400 temples and reportedly 1 million members

[suchandra 1]

Krishnas mark auspicious day

<!--subtitle--><!--byline-->By Jessica Ravitz

The Salt Lake Tribune

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_5244738

<!--date-->Article Last Updated: 02/16/2007 08:27:01 PM MST

 

 

Of the thousands of deities in Hinduism, one of the principal and most powerful gods is Shiva, or Lord Shiva, whose name is Sanskrit for "auspicious one."

He's considered the third part of the Hindu trinity. Lord Brahma is the creator, Lord Vishnu the protector. Lord Shiva's role is to destroy.

In a belief system where reincarnation and karma reign, where death leads to rebirth and where destruction leads to re-creation, Shiva is responsible for overseeing the life cycle. He keeps evil forces in check. His hand is in all realms as a supreme commander.

Given these powers, millions of worshippers observe Maha Shiva Ratri, the Night of Lord Shiva, a festival in his honor. Starting today at 5 p.m., the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork will host its own celebration.

Lord Shiva is "in the world but not of it," says Caru (pronounced "Cha-roo") Das, the festival coordinator and the temple's chief priest. "He's an emblem that there is another world. . . . This world which we live in is less substantial than the spiritual world."

The impetus behind the Night of Lord Shiva is rooted in a story. It is said there was once a great churning of the ocean. From the water came a pot full of poison. While other gods panicked, fearing the world's destruction, Shiva stepped in and drank the poison. But rather than swallow, he kept the poison in his throat, which turned it blue. Saving the world earned him a celebration observed by millions. Devotees of Shiva, on this day, observe a fast and an all-night vigil.

Part of the attraction to Lord Shiva, says Caru Das, is his "mystical personality."

In constant meditation, Shiva's eyes remain half-closed. He's often depicted dancing, to what some describe as the beat of creation, and with many hands. A third eye rests in the middle of his forehead, a symbol of wisdom. Around his neck, he wears cobras, a reminder of his destructive powers. He sits on or wears tiger skin, showing he is above all forces, including tigers, which symbolize lust.

For this evening's celebration, Caru Das expects a full house of about 500 people, of whom many will be first-time visitors. To educate guests, he begins the festival with a PowerPoint presentation, so that the rest of the evening will hold fuller meaning. From there, he says the celebration will include dramatic presentations of famous Lord Shiva stories. Neda Devi, born in Yugoslavia, will offer a traditional dance to re-enact the time in which the holy waters of the Ganges River flowed from the heavens and through Lord Shiva's hair before reaching the Earth.

The evening also will include the sacred bathing ceremony, during which people will be invited to ritually bathe a Lord Shiva statue with what Caru Das calls "five auspicious substances" ghee (clarified butter), yogurt, milk, honey and fruit juice. Later, spoonfuls of the gathered substances will be distributed into right palms. Tasting the mixture, Caru Das says, frees people from sins.

An estimated 200 Utah families half Western, half Indian are active in Hare Krishna worship services, says Caru Das, although many more people are drawn to the group's cultural elements, including cuisine and performing arts.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON or Hare Krishna), based in Los Angeles, has 400 temples and reportedly 1 million members worldwide. There are about 45 temples in the United States; Spanish Fork's temple is the only one in Utah.

 

jravitz@sltrib.com

 

Celebrate Maha Shiva Ratri, the Night of Lord Shiva

 

* The Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork is hosting a celebration today at 5 p.m. Guests are welcome. The event will include an instructional presentation, drama performances, classical Indian dance, the sacred bathing ceremony, music, chanting and a festive meal. Admission is free, although guests are asked to contribute $6 if they plan to enjoy the feast. Vegetarian contributions to the feast are encouraged. The Krishna Temple is at 8628 S. Main St., Spanish Fork. For more information, visit www.utahkrishnas.com.