Maha Sivaratri Vigil

The Maha Sivaratri Vigil is an all-night ceremony in honor of Lord Siva, held at Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville in Buckingham, Virginia. Mahasivaratri is observed when the moon is at its darkest phase, and the night is given over to worship, mantra and story. It is open to Hindu practitioners, yoga students and anyone who wishes to keep the vigil or simply observe.

What to Expect

The vigil begins with an evening gathering and the first puja, a worship service offered to Lord Siva. Four pujas are offered in all, spaced through the night, and the hours between them are filled with the chanting and recitation of Siva's holy mantras, stories, and spiritual teaching.

Participants can also visit the Nataraj Shrine for darshan, the quiet act of seeing and being in the presence of the deity. The rhythm is traditional: staying awake through the darkest part of the lunar cycle, returning again and again to prayer, sound and listening.

For those who cannot be there in person, a live-stream runs until midnight. The later pujas of the night are not part of the stream.

The Setting

The program is hosted by Yogaville, the Satchidananda Ashram, in Buckingham, Virginia, and takes place in the Sivananda Satsang Hall. The ashram is a yoga community, and the Nataraj Shrine is among the places visited during the night.

Before You Go

No prior experience with Hindu ritual or vigil practice is needed. The event is open to all sincere practitioners and observers, and it is offered in English.

Included are all four pujas, the mantra chanting, access to the Nataraj Shrine, the stories and teachings, and live-stream access until midnight.