Maha Shivaratri will take place at March 6th, at our New York
Hindu Temple.
Maha Shivaratri Program:
- 08:00 PM - Sarva Devata Arati
- 09:00 PM - Chanting of the "Om Namaha Shivaya"
mantra
- 09:15 PM - Maha Linga Puja
- 11:30 PM - Bharatanatyam
- 12:00 AM - 5:00 AM Chanting & Rudraksha
alankar
Please contact us if you wish to sponsor a puja on Maha
Shivaratri in your name, or in the name of someone dear to
you.
About Maha Shivaratri
his holiday occurs on the 13th (or 14th) day of the dark half of
Phalgun (February-March). The name shivaratri means "the night of
Shiva". The ceremonies take place mostly during the night. This is
a festival observed in honour of Lord Shiva. Shiva was married to
Parvati on this day.
People observe a strict fast on this day. Some devotees do not
even take a drop of water. They keep vigil all night. The Shiva
Lingam is worshipped throughout the night by washing it every three
hours with milk, curd, honey, rose water, etc., whilst the chanting
of the Mantra Om Namah Shivaya continues. Offerings of bael leaves
are made to the Lingam. Bael leaves are very sacred as, it is said,
Lakshmi resides in them.
Hymns in praise of Lord Shiva, such as the Shiva Mahimna Stotra
of Pushpadanta or Ravana's Shiva Tandava Stotra are sung with great
fervour and devotion. People repeat the Panchakshara Mantra, Om
Namah Shivaya. He who utters the Names of Shiva during Shivaratri,
with perfect devotion and concentration, is freed from all sins. He
reaches the abode of Shiva and lives there happily. He is liberated
from the wheel of births and deaths. Many pilgrims flock to the
places where there are Shiva temples.