Importance of Maha shivaratri and yoga

Today is Maha Shivaratri, an auspicious day for all the Shiva bhaktas and yoga practitioners. Shiva is known as the father of yogic science. There are two tales associated with Maha Shivaratri. Lets us see how Adiyogi saved the world and married Maa Parvati on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.

Story of Maha Shivaratri

As per the legends, it was around 4.00 am when Devtas and Asuras began the tussle for the great power at the site of Samudra Manthan. It continued till 2.00 pm in the noon and thus emerged the deadly poison that could not be contained in any vessel for long or consumed by any being. It brought great confusion and concern among the gods, demigods and Asuras. Thus after a lot of discussion among the Devtas and Asuras, it was concluded that only supreme power Shiva could consume it. If he cannot do so, the world would be annihilated.

The poison was so poisonous that even a single drop of it, could burn the stomach of Lord Shiva.

Hearing the request Bhole Nath or Bhole Baba agreed to drink the poison. But still, there was a flaw, if Shiva allowed the poison to reach his stomach, he would die and so the world would come to an end. So what to do?

Shiva thus decided to drink the poison and contain it in his throat. Anyways, the world would have died and lord Shiva was ready for the ultimate sacrifice.

It happened to be 4.00 pm poison touched his mouth, and in order to contain it in the throat, he just gulped it. The moment it reached the throat, lord fainted. Everyone was now confused, concerned and worried, as this would mean the end of the world.

But, as he is Adiyogi, he revived and came to his senses around 9.30pm. Thus, the world was saved by the supreme lord. 

So, to preserve the world Lord drank the poison and retained it in his throat, leading his throat to turn blue. So he got the name “NeelKanth”. His whole body turned blue, but the world was saved. Shiva became the savior of the world. Maha Shivratri is celebrated as a day to thank Lord Shiva for his love for mankind. Both the Devtas and Asuras wished to get some glories from Samudra Manthan, but the poison came out first. 

One learning from the tale is that, if you want to taste the sweet nectar in life, you must learn to drink the venom first. As both good and bad are parts of this life.

If you are a Shiv bhagat never give up on life, while moving through all the difficult circumstances of life. If there is bad, there is good too. The ability to see both as equal is the real art and purpose of yoga. 

The second story goes, that after many years of sadhana and yearning for the love of the lord Shiva, as the two are one in the bond of love, Shiva and Parvati got married on the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri.

So, this can also, be celebrated as Valentine’s Day of Lord Shiva. Every story has some truth and some myth to it, but they are good to learn something new.

Every occasion has a reason for celebration, the celebratory attitude one cultivates by celebrating these festivals. Every day is a festival but some are celebrated with more significance than others. I hope that you too have a great celebration today.

May the inner light shines and lightens up your path. A very happy Maha Shivaratri! May celebration become an attitude!