Mahashivratri is one of the sacred festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva who is the greatest Vaishnava. Devotees observe fast, offer prayers, and chant mantras on this day. In ISKCON temples, the day of Maha shivaratri has a unique significance. It reminds us of Lord Shiva’s devotion to Shri Krishna who is the supreme personality of Godhead. Unlike famous belief, Lord Shiva is not supreme. He is the Param Vaishnava acharya, the topmost devotee of Shri Krishna. On this day worshiping Lord Shiva with pure Love and respect brings divine blessings which guide us closer to Shri Krishna.
When is Mahashivratri 2025?
Maha shivratri 2025 will be observed on Wednesday February 26. This significant Hindu festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees celebrate this day with various rituals and observances.
This festival is marked by offerings to Lord Shiva which includes roads sweets leaves and milk. A lot of devotees also take part in meditative practices and chant mantras which are dedicated to Lord Shiva throughout the night.
Maha Shivratri Story Night of Divine Devotion
Ancient scriptures narrate the story of Mahashivratri. One of the famous tales from the Srimad Bhagavatam tells how Lord Shiva chanted the only names of Shri Krishna. He did intense penance and meditated upon Shri Vishnu.
Another story speaks of a poor hunter who unknowingly observed a fast on Mahashivratri. Under a Bilva tree, he worshipped a Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva was pleased by his devotion and he granted him liberation. This story teaches that selfless devotion places Lord Shiva who ultimately leads his devotees to Shri Krishna.
Why Lord Shiva Worships Shri Krishna
Many people do not understand the divine connection between Lord Shiva and Shri Krishna. According to Vaishnav scriptures, Lord Shiva always meditates on Shri Krishna. In Brahma Samhita, Lord Shiva is described as like yogurt to milk. Shri Krishna is defined as pure milk, transforms into Lord Shiva for universal destruction. Even then Lord Shiva never forgets his Lord. He chants the hare Krishna Maha Mantra and dances in divine ecstasy. The teachings of ISKCON temples highlight Lord Shiva as the perfect devotee of Shri Krishna. We learn true devotion and surrender by following him.
Lord Shiva as Vaishnav: The Greatest Devotee
Many devotees consider Lord Shiva as the ultimate God, but Vaishnav texts reveal. In Padma purana, he says among all Vaishnavas, I am the best. His worship completely focuses on pleasing Shri Krishna. Even when he grants boons, his blessings bring devotees closer to Shri Krishna’s devotion. Those who worship lord Shiva with true devotion and humanity receive his mercy. It leads them to pure affection for Shri Krishna.
Glories of Lord Shiva in Vaishnavism
ISKCON acknowledges Lord Shiva’s glories in Vaishnavism. He is not an ordinary demigod but a divine personality. In Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Shiva is described as Shri Krishna’s greatest devotee. When Daksha insulted him, Shri Krishna sent Vishnu to protect him. He always blesses devotees who chant the holy names. Worshipping him without material desires grants spiritual wisdom.
Mahashivaratri Significance in ISKCON
In ISKCON temples, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with kirtans, scriptural readings, and fasting. Devotees glorify Shiva’s devotion to Shri Krishna. Offering Bilva leaves, reciting Vishnu Sahasranama, and chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra are encouraged. Fasting on this day purifies the heart. Food donation to the poor and contributions to temples bring immense spiritual merit. Serving cows (Gau Seva) is also considered highly auspicious.
Shiva and Krishna in Srimad Bhagavatam
The Srimad Bhagavatam explains the deep bond between Lord Shiva and Shri Krishna. When Banasura, a great devotee of Shiva, fought with Shri Krishna, Lord Shiva himself surrendered. He declared Shri Krishna as the Supreme Lord. In another instance, when Lord Vishnu appeared as Mohini Murti, Lord Shiva was enchanted. This shows that Shri Krishna alone is the ultimate controller of all energies.
How ISKCON Celebrates Mahashivaratri
ISKCON temples worldwide observe Mahashivaratri with devotion. Devotees offer Abhishekam to Lord Shiva, perform Bhajans, and read Vaishnav scriptures. They fast and pray for pure Krishna Bhakti. Giving charity on this day pleases Lord Shiva, who helps devotees reach Shri Krishna. Gau Seva is highly recommended, as Shiva himself worships cows. Offering milk, ghee, and Bilva leaves is considered most auspicious.
Significance of Donations on Mahashivaratri
Donating on Mahashivaratri is highly beneficial. Giving food to the poor pleases Shri Krishna and Lord Shiva. Donations made in temples support spiritual activities and help maintain ISKCON programs. Charity on this day washes away past sins and brings peace and prosperity.
According to scriptures, giving with a pure heart multiplies spiritual blessings and removes past karmic debts.
Bhagavad Gita 17.20
दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे |
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् ॥
Meaning: Charity that is given selflessly, at the right place and time, to a deserving person, without expecting anything in return, is considered Sattvik (pure) charity.
Gau Seva: The Highest Offering to Lord Shiva
Serving cows (Gau Seva) on Mahashivaratri is highly auspicious. Lord Shiva is fond of cows and considers them sacred. Offering milk, fodder, and taking care of cows attracts divine blessings. ISKCON promotes Gau Seva, as it aligns with Vaishnav principles. By serving cows, one pleases both Lord Shiva and Shri Krishna.
Lord Shiva: The Param Vaishnavacharya
Lord Shiva is the supreme teacher of Vaishnavism. He always chants Shri Krishna’s names. His divine qualities of compassion, renunciation, and devotion inspire all devotees. Worshipping Lord Shiva selflessly brings spiritual progress. He removes obstacles and guides souls toward Shri Krishna. True devotees honor Shiva as a great Vaishnava, not as the Supreme Lord.
Conclusion
Mahashivaratri in ISKCON is not just about fasting and rituals. It is about understanding Shiva’s deep devotion to Shri Krishna. Worshipping him with sincerity grants us his blessings and takes us closer to Shri Krishna. ISKCON encourages devotees to follow Lord Shiva’s example and embrace pure Bhakti. On this sacred night, chanting the holy names and engaging in devotional service brings the highest spiritual rewards.
