Maha Shivaratri: Here's how Lord Shiva inspires us to be brave and fight evil

Call him Shiva or Bholenath, the deva di dev Mahadev is the supreme deity of the Hindu trinity—Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. If Brahma is the creator, Vishnu the preserver then Shiva is the destroyer. Each of these Hindu deities is worshipped according to the rituals and traditions of our society.

But there is one god, who is above the set rules or rituals prescribed in any book. Bholenath, one who is innocent does not really need any elaborate practice of performing pujas or havans—Shiva, the destroyer of all that is evil will bless you even if you just meditate and take his name—provided the mind, body and soul recite one name 'OM NAMAH SHIVAY'.

The echo of this mantra will make your union with the lord quite simple and eternal. Lord Shiva is an epitome of what you can do in life and how you must. The family life is best depicted if you worship the family of Shiva which includes Mata Parvati, sons Kartikeya and Ganesh along with daughter Ashok Sundari. Mahadev's family portrait completes the picture and sets the highest example of how your family life should be.

The humans can never seek what the gods can but the mortal beings need to take a cue from the legends and beliefs set before us in the form of the divine. In today's fast-paced life where emotions are at high stake and people are ready to stab you in the back, we can surely take some inspiration from Lord Mahadev and set out on our own journey of spiritual success.

Say No to evil

Shiva is the destroyer of evil. We must learn from Mahadev to never indulge in anything nefarious or evil. No matter how luring or tempting the bad might look, always remember Adam had a fall due to sin and that was a temptation.

Fight for what is right

Mahadev is the righteous most and it is mentioned in many scriptures and legends that whenever the gods have been in trouble, they always took refuge under lord Shiva's blessings. So, fight for what is right and never voice your opinion despite facing opposition.

Peaceful mind is the king

The most common Pratima or picture of the lord is mostly in meditating pose. And that is what you must seek as well. Mahadev is often seen in deep meditation and that is the way to keep your mind, body and soul in complete control of yourself. If you can awaken your kundalini shakti, the will shall build its own path.

Materialistic pleasure is temporary

Lord Shiva or Bholenath is a yogi and stays in Kailash. He is a vairagya and doesn't believe in any materialistic pleasures. Shiva doesn't have any gold or silver adornments rather he wears tiger skin, rudraksha mala and puts Bhasam on his forehead. Holy river Ganga flows from his matted hair the lord adorns a beautiful crescent moon on it. A serpent around his neck and a Damru and Trishul in his hand—this is what Lord Shiva manifests. Therefore, a true bhakta should try and lead a simple life as material things will one day vanish and what remains is your body.

Feel the Shakti

Shiva and Shakti are eternal and inseparable. Mahadev's consort Mata Parvati is an embodiment of Shakti. If you pray to Shiva-Shakti then there is nothing in the world which can stop you. The Ardhinareshwar roop is a symbol of Shiva-Shakti power. Never disrespect a woman in your life—be it mother, wife or friend. Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati teach us how balance is important in nature to maintain a healthy relationship.

Thank you, Lord, for your innumerable life lessons!