I Analyzed 9 Rituals Hindus Practice for Maha Shivratri: Here are 3 easy modifications so you can worship Lord Shiva even if you're busy today.
Honor Lord Shiv while getting things done.
Hey Vedic Leaders and Devotees,
Har Har Mahadev!
I’ve sifted through hundreds of sources, scoured mountains of text, and deep-dived into the different ways devotees worship Lord Shiv during Maha Shivratri.
From the walnut-soaking “Vatuk Barun” rituals of Kashmir to the Tandava Dance performed on the banks of the Ganges River, Sanatanis have been celebrating Shiva for millennia, and this year's celebration—starting today—is no different.
But how do we incorporate these ancient practices into our busy modern life?
In a perfect world, we would fast all day and stay up all night, keep our spines erect, and cultivate deep contemplation of Shiva with Abhishek, mantra, and even dance.
But for some of us, that isn’t a possibility. Our kids might disturb us mid-arati, our families might discourage the practice, or our schedule could be so packed that we simply can’t observe how we want. So what do we do?
We do what we must.
I culled three significant rituals from my research and ways to modify them to fit our modern needs while still honoring the Great OG himself.
The Great Tandav Dance in India
If you head to Varanasi tomorrow, you might see men and women in colorful gowns and pants in temples and on the street performing the Tandev Dance. Shiva isn’t just considered the God of Destruction but also Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer, who dances within the prabha mandala, or ring of fire, which represents time and the cosmos.
Like many Indian art forms, dance has a clear purpose: to elevate the viewer and the dancer to salvation and moksha using the force of rasa and aesthetics.
Luckily, you don’t have to bust out your sari and reach for sandal paste or turmeric to create a Shiv Tilak. You can:
Play the Shiv Tandav Stotram during your commute: As controversial as Ravana is in Indian History and myth, we can’t deny that he was a fantastic Veena player. The STS is practically transcendent and a wonderful way to start your day if you’re short on time but want to keep god at the forefront of your mind.
Take a boogey break: Dance! Be fully present in the body during this time and dedicate the dance to Shiva while visualizing him smiling in front of you in the Himalayas.
Visualize Nataraja dancing: During your commute and throughout your day, visualize Nataraja dancing with his Tandev and praise him. If you have diksha, recite his moola mantra or the Mrityunjaya mantra to invoke his energy.
Kedarnath, Uttarakhand-The Sacred Pilgrimage
Kedarnath is a historical powerhouse mentioned in the Mahabharata, with the story of Shiva disguised as a bull in the sacred epic. Lord Kedarnath is worshipped here, and Rudra Abhishek is performed. It’s not uncommon to see devotees submerge themselves in the Mandakini River much like they would the Ganges, and like the Ganges, it’s believed bathing in the river has a purifying effect.
Here is how I would modify this practice:
Commit to fasting: Fasting is the backbone of Maha Shivratri. Obviously, speak to your doctor before you start an intense fast, but many people do fruit fasts or waterless fasts. These are great alternatives to going cold turkey.
Recite a hymn while taking a cold shower: Recite one of many Shiv stotrams while taking a cold shower and visualize yourself bathing in the Ganges river. Not only do cold showers boost your immunity but it’ll literally feel like you’re bathing in a cold river and transport you mentally to that place.
You can visit your local temple if you can, preferably on foot: Most of them are open today well into the evening. If you can travel on foot, chant mantras the entire day.
Madhya Pradesh – the Sacred Bhasma Aarti
At Bhasma Aarti in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, we find an astonishing ritual where participants offer ash to Bhagavan Shiva during the early hours. In the evening, like most people, Devotees often have full Jagrans (night vigils), where the temples are filled with kirtan, stotra recitation, and more. Most people stay up all night. They also dedicate a Shiva Shoba Yatra with Shiva idols throughout the temple.
So how do you modify this to your unique circumstances?
You can get a consecrated yantra from a priest, place it on your altar, and worship in front of it according to the instructions.
Listen to an all-night Bhajan YouTube channel. Like this one:
Stay up from dusk till dawn if you don’t have to work tomorrow. At the very least, staying awake during Nishita Kaal, since midnight is especially auspicious for worship this day.
These are just a few of the things you can do for Mahasivratri. Remember, above all Lord Mahadev is easily pleased. Come to him with a full and compassionate heart, remember him in all things, and you’ll become a recipient of his grace.
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Namaste. 🙏🙏