The day before the Amavasya of each month is called shivarathri. The shivarathri that falls in February-March each year is considered to be more auspicious and is celebrated as Mahashivarathri. Traditionally, one is advised to stay awake throughout the night of Mahashivarathri.
Scientifically, the planetary positions are such on the night of Mahashivarathri, that in the Northern Hemisphere of the planet, it is very beneficial to keep one’s spine erect throughout the night. Any spiritual sadhana performed on this night has a deeper impact on the system. Hence, people on the spiritual path make use of this extra assistance from nature to intensify their sadhana. Besides, in yoga, Shiva is considered as the first Guru from whom the knowledge originated. Hence, the sadhana is performed as an offering or worship to the Guru.
At Isha Yoga Center, Sadhguru takes this opportunity to conduct a nightlong Satsangh of explosive meditations interspersed with lively and colorful cultural events held in his Presence. Classical music concerts by renowned artists like Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pandit Jasraj, Usha Utup, Sivamani, Dr.Bala Murali Krishna, Unni Krishnan, Sudha Raghunathan, Bombay Jaishree, Pandit Shivakumar Sharma are a predominant feature of this festival. Attended by several hundred thousands of people from far and wide, this unique festival is an opportunity to bask in the Grace of the Dhyanalinga.
Celebrations begin with Guru Pooja at 6:00 pm at the Dhyanalinga on that day and conclude at 6:00 am the following morning. Annadanam is provided to all the visitors on that night and the state transport corporation runs special buses throughout the night to and from Coimbatore City for the benefit of the visitors.
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