Mahashivarathiri 2010

I was lucky enough to travel to the Ashram for this event. This year also marked the beginning of the 14-day celebration of this event with Yaksha preceding the event as well.

Wish my association with Isha, several perceptions about commonly heard names have been re-contextualized. The most notable ones are Shiva and Krishna. Shiva, whose night it was yesterday, was always known to me as a "God". A ubiquitous name and an associated form I saw always and everywhere. But the best portrayal is what was on the flyer. The mad dancer with His head disappearing into the skies. Getting a glimpse of this mans essence is worth all effort. And to think it falls on the lap every year is ironic.

Yesterday, in the midst of the celebrations, I walked out and looked up at the sky. It was pitch dark. Part imagination, part the atmosphere, and part my overwhelming attraction for this man in front of whom, my entire life till date appears just mundane like a tiny flicker of light - it felt overwhelming to understand what this man contains within himself. He is stilling lighting the fire within so many people in direct and indirect ways.
Perhaps, the best demonstration of the spirit of Shiva came from the bramhacharinis and bramacharis themselves. As the world unfolded like a typhoon around them, they sat with steely focus, sphinx like, staring into the void of nothingness continuing the Nirvana Shatakam! This is the essence of Shiva isn't it? Blitzkrieg and silence in a perplexing combination!

Note: Pictures are already out!