by Sunil Bajpai
Kanpur: The journey of life begins with our first words, learned from our parents and later from our Guru, encompassing terms like Ishwar, Allah, God, worship, prayer, and sadhna. These words form the foundation of faith in a higher power, whether referred to as Ishwar, Parameshwar, Allah, or God, representing the creator, protector, and destroyer of the universe. In Hinduism, the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva) embodies the processes of creation, preservation, and destruction.
Brahma is the creator, Vishnu nurtures life, and Mahesh, or Lord Shiva, is the destroyer. The cycle of life is often seen as a journey from birth (Brahma) to death (Mahesh), with Lord Vishnu guiding the journey in between, sustaining life. While birth and death are one-time events, Lord Vishnu’s influence is constant throughout life. In this cycle, death, or ‘Kaal’, is often feared, but Lord Shiva, also known as Mahakaal, controls and governs it. His epithet ‘Mrityunjay’ signifies his power over death and his ability to grant victory over it.
Lord Shiva is revered for his boundless generosity and compassion. His followers believe that when Lord Shiva is pleased, he fulfills every wish. His role as the controller of Kaal signifies that all worldly possessions are transient, and death is a part of the natural order, determined by Shiva’s grace and will. This is exemplified by the mythological tales of Shiva granting boons to both gods and demons, only to take them back when they misused his gifts.
In India, Lord Shiva’s worship holds immense spiritual significance and Mahashivratri, celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Falgun, is considered the most important festival dedicated to him. It is believed that on this day, the universe was created from Shiva’s Agni Linga during his marriage to Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe strict fasting, Rudrabhishek, and prayers, both in India and among the Indian diaspora worldwide.
The spiritual essence of Mahashivratri is also rooted in the belief that true grace from Lord Shiva can only be attained when an individual transcends the dualities of life, becoming ‘impotent’ in a spiritual sense—meaning transcending the material differences of man and woman, and achieving oneness with the divine. This, according to spiritual teachings, is the path to receiving Shiva’s blessings.
