Rituals of Shivratri

People observe fast during the day and in the night they worship Lord Shiva, recite hymns, prayers and meditate, and in the morning they open their fast.

Puja, meditation and chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya” accompany the ritual bath. 

“Om Namah Shivaya’ is the chant that is repeated by the devotees several times during the day. 

Chanting the name of the Lord (Naam japa) for a long period of time purifies the mind and heart. It also destroys the past negative karmas or sins. Shiva means the All-knowing, All-powerful, All-pervading universal consciousness. The Almighty Shiva alone destroys all evil forces of lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego which enslave us.

Ratri means night/darkness. It symbolises ignorance, i.e. I am separate from God, the ego. Upavas means to be with God. And thereby fast or abstain from indulging in vices (Vishaya bhoga). 

Jagaran means to be always alert, awake, living in the moment. Not mixing with the waste or negative thoughts. Do Naam Jap (chanting God’s name) as much as you can which protects us.