true meaning of Mahashiv Ratri

 The following summary captures the theme of Sri Sw. Viditatmanandaji's moving explanation of the true meaning of Mahashiv Ratri

Sri Swamiji explained the significance of the symbol of the Sivalingam, an elliptical form that represents a flame with its power to annihilate the darkness in our minds and hearts by awakening and illuminating our true self. Swamiji recounted the stories of Lord Siva's revelation to Lord BrahmA and Lord Visnu as a column of fire, of light, of knowledge. The sacred sites of Kasi and Tiruvannamalai, Swamiji recounted, became sthalas of Lord Siva where some of the PurAnAs state that self-manifest forms of Lord Siva appeared and have become renowned pilgrimage sites. 

As we surrender to the feet of Lord S़va in our worship of Him on MahAsivarAtri, the focal points of our worship should be bhakti and sraddhA. 

Sri Swamiji explained the significance of MahAsivarAtri puja vidhi and japam. As we offer milk, honey, yogurt, GangA jal in the abhisekam, it symbolizes the vritti, the constant flow of our thoughts converging into the Lord; Swamiji stressed that just as we want to offer the best substances to the Lord, in the same way, we should strive for inner purification to offer our purest devotion. By worshipping the sivalingam, we commit ourselves to removing the darkness of ignorance with Lord Siva's manifestation as knowledge in our hearts. We should have the attitude that whatever the Lord gives is the best for me and given to me by the Lord for my welfare; we must have sraddha and trust that IsharA, the Lord, is my well-wisher, and gracefully accept that what comes is not as important as where it comes from-Is़warA. With s़raddhA that the Lord has designated all these for me, whatever they may be, pleasant or painful should be our attitude in devotion, acceptance, and surrender. The true prostration, the namaha culminates into oneness with the Lord. May Lord Siva enhance our shraddha and bhakti, our inner growth, into light of knowledge in our hearts.