Considered to be one of the most auspicious days of the year, the night of Shivaratri is devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva, who is none other than our own highest Self. On this night, repetition of the mantra Om Namah Shivaya, which means "I bow to my inner Self," is said to bring blessings a thousandfold. On this magnificent night, as we approach the inner Lord with reverence, the blessing of Shiva, the Guru's grace flows swiftly to meet us.

Each month, the fourteenth day of the lunar fortnight when the moon is waning is called Shivaratri, "the night of Shiva." It is sacred to Lord Shiva, and people pray to him on this day. Of all the Shivaratris of the year, the greatest and most significant one is in the month of Magha, corresponding to February and March in the western calendar. This particular Shivaratri is called Mahashivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva. It is a time of punyakala, a time of merit and heightened spiritual power.

After the moon becomes full, it begins to wane. With each passing day it loses one-sixteenth of its brilliance until finally, on this night, it is left with only one-sixteenth of its power. The waned moon represents the mind that has been purified by sadhana, or spiritual practice. Almost all of its fickleness and wanderings have been removed. On this night, there is just a small fraction left to be purified, and this can be done by keeping vigil and chanting the name of Shiva. During this most holy night, through our inner focus, we delight in and celebrate the unbounded state of Consciousness known as Shiva - the One Supreme Reality, God, who has created all the forms of this Universe.

Sydney Celebration Satsang - Friday 29th February
Please be seated by 7.25pm

Melbourne Celebration Satsang - Saturday 1st March
Please be seated by 7.25pm

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The Mantra