Time to dissolve the idea of self and merge with ‘Shivatva’ – Firstpost

Bharat—a land where every day of the year, every phase of life, and every single moment has been designed for one ultimate purpose: self-realisation and the awakening of consciousness.

The core aim of this land has always been to transcend the boundaries of physical existence and immerse oneself in spiritual truth. This focus has been lived, cherished, and passed down through generations.

The great Maha Kumbh culminates Wednesday on the Great Night of Shiva—Maha Shivaratri.

But what makes the night of Maha Shivratri so special? Why is it considered a unique opportunity for every human being on Earth? And how can we use the possibilities of this night to awaken the divinity within ourselves?

Remembering and bowing to Lord Shiva, I share some reflections through this article for Shiva devotees and all seekers of Truth and Ananda.

The Fundamental Elements of Creation—Pancha Mahabhutas

We know that the entire creation is composed of the Pancha Mahabhutas—the five fundamental elements: Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jal), Sky (Akash), Fire (Agni), and Air (Vayu). Our body, mind, intellect, and senses are also formed from these elements, and our experience of life depends on their functioning in our system.

These elements are influenced by different planetary forces. For example, the gravitational pull of the Earth holds these elements together, allowing our bodies to function as organised units. This same gravitational force maintains the atmospheric layers around the planet, making life possible.

Similarly, without the Sun, life on Earth would be unimaginable. The Sun’s heat and light are the primary sources of energy for all life. The fire element within us is energised by solar energy.

The gravitational pull of the Moon clearly affects the water element—causing tides in the ocean, the upward movement of sap in plants, and even chemical changes in the human body during full moon and new moon days.

Likewise, all other planets and constellations near the Earth have a profound impact on our elemental structure.

The Profound Understanding of the Rishi-Scientists

The foundation of Indian culture is deeply scientific. While modern science primarily focuses on the physical world, our ancient sages explored the intricate connection between the physical (macrocosm) and the spiritual (microcosm). They understood how celestial events influence human consciousness and developed techniques, practices, and solutions to harness these energies for self-transformation and overall human well-being.

They realised that the physical world impacts the subtle world of mind and consciousness, and these influences follow cyclical patterns—like day and night or seasonal changes.

In the same way, the movements of planets and constellations form certain astronomical alignments that significantly impact human life. The sages identified and understood these alignments.

These alignments can be of two kinds:

For instance, during an eclipse, the Sun’s energy does not reach the Earth fully, weakening our digestive fire and increasing food toxicity. Hence, it is advised to avoid eating during an eclipse.

Conversely, some cosmic alignments are highly supportive of spiritual elevation. These rare moments create an atmosphere where nature itself assists us in realising our higher self. One such opportunity is the ongoing Maha Kumbh, held every 144 years.

Among these auspicious moments, Maha Shivratri stands as an extraordinary night. If approached with the right practices—meditation, rituals, and devotion—this night can unlock immense spiritual possibilities.

Mythological Significance of Maha Shivratri

The ancient sages, understanding the complexity of the human mind, conveyed profound truths through symbolic stories. These myths are not mere tales but encapsulate deep wisdom intertwined with devotional appeal.

According to one popular legend, Maha Shivratri marks the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. For Shiva devotees, what could be a greater celebration than the divine marriage of their beloved deity?

However, there is a deeper, symbolic meaning behind this story.

Shiva represents the masculine principle of pure consciousness (Purusha), while Shakti represents the feminine principle of energy and creation (Prakriti).

In the human context, Shiva symbolises pure consciousness, while Shakti represents the body, mind, intellect, and senses. Maha Shivratri signifies the union of these two fundamental aspects of existence—the merging of consciousness and energy.

This cosmic union enables us to transcend duality and attain the state of non-duality (Advaita). When Shiva and Shakti reunite, Rishis called this state Nirvana, Samadhi, Moksha, or realising Shivatva within—a state of ultimate self-realisation.

The Root Cause of Human Struggle

If we introspect deeply, we’ll realise that the core issue preventing us from experiencing peace, love, and bliss is our inner fragmentation.

Our hearts desire one thing, while our minds scatter us in countless directions. We are rarely content with where we are or what we have, constantly chasing after something else.

This fragmentation prevents us from experiencing the divinity already present within. What yogis call the Anandamaya Kosha—the innermost sheath of bliss—remains inaccessible to us because of this disintegration.

Why the Night? Why Not the Day?

One might wonder why Maha Shivratri is celebrated at night rather than during the day.

To understand this, consider the experience of a deep, restful sleep. Upon waking from such sleep, you often say, “I slept so peacefully!” You wake up refreshed, energised, and renewed.

But what exactly happens during deep sleep that leaves you so revitalised?

During deep sleep, the mind becomes silent. All mental chatter, desires, and conflicts dissolve. This state is known as Sushupti in yogic terms. In those moments, you unknowingly touch your unified self, your undivided state.

Importantly, this renewal happens during the darkness of the night.

Similarly, when a meditator closes his eyes and turns inward, the first experience is always darkness.

To illustrate further, even the union of newlyweds traditionally occurs at night—a time known as Madhuyamini or the sweet night, symbolising the unique beauty of union in darkness.

Thus, darkness is not something to be feared; it is the womb of creation, the space where new birth and transformation become possible—whether on a physical or spiritual level.

Brahma Muhurta—The Time of Awakening

Another significant time identified by our Rishis is the Brahma Muhurta, which begins approximately 2 hours before sunrise. This period, when the world is enveloped in darkness, offers the perfect environment for inner awakening through meditation, yoga, and spiritual practices.

During this time, nature itself supports the human quest for divine consciousness.

Thus, whether it’s the union of lovers on a physical plane or the spiritual merger of Shiva and Shakti, night provides the most conducive environment for transcendence.

Shiva-Shakti Union: The Yogic and Tantric Perspective

From the perspective of yogic anatomy, the human energy system comprises seven major chakras, starting from the Muladhara (root chakra) at the base of the spine to the Sahasrara (crown chakra) above the head.

At the Muladhara, Shakti resides as Kundalini energy, while at the Sahasrara, Shiva resides as pure consciousness. These two are connected through subtle energy channels known as Nadis.

On Maha Shivratri, the cosmic energies facilitate the upward movement of Kundalini from the root chakra to the crown, leading to the divine union of Shiva and Shakti.

Shiva’s Tandava—Destruction or Creation?

Mythologically, Maha Shivratri is also the night when Shiva performs the Tandava dance. While it is often seen as a dance of destruction, this understanding is only partially true.

Shiva’s Tandava destroys everything that limits us and prevents us from realising our true nature. However, this destruction is inseparable from creation.

It is an opportunity for inner renewal, for unifying our fragmented selves and awakening the dormant divinity within.

What Can You Do on Maha Shivratri?

Maha Shivratri offers an unparalleled opportunity for spiritual growth. Here are three ways to make the most of this night:

Visit a Consecrated Space:
The ideal option is to spend the night in a consecrated space, such as an ashram, temple, or spiritual centre. The vibrant energy of such places enhances your meditation and devotional practices.

Create a Sacred Space at Home:
If visiting a temple or ashram is not possible, set up a sacred space at home. Invite fellow Shiva devotees to join you in prayers, chants, and meditation.
Practicing together creates a synergy of spiritual energies, multiplying the benefits. When like-minded seekers gather, they amplify each other’s spiritual progress.

Commit to Inner Transformation:
If neither of the above options is feasible, make a strong inner resolve to dedicate the night to be in remembrance of Shiva and do your own practices and rituals.

Our Blessed Fortune

It is our immense fortune to be born in Bharat, a land where festivals are not just superficial celebrations but profound opportunities for inner transformation.

Yes, we dance, sing, and rejoice on Maha Shivratri—but the ultimate aim is to merge with Shiva consciousness and realise our highest potential.

While spiritual practices can be undertaken anytime, it is even more auspicious when nature itself supports our efforts. So Maha Shivrati is an opportunity that is not to be missed.

My prayers are that you attain your Shivatva.

May this Maha Shivratri dissolve all inner fragmentation, unite us with our highest self, and awaken us to our ultimate possibility—Shivatva, the dissolving of our limiting ego identity and merging with Shiva.

This is my heartfelt prayer to Lord Shiva.

The author is a visionary spiritual teacher, leadership mentor and public speaker. He works in the areas of creating awakened leaders, bringing consciousness to education and running regular spiritual talks and retreats. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.