Exploring Shivaratri: Symbolism, Practice, & Tradition

This immersive Mountain Experience serves as a preparation day, bringing together practice, learning, and context to support a deeper understanding of Shivaratri. Through a guided walk, a Shiva-inspired yoga practice, and a class on symbolism in ritual, chanting, and prayer, participants are invited to gain insight into the traditions, history, and how these practices are held at Mount Madonna.

Important Note: Those wishing to participate in the actual Shivaratri Observance are invited to book overnight accommodations for Saturday, February 14 or make a reservation to return Sunday, February 15, for the Parthiv Puja + Shivaratri Observance 2026 (free but no overnight accommodations). You are welcome to make advance reservations to come stay for one night, two nights, or more!  Explore the various ways to attend the full weekend program. 

Shivaratri Preparations & History Walk

This special guided walk will begin with a behind-the-scenes look at Shivaratri preparations. The tour will include an overview of Mount Madonna’s historical relationship with Shivaratri and an explanation of how the 24-hour observance will unfold.

Participants will learn about the long history of Shivaratri preparation, including the involvement of staff who have participated in the observance for over 45 years. The guide will discuss items currently being prepared for Shivaratri and share context about the origins of the rituals, including prayers and practices given by Babaji.

The walk will also cover the history of the Hanuman Fellowship’s Shivaratri observances, including where the earliest Shivaratri celebrations were held, when Shivaratri was first observed at Mount Madonna, how rituals such as Parthiv Puja and the immersion of 1008 clay lingams (symbols of the formless universal divine principle) in the pond were incorporated, and how the building of the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple in 2000 became part of the celebrations.

The guided walk will continue outdoors to Sunset Ridge, with a stop at the Sunset Ridge Shiva shrine, where flowers will be offered.

Shiva: Stillness and Transformation Yoga Practice

This 90-minute Shiva-themed practice with Vidhi Tibrewala will invite you into the energy of transformation, presence, and deep inner listening. We will begin by settling the nervous system through pranayama (breathing techniques), including nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and ujjayi, to balance the mind and awaken subtle awareness. We will then move into chanting 108 rounds of Om Namah Shivaya followed by a silent meditation, creating space to connect with stillness, devotion, and the witnessing consciousness that Shiva represents.

From this grounded place, we will transition into a steady, intentional asana (postures) practice — strong yet spacious, encouraging both surrender and resilience. Postures are held and transitioned with awareness, honoring the dance between effort and ease.

We will close with an extended savasana (corpse pose) accompanied by a sound bath, allowing vibrations to wash through the body and integrate the practice on a cellular level. Expect to leave feeling centered, clear, and deeply restored — rooted in stillness, yet open to transformation.

Shivaratri Yogic Symbolism in Ritual, Chanting, and Prayer

This class offers context for the rituals and chanting that unfold over the 24-hour Shivaratri observance, helping participants understand what they will experience and why these practices are held within tradition. Bhavani Siegel, who has been integral to nearly 40 years of Shivaratri celebrations at Mount Madonna, will guide the class, drawing upon her lived experience to illuminate the yogic symbolism and significance of the rituals observed throughout the night of Shivaratri, including the interrelationship of Shiva and his female counterpart, Shakti.

We will begin with an overview of ritual itself — puja (ceremonial offering) and yajna (ancient Vedic ritual) — as living expressions of Yoga, and then walk through the key observances participants will experience during Shivaratri: Parthiv Puja, including the creation of a mandala (sacred circle) of 1008 Shiva lingams; Ganesh Puja, which begins the night observance following arati (ritual of light) at the Temple; the midnight Mantra Yajna and Shiva Puja; and Mahashivaratri Puja, culminating with morning arati and the immersion of the mandala (and participants) into the water. Alongside this, the class will explore kirtan and bhajan (devotional singing) as a practice of Bhakti Yoga (path of devotion), offering insight into the many names and forms of Shiva and Shakti that are invoked throughout the night. We will reflect on Shiva as Maheshvara, the Original Yogi; Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer; Shiva the Auspicious, Destroyer of ignorance and illusion; Ganga-jata-dhara, bearer of the sacred river Ganga; alongside Shakti as the cosmic power of the universe, Goddess Parvati, and with Ganesh, Remover of Obstacles, as their son. With over a thousand names attributed to Shiva and Shakti, we will explore some of their meanings, qualities, and symbolism as they arise through chant, and share a few beautiful traditional prayers composed by sages such as Shankaracharya and Tulsi Dass.

The day’s program will also include:

• Brunch & dinner in the shared community dining hall
• Personal time
• Option to stay for arati (ritual of light) after dinner at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
• Option to book a wellness treatment at Kaya Kalpa Wellness Center (fees additional, advance reservations recommended)

To participate in this special class, please register for a Mountain Experience day visit or book overnight accommodations to stay for through the Shivaratri observances on Sunday and Monday, February 15 and 16.

Please note: the yoga asana practice and symbolism class are appropriate for ages 13 years and older.