Maha means incomparable. Shiva is knowledge, goodness, beauty and bliss. Ratri signifies a conflict free, even mind.
Inner conflict is due to 'aviveka', inability to distinguish between right and wrong, between lasting and fleeting and between self and not-self. Viveka gives clarity of thought and action and the ability to negotiate through the messiness of everyday life. Mahashivaratri symbolizes the awakening of the all encompassing Shiva in a conflict free mind. Yogis, Munis and Jnanis dedicate long years of austerities and prayers to achieve this most desirable state of beatitude in Shivanubhuti. But on the Mahashivaratri day, whoever abstains from food, and acts of lust and greed and chants the 'Shivapanchakshari mahamantra', 'AUM! NAMAH SHIVAYA', from morning 6 AM to midnight 12, instantly gains the Shivanubhava and transcending death comes to live with Shiva, in Shivaloka, in absolute bliss.
So let us not miss this opportunity: fast, chant, meditate and realize Shiva in this life, here, now!
Swami Bodhananda