor. (Read: Mahashivratri: The No-Thing Dimension)
Close Your Two Eyes The Right Way
As we all now, Shiva’s third eye is a very famous part of Indian culture. It is said that when Shiva opens his third eye, he destroys everything. And we too can do that, read on to learn how, and to get a true answer to: why is Mahashivratri celebrated?
Our physical and psychological system is just heaps of information, coming from genes, DNA, and sensory information. Without information, we do not know who we are, isn’t it? Our interaction with the world, also happens because of information coming through senses. Our thoughts, also are a result of this information. For most of us, our identity is information, hence often it is said that “I think therefore I’m.” However, this false identity causes a storm of thoughts in our system, keeping us entangled to the world.
Nonetheless, as mentioned, devotion means, being devoid of ourselves. Hence, with devotion, we also lose these patterns of information, and reach a space of nothingness, where even the world ceases to exist. This creates a vacuum within us, forcing our perception to rise above our physical senses. When we gain this sight, we just see boundless god everywhere, and within ourselves. We truly become one, and hit the highest experience of being human. We start operating from the “one” dimension. (Read: Third Eye meaning)
Conclusion
Hence, it can be said that the answer to the question, why is Mahashivratri celebrated, lies within us. It is about transitioning from the limited space of “I,” to the boundless dimension of, “we.” Let us come together, and use this auspicious day of Mahashivratri, and rise above our limitations.
We hope that you liked this article, and got your answer to the question that why is Mahashivratri celebrated.
FAQs
Mahashivratri, or the “Great Night of Shiva,” is celebrated to commemorate the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. It is also believed to be the day when Lord Shiva saved the world by consuming poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean during the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the cosmic ocean.
The scientific significance of Mahashivratri lies in its timing, which is determined by the planetary positions. According to Hindu astrology, Mahashivratri falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna (February-March), which is considered a powerful night for spiritual growth and transformation. The planetary alignment on this day is believed to create a conducive atmosphere for meditation and inner exploration, leading to heightened spiritual experiences.
It is a common tradition to stay awake throughout the night on Mahashivratri, known as “Jagaran,” to honor Lord Shiva. This practice is based on the belief that staying awake and engaged in devotional activities helps one stay alert and receptive to the spiritual energies of the night. It is believed that staying awake during this auspicious night can lead to spiritual awakening and transformation.
Mahashivratri carries a profound spiritual message of transcending limitations and realizing our true nature. It teaches us to let go of our ego, fears, and attachments, and merge with the infinite consciousness represented by Lord Shiva. The day is a reminder that true happiness and liberation lie in transcending the material world and experiencing the divine within us. It encourages us to cultivate qualities like devotion, compassion, and selflessness, leading to spiritual growth and inner peace.
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