15 February 2026, Amritapuri Ashram
Shivaratri was celebrated with much joy, music, and dance, along with chanting, fasting, and enthusiasm.
The ashram youth presented a lively bhajan session, while others performed several dances and a Sanskrit skit. After the daily ashram bhajans, Amma watched and enjoyed all these programs. She also danced at the end.
In her Shivaratri message, she said: “Shivaratri is the most auspicious of nights, on which we are called to rise into the Supreme Truth. However, more than for celebrating, its essence is in being practiced, lived and experienced. This holy night reminds us of the many values we must embrace in both our worldly journey as well as on our spiritual path. Above all, Shivaratri is a call to elevate ourselves towards the highest truth—the principle of Shiva.”
“Ordinarily, the human mind and senses are absorbed in worldly pursuits and material concerns. Our five senses constantly move outwards, while our mind is consumed with endless thoughts and desires. If, even for one single day, we can anchor the mind and senses completely in remembrance and devotion of the divine, that itself is a profound accomplishment. When we pray with a clear goal and sincere devotion, the peace and joy we experience will inspire us to live a God-centred life. This is the true spirit of Shivaratri.”
“God is always awake within us; it is only that we are in deep sleep. Therefore, we cannot feel His presence. Most of our life experiences are like dreams seen in this sleep. If this is to end, we must strive to stay awake for God, as a kind of sacrifice, at least for one day.”
“Staying awake doesn’t merely mean keeping the eyes open without sleeping. It means being aware of our thoughts, words and actions. When this awareness arises, ignorance disappears. Darkness is not something that can be removed as an object; when light comes, darkness vanishes. In the same way, when awareness awakens in us, the darkness of ignorance disappears.”
“May each of us be able to absorb the message of self-restraint, sacrifice and awakening that Shivaratri gives. May the divine grace bless us all to rise into that awakening, in which we behold, love, and serve the Lord who pervades the entire universe through the asta-murti—eight forms—in everything that is sentient and insentient.”
