Shivratri commemorates the descent of Supreme Light, jyotirling Shiv, to end the darkness of ego, anger, avarice and attachment from human mind and life. Even the term ‘Shivratri’, comprising two words, ‘Shiv’ and ‘ratri’, respectively, refers to ‘self- effulgent point light’ and ‘night or darkness’. Maha Shivratri thus, signifies the rise of spiritual Sun, incorporeal God Shiv and his descent on earth, in the corporeal medium of Prajapita Brahma, to dispel the deep darkness of inertia, ignorance and ineptitude from our minds, through teachings of godly knowledge and rajyog meditation.
According to the Bhagwad Gita, 3.37, it is lust alone that is born from contact with rajoguna – the mode of passion – and later transformed into anger. Know this as the sinful, all-devouring enemy in the world.
Shiv is said to have opened his third eye of wisdom and destroyed Kamadev – the lord of desires. It serves as an eye opener for all to become pure in intention and to eschew vices such as lust, anger and greed as poison. The mantra for inculcating purity in life is Manmanabhav of the Gita, chapter 18, that is to remain in constant yog, spiritual communion, with Him.
The present time is that of dharmaglani, spiritual degradation, but it is also the most auspicious period when patit pavan, the purifier and redeemer, Shiv, through his proverbial medium Prajapita Brahma, is guiding us to conquer lust and other vices.
