In the holy land of Bharat, it would be hard to find anyone unfamiliar with Shiv Ji or the general concept of Maha Shivratri.
Shiva means kalyan (welfare) and Shivratri means night to gain welfare. This festival includes a lot of things like temple visits, fasting, night-long vigil, chanting of mantras etc. These all pave the path for Kalyan (Welfare).
However, Shivji himself told a secret upasana to the Guru of Bhagwan Ram, Shri Vashistha Rishi which gives a deeper understanding of this festival, explaining how it can guide one towards eternal bliss (self welfare) and Jagat kalyan (Universal Welfare) . Sant Shri Asharamji Bapu explained this knowledge so as it could be practically applied in modern times. This article gives a unique Shivratri Upasana method that can pave a way to resolve all the traumas, sufferings and disputes of mankind.
Significance of Shiv ji ‘s Upasana on Shivratri
Worship is a way to display our gratitude and love to the Almighty. Usually, worshiping Shiva comprises acts like pouring sacred water and milk, offering flowers and vine leaves, lighting lamps, and night vigils. Each of these acts has spiritual importance and has been explained in our scriptures. Sages mention Lord Shiva as Bhola Baba, which means he is very easy to please. There are multiple stories in the scriptures where he can be pleased by a mere display of dedication and offering just vine leaves. Offering vine leaves is considered a gesture of purification and the surrender of one’s soul to the deity. Similarly, offering water and milk signifies cleansing oneself to be prepared for surrendering to the deity. However, these are materialistic modes of worship, whereas our saints have explained a deeper way of worshiping Shiva to awaken our energies within.
Worship of Atma Shiv Ji as Mentioned by Guru of Bhagwan Ram
In the Yogvashistha Maharamayan, there is an instance where Bhagwan Shiva appeared before Rishi Vashishtha. Vashishthaji asked, “Who is the supreme God, whose worship liberates one from the vicious cycle of birth, death, sorrows, miseries, and life’s tensions?”
Bhagwan Shiva replied that neither Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, Surya, nor even Shiva himself is the supreme God. He explained that the Atmashiv (the soul) within oneself is the Supreme God. The Atmashiv can be worshipped in all situations, at all times and by everyone. Shiva taught that the key to this sadhana is practicing Samta (equanimity) — maintaining balance in all circumstances, whether good or bad, favorable or unfavorable. He emphasized that every situation in life can be used to progress on the path of sadhana by viewing everything through the eyes of wisdom and detaching from material desires.
Practically, this means accepting everything as it is, without desire or attachment. By recognizing the same soul (Atma) in everyone and practicing parity (Samta), one can transcend the mind’s limitations, which is the essence of Atmashiv Upasana.
Sant Shri Asharamji Bapu further elaborates that in today’s world, practicing parity and equanimity is the key solution to life’s troubles. People are unhappy and distressed because of their desires. Through the worship of Atmashiv, they can cultivate parity, helping them rise above problems and lead a happy, stress-free life.
Shivratri Worship of Shiv Ji from Form to Formless
Bhagwan Shiv Ji has been worshipped since time immemorial. According to ancient scriptures, Lord Shiva was worshipped even before Treta Yug. Bapuji explains that Shiva is the Aatman (soul) of every being, present in all elements as Kalyan Swarup Shiv. Thus, before Treta Yug, Bhagwan Sadashiva was worshipped in His formless form. People of that time, with pure minds, could elevate their material and spiritual well-being simply by listening to discourses and worshipping Shiva in the form of knowledge.
Worshipping idol of Shiv Ji on Shivratri
Across the India, its a tradition to worship idol of Shiv Ji on Shivratri. Especially, the Shiva Linga is given more importance, as India has twelve jyotirlingas. It is said that the some began worshipping Shiva in idol form, while other communities revered Him as a Linga. Eventually, everyone adopted the practice of worshipping Shiva in the form of a Linga. This shift from formless to form-based worship was due to the increasing desires, corruption, and pollution of the mind caused by Rajo and Tamo Gunas.
Although Shiva Linga can be worshipped with a simple offering of water and flowers, our Saints have shown us the deeper essence of worship through their lives. For instance, a story from Eknathji’s life illustrates this. He once offered the Ganges water, intended for Shiva Abhishek, to a thirsty donkey, thereby demonstrating that Sadashiva resides in all living beings, not just in the Linga. Similarly, Ramakrishna Paramhansa was observed placing Bel leaves on his own head in the absence of a Shiva Linga, symbolizing the presence of Shiva within oneself.
Shivratri: A day to identify Shiv Ji in every creature
In more recent times, we are reminded of a story from the teenage years of Sant Shri Asharamji Bapu, who had the daily habit of worshipping Shiva. One day, on his usual path to the temple, Bapu encountered an exhausted laborer lying unconscious. Moved by compassion, Bapuji poured the water he had collected for Shiva Puja to quench the man’s thirst. He then nursed him back to consciousness, gave him his pocket money, and ensured his safe return home. Bapu recollects hearing an inner voice that day, promising him union with his Ishta and initiation into the worship of the Self, as taught by Lord Shiva.
Bapuji has mentioned that if one worships the Shiva Linga with butter and milk, it yields the benefits of performing an Ashwamedha Yagya. However, if one worships the formless Shiva within, they can attain Shiva Himself, transcend all difficulties, and achieve the ultimate goal of life
Shivratri, a day to Worship of Shiv Ji within ourselves According to Shiv Sutras
The Shiv Sutras of Sage Vasu Gupta, also known as the Kashmir Sutras, are believed to have been revealed by Lord Shiva in a dream to the sage. These teachings emphasize the worship of the inner self and the philosophy of non-dualism, where Shiva is identified as being inseparable from inner consciousness. The Shiv Sutras also form the foundation of Kashmir Shaivism. Below, we highlight a few key learnings from the Shiv Sutras:
Upasna of Shivji through Consciousness within ourselves
चैतन्यात्मा । १-१।
To understand the worship of the self, it is essential to first ask: what is the self? Shiva hints that our Atman or soul is Sat-Chit-Ananda (truth, consciousness, bliss). Though cryptic, this wisdom carries deep meaning—it signifies that we are not merely the physical body. The body, which is perishable, is born and dies, but the Atman (soul) remains eternal. To truly worship the self, we must first recognize the self as our imperishable and permanent identity.
Guru is the means : worshipping Sadashiv
गुरु रुपायः । २-६।
How do we break the habit of identifying with the physical body? The key is to stop seeing Shiva as a distant entity and recognize Him as our own near and dear. Self-realized sages describe God as being closer and more real to us than even our physical body. The Shiva Sutras suggest surrendering at the feet of a self-realized Sadguru—someone who has mastered self-realization and can teach us the worship of the inner self, as described by Lord Shiva.
Sant Shri Asharamji Bapu comes from a lineage of self-realized saints. Beginning with his Guru, Param Pujya Leela Shah Ji Maharaj, this lineage traces back to Dadu Deen Dayal Ji, then to Kabir Ji, Ramanand Swami Ji, and ultimately to Bhagwan Adi Shankaracharya. The lineage continues further to the original transmission of knowledge from Lord Vishnu to Brahma Ji.
Shiv Ji ‘s Aradhana: He becomes Sadashiv Himself
शिवतुल्यो जायते । ३-२६।
Having mastered the art of Shiva Puja within themselves, seekers can attain the state of non-dualism, where Lord Shiva guarantees that the seeker becomes one with Shiva. This realization occurs when we understand that no being or energy is separate from its source, just as the essence of the ocean is the same as a single drop of water. Similarly, the self holds the key to Shiva Himself.
Bapuji has simplified this journey beautifully, explaining that the path to worshipping Shiva is straightforward. It begins with the realization of “Tasi Vaham”—”We are His.” This is the first step, where we perceive Shiva as a third person. As our mind clears further, we progress to “Tavi Vaham”—”We are Yours.” In this second step, we speak directly to Shiva. Finally, the journey culminates in the stage of “Twamevaham”—”You are me, and I am You.” This final stage transcends all barriers, merging the Atman (individual soul) with Parmatma (universal soul), and the soul becomes Atma-Shiva—one with Shiva.
Worship of Shiv Ji: Other Religious Text References
Similar guidance can be found in the Ribhu Gita, where Ribhu Rishi, the son of Brahma, imparted the secrets of the self to his disciple, Nidagha. His teachings are compiled in the ancient Sanskrit text Shivarahasyam, and the Ribhu Gita is highly regarded for its insights on worshipping Shiva as the worship of the self. Below is an English translation from the Essence of Ribhu Gita (Ch. 10, v. 34):
“There is not an atom apart from the Self, which is the integral, undifferentiated perfection of the whole Being. Soul, world, and Creator are inseparable from the Self. The reality of these is the reality of the Self only.”
Bapuji explains that Parmatma (the Supreme Soul) is one and is the source of our Atman (individual soul) and mind. He is the source of everything, which is why He is called Sarvaadhar Shiva (the support of all). He resides in every part of existence, which is why he is also called Ram.
Thus, starting with external symbols like water, Bel leaves, flowers, and the Shiva Linga, seekers gradually turn inward and realize that Shiva is the cause and creator of all beings. They begin to worship Him everywhere—in the simple plays of nature, the blooming of flowers, and ultimately, within the seat of the soul.
Conclusion
Mahashivratri is one of the most sacred and fruitful festivals for Hindus. It not only brings material benefits but also offers a profound opportunity to enhance our spiritual well-being. As saints like Bapuji emphasize, this day is dedicated to recognizing one’s inner self. It is a time to worship the Shiva within ourselves and in others, cultivating parity and equanimity in life.
This is especially crucial in today’s world, where people struggle with distress, jealousy, anger, and other mental challenges. Embracing this approach can help us lead happier, more fulfilled lives, while also fostering peace, harmony, and brotherhood in society. Such upasanas (spiritual practices) from our Sanatan Sanskriti truly embody the principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) and Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramaya (may all be happy, may all be free from illness).
Let’s celebrate this Shivratri with a deeper sense of purpose and a strong resolve to bring peace, harmony, and brotherhood to the world.
Also read:
https://ashram.org/sadhana/great-festival-of-worship-of-atmasiva/
