Maha Shivaratri

 

Sunday night is Maha Shivaratri. Maha means great. Ratri - night.

It is said that on this night, Lord Shiva drank a great poison to save us all (this is why Shiva has a blue throat). This is also said to be when he married the beautiful mother goddess Parvati.

This night is the smallest sliver of the waning moon, which is visible on Shiva’s forehead.⁣ Shiva as Nataraj is the deity of yoga and transformation. Sunday night will be an excellent time to turn inward and honor this great warrior who conquers the demons of the mind. ⁣

You can honor Shiva within you that evening by setting an intention, lighting a candle and chanting “Om Nama Shivaya.” My teacher Mukunda used to say this meant “I honor my heart, my inner teacher.” ⁣

Many folks stay up all night fasting and honoring Shiva, but we can celebrate in our own small way - by learning more about this symbolism and how the energy lives inside of you. You have the power to use this great mind of yours to do amazing things!