Shiva and Love

Amidst the myriad festivals we celebrate, Mahashivratri fascinates me the most. A country which normally turns it's face away from any public display of love between a husband and wife, celebrates a festival commemorating the same.

The marriage of Shiva and Parvati. A love so strong that it transcends time, a passion so potent that it is legendary. A union leading to creation. There are enough reasons to love this festival.

It is said, that this day marks the destruction of old and ushers in the creation of new. I often think, like the annual celebration of such a festival, there should be an annual cleansing ritual of marriages as well. We accumulate so much in a year, hurt emotions, fights, harsh words, unspoken simmering anger.... There should be a day to cleanse it all. A clean slate day.

The base line of love is always there to build up on. There is a need for such a day where the past is shed , like shiva's snake sheds it's skin. Only then, can the new be born, only then can creation and positivity be there.

Like Shiva dances away his hurt, his anxiety and his anger, we should be able to shake out the clinches of the relationship and dance the dance of creation. Dance the dance of love.

My understanding of Hindu mythology is basic at best, and many may find my views simplistic and discardable. But my understanding of love and relationships is deeper and it is this knowledge which drives me to love Shiva, and surrender to the power of destruction and creation.

Om Namah Shivay 🙏