"Sivarathri" means "Auspicious darkness". At least on this day, one should chant Shiva's name all through the night. This night, devotees are expected to stay awake by chanting the sacred name of Shiva. Spending the night reciting the Lord's name sanctifies one's life.

The lesson of Sivarathri is that devotees should foster good and sacred thoughts. They should be filled with divine thoughts. If you constantly chant the name of God, God realization will come in due course.