Shivratri is taking refuge in Shiva. And Shiva is peace, infinity, beauty and the non-dual one. You take refuge in Shiva for your true nature is Shiva. Shiva is that blissful and innocent consciousness which exists in every atom of the universe and also in us. Celebrating the Shiva Tattva in oneself is called Shivaratri. ‘Ratri’ means night, the time for rest, when everything becomes quiet and peaceful. Shivaratri is not only rest for body, but for mind and ‘Ego’.

Paradoxically, ‘Shiva Tattva’ also means to be awakened, awaken from all sorts of slumber. Thus it is not a night to sleep thru, but to awake, be aware of everything one has got and be grateful for it. Be grateful for all the happiness which has led to one’s growth, and also for the sadness which gives depth of life. This is the right way to observe Shivaratri.

No worship is complete without offering something to the deity. Shiva is very simple, innocent and doesn’t expect much; hence He is called Bholanath. One just needs to offer ‘bel-patra’ to him. Bel-patra offering signifies the surrender of all three aspects of one’s nature—tamas, rajas and sattva. You have to surrender the positives and the negatives of your life to Shiva and become free.

The greatest offering is you. To do so is the key to happiness in life. After all why do you get sad? It is mainly when your desire is not fulfilled. At this time one should surrender everything to the all-knowing almighty. The greatest power is in the surrender to Divine. It is like a drop owning the ocean. If a drop remains separate it will perish. But when it becomes the ocean, it is eternal.

There are certain days and time frames in a year when one’s mental and spiritual faculties are enhanced. In such times whatever one wishes, materialises. Shivaratri is one such precious day and one should take advantage of the same.