In this episode of “5 Minutes,” Dr. Robert Svoboda explores Mahashivaratri and the meaning of the Shambho Mahadeva chant as a way of focusing the mind and devotion on Lord Shiva.

On this auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri, the night when, if at all possible, one should remain awake worshipping Lord Shiva throughout the night, I have always found it valuable to sing as much as possible in order to stay awake, enthusiastic, and focused on Lord Shankara. So I thought that if you have not heard this song, you might enjoy learning it and singing it to yourself, because it can assist you in keeping your mind focused on Lord Shankara.

The chant begins: Shambho Mahadeva. Shambho means he who gives you peace, and it can also mean he who gives you prosperity. So he gives you both peace and prosperity. How wonderful. Shambho Mahadeva. He is not just an ordinary Deva, he is Mahadeva, the great Deva, the transcendent Deva present throughout all universes, through all three times, everywhere and in all places. Shambho Mahadeva.

Shiva is crowned by the crescent moon. On Mahashivaratri, although it may not be visible, the moon is only a very small crescent. This represents the small portion of Shiva’s mind that is not absorbed in Samadhi. It is that small amount of attention that remains available to the world, and it is with that portion that we attempt to approach him and receive his attention. If Shiva did not maintain even that small connection with the manifested world, no one would ever be able to approach or please him. Therefore, we are grateful that he retains this small amount of awareness even while remaining immersed in cosmic Samadhi.

We may also understand Shankara in another way. For those who fear him, fear death, and fear transformation, he creates fear and dread. But for those who understand him, he is Shankara, the one who gives peace and prosperity.

He is always united with Amba, with Uma, with his other half, his Vamangi. He is Sadashiva, the eternal Shiva. Sadashiva also suggests the form in which he remains Shiva while being completely united with Shakti. He is Ardhanarishvara, the union of Shiva and Shakti.

Shankara Samba Sadashiva, Gangadhara Hara. Gangadhara means the one who holds the Ganga in his hair. Shiva allows the celestial Ganga to descend to earth in order to purify and save. The name Ganga means the one who takes away. Shiva takes away your life, which is why in the Rudra he is called the Lord of thieves. But he also takes away your negative karmas, your fear, and your dread.

Shiva dwells on Mount Kailasa, at least during the summer, which is his summer home. His winter home is Banaras, which is why we remember him as Gangadhara Kailasavasa. “O Lord Shiva, please protect me.”

Parvati, whose delight is Shiva, represents the manifested universe. Because Shiva delights in, protects, and blesses the manifested universe, he remembers us and extends his compassion toward us.

Therefore, on this night of Mahashivaratri, we bow down to Lord Shiva, offer our sincere worship, and request his blessings.