Encountering Shivaratri
© Joanna Nowalk Photography
Shivaratri, also known as "the Great Night of Shiva," is a festival celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva, observed this year on March 8, with spiritual and cultural significance for millions of devotees worldwide.
Shiva is revered as the embodiment of divine consciousness in our yoga tradition¹ and represents the innermost Self and the principle of pure awareness. His iconography, with a third eye symbolizing inner vision and a serpent representing primal energy, signifies mastery over the mind and the awakening of embodiment. Shiva embodies the path to spiritual liberation, guiding practitioners toward self-realization and union with the divine.² As yoga practitioners, we observe Shivaratri by reflecting on some of Shiva's great myths and the lessons they teach us.
The Churning of the Ocean
Once upon a time, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) sought the elixir of immortality known as amrita, to gain eternal life and supremacy. They churned the ocean using Mount Mandara as the churning rod and Vasuki, the serpent king, as the rope. As they churned, numerous treasures emerged from the depths, including the moon, the wish-fulfilling cow Kamadhenu, the celestial nymphs called apsaras, and precious gems. However, along with the treasures, emerged the deadly poison Halahala, capable of annihilating all life. Terrified, the Devas and Asuras turned to Lord Vishnu for help. Vishnu unable to help, directed them to Lord Shiva.³
To save the world from destruction, Lord Shiva willingly consumed the poison, holding it in his throat, which turned blue. His act of self-sacrifice earned him the name Neelkanth, meaning "blue-throated." By absorbing the poison, Shiva ensured that it did not harm the world, thus demonstrating his compassion and supreme sacrifice.
Lord Shiva's act of consuming the poison not only demonstrates selflessness but also embodies the concept of transcendence. By willingly taking on the burden of the poison, Shiva shows us that true liberation comes not from avoiding suffering but from facing it with courage and equanimity. This teaches us that adversity and challenges are inevitable aspects of life, but our response to them determines our growth and evolution as individuals.
Shiva's sacrifice also highlights the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of collective well-being. It reminds us that we are not separate from the world around us, and our actions have ripple effects that can either contribute to the healing and upliftment of others or perpetuate suffering.⁴ By cultivating a spirit of selflessness, compassion, and interconnectedness, we can harness the transformative power of love to create a more harmonious and compassionate world.
The Destruction of Tripura
“I Bend the Bow for Rudra that His Arrow May Strike and Slay the Hater of Devotion.”
The three demon brothers—Tarakaaksha, Kamalaaksha, and Vidyunmaali—were known as the Tripurasuras. Through rigorous penance, they obtained immense power and invincible flying cities (Tripuras) as a boon from Lord Brahma. Filled with arrogance and malice, they used their newfound powers to wreak havoc upon the world, causing chaos and misery.⁵
The Devas were unable to defeat the Tripurasuras, and sought the intervention of Lord Shiva. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Shiva agreed to annihilate the demons. Mounting his celestial vehicle, the bull Nandi, Shiva pursued the flying cities. With a single arrow imbued with his divine energy, Shiva destroyed the Tripuras, bringing an end to the tyranny of the Tripurasuras and restoring peace and order to the universe.
The downfall of the Tripurasuras underscores the principle of karma—the law of cause and effect. The demons' misuse of their power and their disregard for the welfare of others led to their eventual demise.⁶ This serves as a powerful reminder that our actions have consequences, and we are ultimately accountable for the choices we make. It also highlights the importance of ethical conduct, integrity, and responsible stewardship of power.
When we act with humility, compassion, and integrity, we not only avoid harming others but also create positive ripple effects that contribute to the greater good. The story of Tripura Samhara encourages us to reflect on our own actions and motivations, cultivating virtues such as humility, compassion, and integrity, and aligning our actions with principles of justice, equity, and harmony.
The Cosmic Dance
The dance of bliss (Ananda Tandava) represents the rhythmic and ecstatic expression of the universe's creation, preservation, and destruction. Through the cosmic dance, Shiva embodies the dynamic interplay of opposites—birth and death, joy and sorrow, creation and dissolution. The dance symbolizes the eternal cycle of life, where every movement, every gesture, and every rhythm is infused with divine energy and cosmic harmony.⁸
The dance reminds us that change is the only constant in life and that every ending gives rise to a new beginning. By embracing the cyclical nature of existence with grace and poise, we can navigate life's challenges with resilience and inner peace. The Tandava also symbolizes the inherent rhythm and harmony of the universe, inviting us to attune ourselves to the cosmic dance and find joy and beauty in the unfolding of each moment. Ultimately, the Tandava teaches us to embrace life fully, with all its joys and sorrows, and to dance with the rhythm of the universe, surrendering to the flow of existence with gratitude and reverence.
Shivaratri serves as a reminder of the importance of overcoming obstacles and adversities through devotion, self-discipline, and inner strength. It teaches us to confront our inner demons, symbolized by the poison, and transmute them into sources of spiritual growth and enlightenment. It is an opportunity to transcend dualities and awaken the underlying unity of existence, reminding us that behind the ever-changing forms of the world lies the unchanging essence of pure consciousness.⁹
At Shivaratri, we can transcend darkness and ignorance and realize our divine potential.¹⁰ This is the time to cultivate inner peace, wisdom, and devotion, and reflect the divine grace of Lord Shiva on the path of liberation and embodiment.
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Rubin, SH. (2016) Daily Wisdom for Life, on and Off the Mat. Chronicle
Chandrakant, K., Ugra, M., Rao, S., Bhattacharya, P., Balse, M., Seshadri, L., Patel, T., Mahadevan, S., Gangal, V. V., Balse, M., Pai, A., & Mohandas, R. W. K. C. V. R. M. P. (2010). Gods and Goddesses - From the Epics and Mythology of India by Amar Chitra Katha (22 Comic Books). Advaita Ashrama.
