Essence of Shivratri, Maha Shivratri Is Called Bhairavotsava

By Mr Satish Mahaldar for New Age Islam 14 February 2025 Main Points: • Why walnuts? • What is Ratri? • What is Shiva? Who is Shiva? • MahaShivratri Is Called Bhairavotsava Essence of Shivratri In the third century AD, the Krama system of Kashmir Shaivism existed. The NilmatPurana of the sixth century AD mentions Shivratri as a festival of Kashmir. Thus, Shivratri has been observed in Kashmir for centuries with special fervour and elaborate rituals. The aim of celebrating Shivratri is to maintain the balance of universal awareness at all times, irrespective of any kind of distinction whatsoever. In our lunar calendar, the fourteenth day of the dark half of the month leading to the fifteenth day, i.e., Amavasya, is an auspicious day for those seekers who are treading the path of spirituality. Just as neither the sun nor the moon is visible on Amavasya night, similarly, when the subject and the object get absorbed into one reality that is called Shivratri in philosophical terms. This very fact has been expressed by the great Kashmiri Shaivite master Acharya Utpaladeva of the 9th century AD in his devotional treatise Shivastotravali. "Shivratri," when the sun, moon, and all other stars set at the same time, gives rise to the radiant night of Shiva, spreading a splendour of its own. Here, the sun and the moon symbolise the inhaling and exhaling of breath, i.e., prana and apana, and the stars represent the entire thought construction at the junction point known as "Madhya Dham." Prana and apana must be set to rest to glimpse Shivratri. Shiva is the life force; He emanates this creation and reabsorbs it within. He is the only reality of the universe. Shiva is infinite consciousness. He is independent, eternal, formless, peerless, and omnipresent. He is the subject and the object, the experiencer and the experienced, being the Ashutosha. He is propitiated easily; He is Ardhanarishvara, the union of Shiva and Shakti. We cannot think of one without the other. He is the remover of darkness, being the eternal master. The master is Shiva, and Shiva is the master. There is no difference between Shiva and the master. Due to this very fact, all philosophers and thinkers of India, from time immemorial, have laid stress on Shiva worship, as only it can lead us to a happy life in this world and the next. Shiva is called Prakasha-Vimarshamaya. The Prakasha aspect, however, is not the most distinctive aspect of the individual self because it is common to other things such as a mirror, jewel, crystal, etc. Here, Vimarsha stands for the distinctive aspect of the self and signifies the capacity of the self to know itself in all its purity. Vimarsha is that power which is ultimately responsible for keeping the universe in a state of perfect identity with itself at the time of destruction and manifesting it as apparently separate from itself at the time of creation. Shivratri: There are two words: Shiva &Ratri MahaShivratri Is Called Bhairavotsava MahaShivratri is also called Hara Ratri (another name for Shiva). MahaShivratri is called Bhairavotsava in Tantric texts, as on this occasion, Bhairava and Bhairavi, His Shakti or cosmic energy, are propitiated through Tantric worship. Jwala Lingam. Who is Bhairava? Bhairava is the word used for Supreme Reality. Its synonym is Parama Shiva. Bhairava means the terrible one who destroys the ego. The word Bhairava consists of three letters: bha, ra, and va. The hermeneutic etymology of Bhairava gives the following interpretation: 'Bha' indicates bhara – maintenance of the universe; 'ra' indicates rava – withdrawal of the universe; 'va' indicates yamaDa – projecting or letting go of the universe, i.e., manifestation. Thus, Bhairava indicates all three aspects of the divine: Santi (manifestation), Sthiti (maintenance), and Samhara (withdrawal). Bhairavi is the Shakti of Bhairava. The works of Agama or Tantra are generally written in the form of a dialogue between Bhairava and His Shakti Bhairavi, or between Shiva and His consort Parvati. In all these works, Bhairavi or Shakti puts a question in the form of inquiry, and Bhairava or Shiva answers the question raised. The most inaccessible scriptures have come out in the form of words from Shiva, who is the supreme source, free of all division and agitation, and whose form is invisible. Paravastha (the highest state) of Bhairava is free (unmukta) of all notions pertaining to direction (dik), time (kala), nor can it be particularised by any definite space or destination. What is Shiva? Who is Shiva? Etymologically shivameans who releases one from worldly entanglements is called as shiv or in whom the whole universe resides and who does not accept any change. He is shiva, He is auspicious pleasant and changeless. What is Ratri? The Ratri word is “Ra” means to give because when ratri” (night) comes it bestows pleasure and peace to all. So it is called Ratri’ “Shivratri” Means that night which is blissful and is associated with shiva, it illumines everything and helps in recognizing the reality. in Skandapurana it is said nothing exceeds “shivaratri” it is highest of all one who does not worship Rudra who is the lord of the three worlds with devotion on shivratri, He moves from one birth to another birth for thousands of years .There is no doubt after worshipping Lord shiva on fourteenth day of dark half month of Phalguna without sleeping throughout night one does not come to the womb of mother and is free from the birth and Death .shriMadhavacharya the author of Kalamadhava enunciates “shivaratri is the night dearer to lord shiva observing fast that night is to bliss oneself with lord shiva Grace. Manifestation of Ratri takes place almost simultaneously with Lord shiva, because unless there be consciousness of what is manifested How can it be found to have Manifested at all. “Shivaratri” is blissful for all irrespective of caste, creed, color and country. It is said in the puranasThat lord of death went to lord shiva and enquires from him about the liberation of a hunter who happened to be charge sheeted by Yama for his heinous activities. In a jungle the hunter while scared of opponents climbed a tree which happened to be a Bilva Tree. It was shivaratri on that day shivaLinga was below the Bilva tree. Unintentionally the three-pronged Bilva leaf fell on Shivalinga and without knowing anything about it the hunter fell asleep. He had not taken anything on that night because of fear lord shiva being blessed the hunter by that act and the hunter was free from the pangs of birth and death. On hearing it Yama was amazed and extolled lord shiva uninterruptedly. It is clear by this that the observance of fast and other rituals on “shivratri” it helps one to tread the path of spirituality smoothly and get released from the worldly pangs. As per Hindu Moon calendar there are twelve Shivaratris in a year every 14th day of the dark half of the month is taken as “shivaratri”, Tenth and eleventh number of shivaratris i.e. Fourteenth day of “Magha” Month and fourteenth day of “Phalguna” month are considered ominous Because these Two are related with the manifestation of “vatukaBhariva “and with the union of Lord shiva and Mata Parvati. Shivratri is not an ordinary Night but it is the night of receiving all desired objects and getting all coveted desires full filled. “Shivaratri “is called “Hearth” in Kashmir. “Hearth” word also called as Har- Ratri means the night of Hara-shiva. So shivratri is that night in which this mundane world exists nowhere, only pervasiveness of lord shiva-hood pervades from all sides. This “Hearth “word meant for shivratri is not an old one .it is said that last governor of Afghan Rulers in Kashmir was Abdul Jabbar. He tortured the people of Kashmir by all means. It was during his rule that Kashmiri pandits were directed to celebrate Shivratri in June instead in February to test their firm Belief that on shivaratri snowfall is must. It is said that in June when this festival was being celebrated it snowed heavily. The ruler was upset and shouted it is “hai-rut” ‘astonishment”. Since Then, this word came into prominence with shivratri. At this Time also People of Kashmir Make Reference to this event. The Shivaratri Festival Is Being Celebrated from Time Immemorial Our ancestors used to say that in Satya Yuga, the first period of the four yugas, this festival was celebrated from the first day of the dark half of the Phalguna month, i.e. from "HaurEakdhou", to the tenth day of the bright half of the month of Phalguna, and i.e. it would commence on "HaurEakdhou" and culminate on Phalguna Shukla Dashami. In this way, for twenty-five days, this festival was celebrated. It is worth mentioning that, according to our Kulachar family traditions, Kashmiri Pandits still follow this very tradition. Most Kashmiri Pandit families in Kashmir follow the 25-day celebration of the Shivaratri festival. The five-day elaborate Shiva Shakti worship tradition is followed by all Kashmiri Pandit families from Phalguna Krishna Ekadashi to Phalguna Krishna Amavasya. Some Kashmiri Pandit families strictly observe a vegetarian offering system and do not permit any outsiders to visit or stay with them during these days. There are some Kashmiri Pandit families who are Tantric puja followers and offer non-vegetarian offerings on the fourth day of worship, permitting all to visit them during these days. During these five days of worship, specific vegetarian preparations are offered to Vatuk Bhairava and other deities. Kalhana, the great historian of Kashmir, mentioned that some Kashmiri Pandit families used to follow this tradition for a full year. They were instructed by the supreme force to act accordingly, i.e. worshipping Amriteshwar Bhairava and Vatuk Bhairava uninterruptedly for an entire year. In these five days of worship, a beverage called Panak, made from 21 various herbs, is prepared for all these days and offered to all deities along with elaborate Shakta Puja Vidhi and offerings of flour cakes, etc., with each mantra. The worshipper, with the Panak beverage, first sprinkles themselves with each mantra, then offers handfuls of flowers to the deities with each mantra, followed by the offerings of flour cakes. "VatukBhairava" is worshipped in a special way along with his eight energies, namely (Soumya), (Dhan Prada), (Riddhi), (Shrim), and (Hasharam). Lord Shiva Pooja holds a special attraction during these five days. Every day, elaborate Parthesher (Clay Linga) is performed with Shaiva fervour, and then the eight Bharava attendants of Lord Shiva are propitiated separately. Every day, Shaiva (Kalash Pooja) is done. The "Dash Vidhya Pooja" is most conspicuous during these five days of worshipping. "Sri Chakra" Pooja of this system is very interesting, awesome, and energising. At the end, sacred fire is prepared, and special mantras containing detailed names of all deities, devis, Amritsarbhariv, and VatukBhairava are recited, with proper offerings made in the sacrificial fire called "Vaishvadeva Vyahriti." "VatukBhairava's" Nama Vali, with 108 names, is also recited with special offerings in this very sacred fire at the end. Then, a full big plate of rice and cooked vegetables is offered to all "Kshetrapals" and "Vatuk Devta." On the culminating 5th day, prasad of "Kalash Devata," along with its auspicious sprinkles, is taken by all for spiritual upliftment and betterment. With the grace of Lord "VatukBhairava," this elaborate five-day pooja system is still followed by many Kashmiri followers today. The most interesting part of this Pooja is that "VatukBhairava" is worshipped every day up to the 10th day of the Phalguna bright fortnight, and in the evening of that day, prasad of "VatukBhairava" is distributed among all. So, instead of "Doon Amavasya," the "Vatuk Pramochan Pooja" is done by the followers of this tradition on the 10th day, from "Haur Ekaduh" i.e. from the 1st day of the dark half of the Phalguna month to the 10th day of the bright half of the Phalguna month. This tradition of "Satyayugya" and the elaborate Pooja is followed by many Kashmiri Pandit families. With the grace of Lord "Amritshewara Bhairava" and "Paradevi," this type of special worship of Shivratri is usually performed during night hours, from 6 PM to 4 AM. In Kali Yuga, the span of the worship period is reduced to five days only, i.e. from the 11th day of the dark half of the month of Phalguna to Amavasya. One thing to note here is that the starting day of this festival has always remained "Haur Ekaduh," i.e. the 1st day of the dark half of the month of Phalguna, from Satyayuga till date. The meaning of the word "Haur" is that from this day, we must cleanse the walls, rooms, floors, etc. It signifies cleanliness, the clean consciousness, which is next to godliness, and this is the message of Shivratri. After that, up to the 10th day, quite a number of clean earthenware pots had to be purchased from a local potter for performing Pooja on this sacred day. Two large vessels are kept for "VatukBhairava" and "Kalash Pooja," while the smaller pots represent other deities, and they are readied for formal worship. In the big vessels, clean water is kept, and dried walnuts are deposited right up to the brim on the worship day. It is noteworthy that from "Haur Ekaduh," i.e. from the 1st day of the dark half of the month of Phalguna, up to Amavasya, i.e. the fifteenth day, each day has its own name. For example: "Haur Ekaduh," Haur Pancham, Haur Sheyam, Haur Satam, Haur Atham, Haur Dehum. From the 11th day, the ritual worship starts, and all these five days, from the 11th day to Amavasya, are named as follows: 11th day - Gadekah, 12th day - Vagurbahh, 13th day - Haurthruva, 14th day - Shiv Chaturdashi, and 15th day - Doon Mavas. “Haur Ashtami” is regarded as the birthday of Sita Mata. Lord Rama's shakti is celebrated with great religious fervour. All devotees and sadhakas remain busy during the night of this day, performing the ritual worship. In Srinagar, on this day, people from all walks of life assemble at the Srichakareshwar Temple of Hariparvat and sing bhajans throughout the night. Additionally, at Ragina Mata at the foot of Hariparvat and at other famous temples of the valley, this day is celebrated with pomp and show. On Haur Dashami, newly married women are the centre of attention. Dressed in new clothes, they must take along with them rice bags, dry fruits, gifts for their in-laws, cash, and other gifts according to their status, as well as curd and sugar candies. In each and every house, a separate small room is decorated with flowers for Vatuk Pooja. Fresh flowers are used for the worship of "VatukBhairava" along with other deities, namely (Ram Gadve), (Rishya Duliz), (Sanya Puttal), (Vagur), (Sanya Vaar), (Kshetrapal), and (Dhoopezoor). From the night of the 11th day, the ritual worship begins. This day is named Gaad-Kaha. In Kashmir, Gaad means fish. The spiritual meaning of this day is that we must control our sense organs, which are compared to fish due to their unstable and vacillating nature. The five sense organs of action and five sense organs of cognition, along with their ruler, the mind (Munintellect), are eleven. Kaha means eleven in Kashmiri. So, this first day, namely Gaad Kaha, is meant to purify our senses and prepare them for performing the ritual worship. In Tantras, it is said that Kaha (eleven) in Kashmir symbolises KA (Kadi Vidya), which is a fifteen-syllable mantra known as Panchdasheri, and HA (Hadi Vidya), a sixteen-syllable mantra known as Shodasakshri of Maha-Tripura Sundri. So, this first day, known as Gaad Kaha, is a very sacred day for Shivratri rituals because we must surrender to Goddess Tripura Sundri wholeheartedly on this day to gain entry into the worship of Lord Shiva. It is said that worship of Shakti is essential for gaining access to the realms of Lord Shiva. It is said that this Shivratri Yajna was performed by the sage Vishwamitra in earlier days. While performing it, demons disturbed him beyond his control. He had to take refuge in Lord Rama, who helped him by removing those evil forces and enabling him to complete the Yajna. Since then, the symbol of Rama has been kept during Shivratri, Ram Gadvu, so that evil forces may no longer disrupt it. Reshya Duliz, as the name suggests, consists purely of Sattvic vegetarian dishes. Milk, kheer, and sugar candies are offered in this circular, open-mouthed earthen post, which has the cosmic shape of the divine. In Tantras, it is said that vegetarian Bhairavas, namely Vishwakasena, and other Bhairavas of this nature are propitiated by Sattvic foods. Some specific mantras of Mata Tripura Sundri are recited, and offerings are made from all directions with those mantras in this Reshya Duliz. It is treated as the element, while Ram Gadvu is the form of the male element. These two main elements are also represented in this highly regarded pooja. Sanya Puttal is of pure Shaivite form in Kashmir Shaiva philosophy. Shakti and Shiva are inseparable; they are one. So, Sanya Puttal represents the union of Shakti and Shiva. Shivratri being the divine union day, these two aspects of the absolute reality are worshipped and meditated upon for the upliftment of devotees. Vagur is a very important principle in this Shivratri pooja. The 12th day of the dark half of the month of Phalguna is called Vagarayabaha. In the Rudrayamalatantra, Vagur is said to be Bandu Rupa. So, Vagur is (pash) or net, which is woven by specific mantras like Hamsavagishavari-Kubji Ka and Navatma Mantra, and is worshipped according to the Kul Achara (family tradition). The offerings of all kinds are made to this principle of a clay-type model, which is attributed as both a binding and releasing force, i.e. Bhoga Moksha Pradashakti. Spiritually, this is indicative of the Anahat Chakra of Kundalini Yoga. Etymologically, Vagur means the feeling of sublime sound experienced by the yogi while meditating in Kundalini Yoga. The third day of the worship is attributed to Herath Truvaha. On this day, Vatuk Bhairava with his eight energies, namely Somya, Bhima, Danpradha, etc., is worshipped in an elaborate way. In Tantras, the number thirteen is associated with Lord Shiva. To explain this, it is said that the five senses of action, five senses of cognition, mind, and intellect make twelve, and Para is the supreme thirteenth one. Thus, this day also magnifies the importance of Shiva and his worship. Kshetrapal literally means the protector of a particular place. These are worshipped by this specific name everywhere in various worships. In Kashmir, nine Kshetrapals known as Kshetranavk are worshipped accordingly. These Kshetrapal or Bhairavas are known as: • Lord Vital Bhairav • Mangleshwar Bhairav • Tushakraj Bhairav • Anandashewar Bhairav • Baurvatkeshwar Bhairav • Raj Rajeshwar Bhairav • Lokshatak Bhairav • Hatkeshwar Bhairav • Nandkeshwar Bhairav These nine Bhairavas oversee different regions in the Kashmir valley and are worshipped on Shivratri. Spiritually, Kshetrapal represents our own body, and the protector of that body is Atman (the self), as is stated by the Kashmiri Shaivite yogi-scholar and teacher Abhinav Gupta in his treatise known as Wheel of Deities Residing in Our Body. "Unceasingly, I bow to Kshetrapal, who is the bestower of all Siddhis, who is worshipped as superior in all six philosophies, who is encircled by thirty-six elements, from the Shiva element to the Prithvi (earth element), and who is managed as your own self." Among the eight Bhairavas, Heyruk Bhairava, being superior, is worshipped alongside Kshetrapal with special mantras on Shivratri day. His presence is regarded as essential. Sanyavara refers to one clay pot used in this festival. This clay model is hollow inside and is treated as a symbol of voidness (Shouni). It highlights the fact that Shouni, the formless aspect of Shiva, pervades this cosmos. It is important to note that all these clay pots, of various names, are kept beside Vatuk Bhairava. These pots are to be filled with fresh water, and dry walnuts are to be placed up to the brim. Vermilion is painted on all sides of the pot, and a red thread is tied near the brim of the pot. The pot is then decorated with flower garlands. Why Walnuts? Walnuts are considered the foremost among all dry fruits. They symbolise the four Vedas because the walnut has four sides within. The walnut has two sides, representing Shiva and Shakti, as per Tantras. Philosophically, walnuts, being oval-shaped, are considered a replica of the round-shaped universe. It is kept in mind that all these major or lesser deities are to be placed on grass pods. It is a custom in every family to tie the neck of every pot with Vasur, made from a special weed usually found in marshy lands. The significance of this is related to the earth element, as it is an offshoot of the earth. According to Kashmir Shaiva philosophy, there are thirty-six elements, starting from Shiva and ending on Earth. This earth is said to be Darikashakti, the energy that has the capacity to bear everything. So, by putting this Vasur around the neck of Vatuk Bhairava, we pray to him from this earth element. We seek to ascend to the highest element, known as Shiva, to identify one's own self with the universal consciousness — the highest goal to be achieved in one’s life. As per old tradition, seven cereals (known as Sat Sos) are to be placed in the Vatuk Bhairava vessel. These seven cereals represent all deities who, due to the fear of Jawala Ling, manifested as Vatuk and assumed the form of different cereals, remaining hidden within them. The fourteenth day of worship is known as Shiv Chaturdashi, the most auspicious day of this festival. On this day, Lord Shiva's grace is showered on all devotees, irrespective of caste, creed, or colour. By merely chanting Japa on this day, one is liberated. This whole universe is the form of Lord Shiva. The entire universe has emanated from Shiva, and it is nothing but Shiva. Each and every object in this world is centralised in Shiva. Let that Shiva direct all my actions to achieve Shivahood. This is the essence of Shiv Chaturdashi day during Shivratri. The fifth day of the worship is called Doon Mavas. On this day, the long festival of activities culminates with fervour. After performing special worship, all walnuts are taken out of the main vessel and distributed among relatives and friends as special Prasad. Thus, Shivaratri is a state of transcendence and immanence, as per Kashmir Shaivism. This is the self-luminous state of light. It is independent and does not depend on any external source of light. This is the night of bliss. Note: Culture is the lifeblood of a vibrant society, expressed in the many ways we tell our stories, celebrate, remember the past, entertain ourselves, and imagine the future. Our creative expression helps define who we are, and helps us see the world through the eyes of others. Participating in culture can benefit individuals in many ways, some of which are deeply personal. It is a source of delight and wonder and can provide emotionally and intellectually moving experiences, whether pleasurable or unsettling, that encourage celebration or contemplation. Culture is also a means of expressing creativity, forging an individual identity, and enhancing or preserving a community’s sense of place. URL: https://newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/essence-maha-shivratri-bhairavotsava/d/134624 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism