Maha Shivratri - a Festival of awakening, devotion and meditation.

The importance of Maha Shivratri

Shiva is the God of Meditation and destruction. Meditation, also brings about destruction of that, which is unnecessary. The negativity that attacks our consciousness have to be destroyed, so that the new, the bliss, the awakening within, Shiva tatva replaces those negative tendencies. It can be said, the destruction of destructive forces.

There are certain days on which the awakening force is more. As there are those days, there are places charged with spiritual energies where the meditation becomes spontaneous. Where one finds oneself filled with awakening energies and the disturbing elements like anger, lust, possessiveness, jealousy and insecurities, cannot find it easy to attack one’s chit (consciousness).

Ratri means the night. So Shivratri is the night of meditation. The night when the grace of Lord Shiva is maximum. The awakening force, Shiva tatva is with vigor. It is very easy to feel Lord Shiva’s grace and get soaked in that energy, deep in meditation. Maha means great, and Maha Shivratri is the great night of Shiva. The greatest among all Shivaratri.

What are the dates of Shivratri and Maha Shivratri ?

Shivratri dates are observed according to the Hindu calendar, which has Lunar months. The month starts with the new moon and ends with the full moon, also called poonam or purnimaa (full moon day).
Shivaratri, is observed on 13th night of this Lunar month and 14th day. Maha Shivratri is the Shivraratri that occurs in the month of Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Maagha (as per Shalivahana or Gujarati Vikrama) or Phalguna (as per Vikrama)

Mahasivratri dates in coming years.

Mahashivratri normally falls in the month of February or beginning weeks of March. Below are the dates of Mahashivratri from 2010 A.D till 2015 A.D.
Mahashivartari in 2010 A.D. is on Friday, 12th of February.
Mahashivartari in 2011 A.D. is on Thursday, 3rd of March.
Mahashivartari in 2012 A.D. is on Monday, 20th of February.
Mahashivartari in 2013 A.D. is on Sunday, 10th of March.
Mahashivartari in 2014 A.D. is on Friday, 28th of February.
Mahashivartari in 2015 A.D. is on Tuesday, 17th of February.

Stories related to MahaSivratri

There are quiet a few stories related with MahaShivratri.
It is believed that on this days Lord Shiva was married to Goddesses Parvati. Once when Shakti Parvati asked Lord Shiva about the day, most dear to Him. Lord Shiva replied that replied that the 13th night of the new moon, during the month of Maagha, is his most favourite day. Since the importance of Mahasivratri was known and is being observed as a very spiritual and dearest day of Lord Shiva. It is also said that this was the night when Lord Shiva performed Tandava Nitrya (dance).

Maha Shivratri a Festival of awakening, devotion and meditation.

There is a lot of adhyatmik (spiritual) significance associated with Mahashivratri. So for spiritual aspirants and bhaktas (devotees), this day holds lots of importance and significance. They wait for this powerful night to arrive and get the maximum on this day.
About the source for spiritual significance a thought had came to my mind that Sri Sri Ravishankar must have given a very good explanation. Indeed, He has. I remembered a post on Vikram Hazra’s blog, about the same. So those looking for spiritual significance of Maha Shivratri can read it on Sri Sri on Mahashivratri on his blog.
The day of Mahashivratri is celebrated with awesome enthusiasm all over India. Although, the significance holds for the night. Devotees throngs in large numbers to Shiva Temples, from early morning. Shiva Temples normally are in large numbers in each cities of India. Temples of Lord Shiva can be located every mile or every few miles. All these temples attract large number of devotees.

MahaShivaratri pooja or worship of Shiva in Temples.

Apart from meditation part, It is seen that mostly the worship of Lord Shiva is done with great fervor. A post Worship of Sai Baba is worth reading. Although it is written on worship of Sai Baba it contains some essence about worship, it might be devoted to any form of God or Goddesses, who comes from one indivisible SatChitAnand (truth, consciousness, bliss).

Worship in Shiva temples

Normally worship in Siva Temple is done with offerings to Lord Shiva on the sacred Lingam, a sacred symbol of Shiva found in every temple of Lord Shiva.

Offerings to Lord Shiva

Offerings to Lord Shiva is made by all the devotees. Water is poured and offered on Lingam.
Flowers are offered. Milk is offered. Bael leaves also known as bili patra or belva or bel leafs are offered.
These five are basic offerings done to Lord Shiva with root Mantra Om Namah Shivay chanting.
There are various other offerings made  to Lord Shiva other than the chief and most offerings mentioned above.
Aarti of Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri.

Since this is the night of vigil meditation or intense devotion. On this particular occasion Shiva aarti is also performed at midnight. Below is the video of Shiva aarti. Lyrics and meaning of this Shiva aarti. And after the Aarti many devotees of Lord Shiva spent the rest of the night in Chanting of Shiva Mantra, singing bhajans (devotional songs), or meditating.

related : also look for a list of videos and lyrics for the sacred occasion of Mahashivaratri

Guddo Maharo Sawro - song from Meera NDTV imagine

Yet another song added to Meera songs from NDTV Imagine.

This song is called Maharo Sawro

Download song from Meera Ndtv Imagine Guddo mhaaro sawro video clip here
Download audio mp3 file of Guddo Mharo Sawro here


Lyrics of Guddo maharo Sawron in Engish text


Guddo Mharo Saawron Aur,
Gaahi Amar Suhaag,
Pee Ki Lagan mein Raat Din, Rehti Meera Jaag,
Apne Bhavan Mein Baithi-Baithi, Hari Kaa Lila Dhaam Dekh Leti Thi,
Kaun sa Kajal Meera, Nain mein Lagati Thi,
Jo Nain Moond ke Bhi, Ghanshyam Dekh leti thi,
Ek Jogan Rajsthaani .Meera, Girdhar ki Prem Deewani. Meera

Lyrics in Hindi Script of Guddo mahaaro Sawron in Hindi script


गुड्डो म्हारो सावरों और,
गाही अमर सुहाग,
पी की लगन में रात दिन, रहती मीरा जाग,
अपने भवन में बैठी-बैठी, हरी का लीला धाम देख लेती थी,
कौन सा काजल मीरा, नैन में लगाती थी,
जो नैन मूँद के भी, घनश्याम देख लेती थी,
एक जोगन राजस्थानी .मीरा, गिरधर की प्रेम दीवानी. मीरा

Hari Naam Ka pyala - Anup Jalota

Another addition to Anup Jalota songs. This song is Radha Krishna bhajan। Hari Naam Ka pyala (The glass of Hari (God's name), the divine intoxicant of Krishna consciousness। From this glass the devotee drinks the divine consciousness of Krishna.

The name of God when chanted brings about great intoxication of the love of God. One feels the love and grace of God and looks for nothing else but the intoxication of that ecstatic love and grace of God. Once one taste the power of Name of God one does not look much for anything else but raise in love with God, constantly remembering the God and chant God's name and take care of other things one feels is required for the nourishment of love towards God.

Hare Krishna
Om Sai Ram.

Lyrics of Hari Naam Ka pyaala sung by Anup Jalota in English Text.

Hari naam ka pyaalaa hare Krishna ki haalaa
aisi haalaa pi pi karke, chalaa chale matwaalaa
Radha jaisi baalaa aur vrundavan ka gwaalaa
aisaa gwaalaa Murli Manohar Japo Krishna ki maalaa

Hari naam ka pyaalaa hare Krishna ..........

Hare Krishna kaa jap ho aur Hare Krishna ki maalaa
Dev jyoti se hriday suddha ho, nikle man ki jwaalaa
Hari naam ka pyaalaa hare Krishna ..........

Krishna ki dhun main tan ho, aur Hare Krishna main man ho
Aise tan man ke Mandir main, Krihsna dale haalaa
Hari naam ka pyaalaa hare Krishna ..........

Hare Krihsna main Bal hain, Krishna jal aur thal hai
aise jal thal nabh se pi lo, Narayan ki haalaa
Hari naam ka pyaalaa hare Krishna ..........

Lyrics of Hari Naam Ka pyaala sung by Anup Jalota in Hindi Script.


हरी नाम का प्याला हरे कृष्ण की हाला
ऐसी हाला पी पी करके, चला चले मतवाला
राधा जैसी बाला और वृन्दावन का ग्वाला
ऐसा ग्वाला मुरली मनोहर जपो कृष्ण की माला

हरी नाम का प्याला हरे कृष्ण ..........

हरे कृष्ण का जप हो और हरे कृष्ण की माला
देव ज्योती से ह्रदय शुद्ध हो, नीकले मन की ज्वाला
हरी नाम का प्याला हरे कृष्ण ..........

कृष्ण की धुन मैं तन हो, और हरे कृष्ण मैं मन हो
ऐसे तन मन के मन्दिर मैं, कृष्ण डाले हाला
हरी नाम का प्याला हरे कृष्ण ..........

हरेकृष्ण मैं बल हैं, कृष्ण जल और थल है
ऐसे जल थल नभ से पी लो, नारायण की हाला
हरी नाम का प्याला हरे कृष्ण ..........

Radha aisi baihi Shyam ki diwani - Anup Jalota

Another Radha Krishna song sung by and part of Shri Anup Jalota songs on this bog.

The song again sings the glory of Radha's love for Shri Krishna.

Lyrics of Radha aisi bhaii diwaani lyrics in English words sung by Anup Jalota


Raadhaa aisi bhaii shyaam ki diwaanii,
Ki brij ki kahaani ho gayi
Ek bholi bhaali gaun ki gwaali,
To panditon ki Vaani ho gayi

Radha na hoti to Vrindavan bhi na hotaa
Kaanha to hote bansi bhi hoti,
Bansi main praan na hote
Prem ki bhaasaa jaantaa na koi

Kanaiyaa ko yogi maantaa na koi
Bin parinay ke dekh prem ki pujarin
Kanhaa ki Patraani ho gayi

Radha aisi bhayi Shyam ki

Radha ki payal na bajti to Mohan Aisaa na raaas rachate
Nindyaa chuiraakar, Madhuvan bulaakar
Anguli pe kisko nachaate
Kya aisi kushbu chandan main hoti
kya aisi mishri maakhan main hoti
Thodaa sa maakhan khilaakar woh gwaaalin
Annapurnaa si daani ho gayi
Raadha aisi bhayi Shyam ki..........

Radhaa na hoti to kunj gali bhi
aisi Niraali na hoti
Radha ke nainaa na rote to
Jamuna aisi kaali na hoti
saawan to hota Jule na hote
Radha ke sand Natvar jule naa hote
Saaraa jivan lutan ke woh bhikharan
dhaniko ki rajdhaani ho gayi
Raadha aisi bhayi Shyam ki..........

Lyrics of Radha aisi bhaii diwaani lyrics in Hindi words sung by Anup Jalota


राधा ऐसी भयी श्याम की दीवानी,
की बृज की कहानी हो गयी
एक भोली भाली गौण की ग्वालीन ,
तो पंडितों की वानी हो गई

राधा न होती तो वृन्दावन भी न होता
कान्हा तो होते बंसी भी होती,
बंसी मैं प्राण न होते
प्रेम की भाषा जानता न कोई

कनैया को योगी मानता न कोई
बीन परिणय के देख प्रेम की पुजारीन
कान्हा की पटरानी हो गयी

राधा ऐसी भाई श्याम की

राधा की पायल न बजती तो मोहन ऐसा न रास रचाते
नीन्दीयाँ चुराकर , मधुवन बुलाकर
अंगुली पे कीसको नचाते
क्या ऐसी कुश्बू चन्दन मैं होती
क्या ऐसी मीश्री माखन मैं होती
थोडा सा माखन खिलाकर वोह ग्वालिन
अन्नपुर्ना सी दानी हो गयी
राधा ऐसी भाई श्याम की..........

राधा न होती तो कुंज गली भी
ऐसी निराली न होती
राधा के नैना न रोते तो
जमुना ऐसी काली न होती
सावन तो होता जुले न होते
राधा के संग नटवर जुले ना होते
सारा जीवन लूटन के वोह भीखारन
धनिकों की राजधानी हो गयी
राधा ऐसी भाई श्याम की..........

Rang De Chunariya - - Anup Jalota Live

Rang de Chunariya is a very popular Bhajan of Meerabai. It has been sung with the very talented singer Shri Anup Jalota. This is the addition to popular Anup Jaota songs.

Download mp3 audio file of Rang de Chunarya by Anup Jalota.

Note these links are to buy the quality mp3 files from amazon and not for free download.

Rang De Chunariya
by Anup Jalota
From the Album Bolo Radhey
download mp3 Here



Rang De Chunariya
by Anup Jalota
From the Album Bhajan Sandhya : A Live Recording At Hare Krishna Mandir
download mp3 Here


Lyrics  of Rang de Chunarya by Anup Jalota in English script



Shyam Piya More Rang de Chunaria (2)
Rang de chunaria(2)
Shyam Piya more Rang de Chunaria (2)

Aisi rang de ke rang nahi choote
Aisi rang de rang de rang de ke rang nahi choote
Dhobiya dooye chahe ye sari umariya (2)

Oh shyam piya more rang de chunaria
Shyam piya more rang de chunaria
Rang de (5)
Rang de chunaria

Lal na rangavu mei
Hari na rangavu
Apne hi rang me rang de chunaria (2)

Oh shyam piya more rang de chunaria
Shyam piya more rang de (chunaria) (6)
Rang de (9)
Rang de chunaria
Bina rangaye mai to ghar nahi javongi
Bina... rangaye mai to ghar nahi... javongi
Pa pa da nida dapa
Pa da ma pa gama pa
Pa da ma pa ga ma ri
Ga ma riga sa ni sa

Shyam piya more rang de chunaria
Mira ke prabhu giridhar nagar

Jal se patla koun hai
Koun bhumi se bhari
Koun agn se tej hai
Koun kajal se kali

Jal se patla... patla (3)
Jal se patla jnan hai
Aur paap bhumi se bhari
Krodh agn se tej hai
Aur kalank kajal se kali

Mira k prabhu giridhar nagar
Prabhu charanan me hari charanan me
Shyam charanan me lagi nazariya
Oh Sham piya more



Lyrics of Rang de Chunariya by Anup jalota in Hindi Script

श्याम पिया मोरे रंग दे  चुनरिया (2)
रंग दे चुनरिया (2)
श्याम पिया मोरे रंग दे चुनरिया  (2)

ऐसी रंग दे के रंग नाही छूटे
ऐसी रंग दे रंग दे रंग दे के रंग नाही छूटे
धोबिया धुए चाहे ये सारी उमरिया  (2)

ओह श्याम पिया मोरे रंग दे चुनरिया
श्याम पिया मोरे रंग दे चुनरिया
रंग दे  (5)
रंग  दे  चुनरिया

लाल न रंगवू में
हरी ना रंगावु
अपने ही रंग में रंग दे चुनरिया  (2)

ओह श्याम पिया मोरे रंग दे चुनरिया
श्याम पिया मोरे रंग दे (चुनरिया) (6)
रंग दे (9)
रंग दे चुनरिया
बिना रंगाये मई तो घर नाही जाउंगी 
बिना ... रंगाये मई तो घर नाही ... जाउंगी

श्याम पिया मोरे रंग दे चुनरिया
मीरा  के  प्रभु गिरिधर नगर

जल से पतला कौन है
कौन भूमि से भारी
कौन अगन से तेज है
कौन काजल से काली

जल से पतला जनन है
और पाप भूमि से भारी
क्रोध अगन से तेज है
और कलंक काजल से काली

मीरा के प्रभु गिरिधर नागर
प्रभु चरण में हरी चरनन में
श्याम चरण में लागी नजरिया
ओ  शम पिया मोरे 

Radha Ke Bina Shyam Adha - Radha Krishna bhajan

This as addition to Krishna songs and also in the list of Anup Jalota bhajans and songs. The song is dedicated to the divine love of Radha and Krishna.

This devotional song points to the importance of Radha. Radha ke bina Shyam adhura. Shree Krishna is not complete without Radhe. Chanting the name Radhe Shyam, or  Even only Radhe, Radhe pleases Lord Krishna. The lyrics of this and coming songs will be written after about 15 days.

Bus yahi likh de maa likh de- Lakhbir Singh Lakha

A good bhajan or devotional song dedicated to Mata Rani, in Jagran from T series. Bus yahi likh de Maa likh De taqdir me Teri, a Maa Sada me rahu tera ..... very nice and meaning full bhajan of Mata Rani, for devotion and Jagran.

The online video along with the devotional voice of Shri Lakhbir Singh Lakha has good pictures of Mata Rani Murti and arial view of Maa Vaishno Devi.

More Mata Rani songs for Navratri and devotion to Maa.

Download mp3 of this Mata Rani Jagran song for Navratri Festival here