February 15, 2026 at Bangalore, India
Witness the Original Somnath Jyotirlinga this Maha Shivaratri after 1000 years!
Three Types of Peace
You need all three - material, mental and peace in the soul. Only in the presence of all the three types of peace can there be complete peace.
Awaken Divinity
In ancient times, people used to say, 'At least one day in a year, on Shivratri day, do meditation and keep awake'. Wake the Divinity that is deep within you!
Fulfill Desires
Not eating too much, and doing more meditation on this day helps in fulfillment of desires - this is the ancient belief. When the mind and body is resting in the Shiva Tattva, small wishes get fulfilled effortlessly.
Power of Mantras
Shivratri day is celebrated with Rudrabhishekam. When we chant these Vedic mantras, these mantras can change the environment. It brings purity in the environment, positivity is increased, bad karmas are destroyed and nature celebrates.
Find Your Balance
Gurudev does not recommend you fast without eating anything at all. Take some some light easily digestible food and spend the day awake and meditate at night. You don’t need to meditate all night, just for some time.
Experience Bliss
Just chanting Om Namah Shivay, all the lacks disappear from you, fears will fly away. When lack disappears, fear disappears, tiredness goes away and you are left with pure bliss that is Shiva.
Maha Shivratri is the day when the Shiva Tattva touches the earth. The consciousness, the aura or the ethereal world which is always ten inches above the material ground, touches the earth element on the day of Maha Shivratri. It is the wedding of the material with the spiritual.
Shivratri is taking refuge in the divine consciousness which brings peace and solace to all layers of consciousness. So resting in the Shiva Tattva is Shivratri.
MahaShivratri Special Meditation Programs
Vedic Wisdom
Vedic Chanting, Upanayanam ceremony, Astrology, Ayurveda,
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7-day Advanced Meditation Program
A Journey from Head to Heart, from Movement to Stillness, from Sound to Silence.
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Maha Shivratri Special 5 Days AMP
A Journey from Head to Heart, from Movement to Stillness, from Sound to Silence.
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Maha Shivratri Special Signature Advance Meditation Program
Join course with Kamlesh Barwal ji Eligibility: Minimum 3 months gap between two advance meditation programs
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*Your contribution benefits a host of social projects
Maha Shivratri Special Busy Bee AMP
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Articles on Maha Shivratri Celebration
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What is Mahashivratri and why is it celebrated?
Mahashivratri literally means the ‘Great Night of Shiva’ and is celebrated as the day when the Shiva tattva (principle) touches the earth. It is not just a ritual festival — it represents the union of the material and spiritual realms and invites us to go deep within ourselves in meditation and awareness. The night is a reminder that the essence of Shiva — peace, beauty, infinity and non-duality — is present within every being, and Mahashivratri calls us back to this inner truth.
What is the importance of staying awake on Mahashivratri?
Yes. Staying awake is emphasized because the position of the constellations on the night of Mahashivratri is considered very auspicious for meditation and helps one keep alert to meditate deeper.
Is fasting necessary on Mahashivratri?
Fasting is not mandatory, but many people choose to do it because it can help quiet the body and mind, making meditation easier. Art of Living teachings suggest that fasting frees the mind from negative emotions and supports a more focused inner experience on this sacred day.
Why is Mahashivratri considered ideal for meditation?
The Art of Living describes Mahashivratri as a time when spiritual energy is accessible and meditation can yield deeper effects than usual. Because the night symbolizes rest for body, mind and ego, meditating during this time supports inner peace, heightened awareness, and a shift toward one’s true nature.
How can I participate in Mahashivratri celebrations online?
The Art of Living offers live webcasts, meditation sessions, and online events where people can take part in celebrations, including powerful night meditations, pujas, and talks on the significance of Mahashivratri.
What makes Mahashivratri celebrations at Art of Living unique?
Art of Living’s Mahashivratri focuses on inner experience rather than just outward ritual — emphasizing meditation, chanting, silence and the surrender of ego to align with the Shiva principle. The festival becomes not just a day of observance but a doorway to deeper awareness.
Can Mahashivratri be observed at home?
Yes. Mahashivratri observance can be embraced at home through meditation, chanting, prayer, waking through the night with awareness, and celebrating the Shiva tattva within oneself.