With the festival of Mahashivratri being observed today, on February 15, Anupamaa actress Shiwani Chakraborty said, “Mahashivratri means a lot to me, both personally and spiritually. It is not just a festival; it is a deeply cosmic and powerful night. For me, it is the sacred night of Shiv and Parvati, a night of miracles and inner awakening.”
“It is also very emotional because it reminds me of my family. We used to observe the fast together, visit the temple, eat fruits, and prepare for the rituals as a family. I would wear a sari, and we would break the fast properly with devotion. Those memories are very close to my heart. My father is no longer with us, but I still remember his teachings. Watching both my parents practice devotion and discipline shaped my spiritual foundation,” she added.
She shared that she feels Lord Shiva’s presence every single day. “My name itself is Shivani—’Shiv’ is in my name. I truly believe that Shiv resides within everyone; we just need to seek Him. Some experiences cannot be explained in words; they can only be felt. Whether I am sad, confused, or happy, I feel that I receive answers.”
Asked what is that one habit or negative pattern she would like to surrender to Lord Shiva this year is, she said, “As human beings, we often don’t even realize where we are wrong. So instead of naming one pattern, I would surrender myself completely to Lord Shiva—with all my strengths and weaknesses. I pray that He removes whatever negativity exists within me and blesses all of us with calmness, peace, and happiness.”
She chants “Om Namah Shivaya” along with other mantras. She shared, “Currently, I follow a Shiv Puran mantra I learned in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh from Pradip Mishra ji—’Shri Shivay Namastubhyam.’ I start my day with this mantra before leaving for the shoot. Even on my sets, instead of saying ‘Hello’ or ‘Hi,’ I sometimes greet people with ‘Shri Shivay Namastubhyam. ‘It is a very powerful mantra, and I consider it my Mahamantra.”
“Chanting and Shiv dhyaan have brought a sense of calmness, grounding, and clarity within me,” she added.
