Shivaratri - The Silent Chant

 

 

 

On the holiest night of the year – Shivaratri, while the whole world echoes with chants “Har Har Mahadev” & "Om Namah Shivaya", the Lord Shiva himself sits still - deep in meditation. Beneath his magnificent form, there is subtle vibration of a secret name even the Lord of Dance chants to find his own peace. The beautiful mystery is – the silent chant Mahadev is whispering.

A little background…

Once in Kailasa, Mata Sati noticed Lord Shiva meditating on his stone seat as usual. Daily he would spend long hours meditating. After his meditation there would be a smile on his face, this was his routine she had noticed. On this day Mata felt more curious, she approached her Nath & spoke in her sweet and gentle voice “Prabhu, whom do you meditate on? You are Parameshwara. Who is that, on whom even Sakshat Parameshwara longs to go in meditative trance?"

Sundareshwara calmly opened his eyes, with a smile on his face says one word, “Rama”. He pauses for a while, glances on beautiful Dakshayini and continues “I meditate on Shri Rama”. Hearing this she gave him a puzzled look. Seeing her confusion, Shiva continues “Gauri, Rama is not just a king of Raghu dynasty; he is the formless Supreme Brahman. He has taken human form to play a role - out of love for his devotees.” Shankara continues “All Vedas, Puranas & Shashtras praise the Para Bramha guna – that Guna is out there in the world in form of Shri Rama. While all the holy saints, rishis, siddhis continue to meditate on Shri Rama. Grihastas (Householders) attain Dharma, Moksha & happiness in their lives by chanting his name with Shraddha, Bhakti & Ekagrata, such is the power of Taaraka Mantra “Rama”. Whoever dies in Kashi; I utter the name “Rama” in their ears and they attain Moksha”. This is how Gangadhara describes Shri Rama to Adi Shakti.

Coming back to Shivaratri...

People who would want to worship Lord Shiva on this day, can mediate or chant Taaraka Mantra “Rama” and get the blessings of Eshwara. As Lord Shiva himself meditates on “Rama” hence it is advised to chant Taraka Mantra "Rama". Lord Shiva is Abhisheka Priya and Bilpatre Priya – those who wish can do his Abhiskeha and decorate Shiva Linga with Bilpatre. Being Bhole Nath – he accepts whatever you give and however you do it, as long as the same is done with Shraddha, Bhakti, Ekagrata - He blesses you.