Sivaratri

[Guest guest]

Dear Mrs. Wendy,

 

No, it is not. Mahashivratri is celebrated in India on 6th of March

this year i.e. in 2008 (6th of March 2008 - Thursday).

 

 

Regards C.S. Ravindramani

 

 

jyotish-vidya , " Wendy Vasicek " jyotishvidya

wrote:> Dear Group,

 

>>>>After a few days away from the computer it seems an excellent way

to ease back into activity by sending the following information on

Sivaratri...which, I believe, is today? (Feb 25th)>>>>

[Guest guest]

Many thanks for that Ravindramani,

 

The mail (Sivaratri) was sent to me earlier and I just assumed it was

today...I should have checked :-(

 

Best Wishes,

Mrs. Wendy

http://JyotishVidya.com

jyotish-vidya

___

 

 

-

" ravindramani " <ravindramani

<jyotish-vidya >

Monday, February 25, 2008 1:51 PM

Re: Sivaratri

 

 

Dear Mrs. Wendy,

 

No, it is not. Mahashivratri is celebrated in India on 6th of March

this year i.e. in 2008 (6th of March 2008 - Thursday).

 

 

Regards C.S. Ravindramani

[Guest guest]

Dear List,

 

 

Those who are interested to know further about Shivratri, I enclose

certain portions a book written by great Swami Sivananda of Divine

Life Society, India. Those who want to read or know the Hindu Fasts and

Festivals (a free e-book in PDF or html format can visit: This site

further offer number of free e- books on yoga, philosophy and Hinduism

etc.

 

http://www.dlshq.org/download/hindufest.htm#_VPID_27

 

 

Regards, C.S. Ravindramani

 

 

PS: This message should not be construed as an advertisement for the

site, I am no way connected with the site except having academic

interest on those free books they offer for the benefit of common

public.

=================================

 

Shivaratri

 

THIS FALLS on the 13th (or 14th) day of the dark half of Phalgun

(February-March). The name means " the night of Shiva " . The ceremonies

take place chiefly at 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.

Lord Shiva's Assurance

When creation had been completed, Shiva and Parvati went out to live on

the top of Mount Kailas. Parvati asked, " O venerable Lord! which of the

many rituals observed in Thy honour doth please Thee most? "

The Lord replied, " The 14th night of the new moon, in the dark

fortnight during the month of Phalgun, is my most favourite day. It is

known as Shivaratri. My devotees give me greater happiness by mere

fasting than by ceremonial baths and offerings of flowers, sweets and

incense.

 

" The devotee observes strict spiritual discipline in the day and

worships Me in four different forms during each of the four successive

three-hour periods of the night. The offering of a few bael leaves is

more precious to Me than the precious jewels and flowers. My devotee

should bathe Me in milk at the first period, in curd at the second, in

clarified butter at the third, and in honey at the fourth and last.

Next morning, he should feed the Brahmins first and, after performing

the prescribed ceremonies, he can break his fast. O Parvati! there is

no ritual which can compare with this simple routine in sanctity. "

Parvati was deeply impressed by the speech of Loid Shiva. She repeated

it to Her friends who in their turn passed it on to the ruling princes

on earth. Thus was the sanctity of Shivaratri broadcast all over the

world.

 

The two great natural forces that afflict man are Rajas (the quality of

passionate activity) and Tamas (that of inertia). The Shivaratri Vrata

aims at the perfect control of these two. The entire day is spent at

the Feet of the Lord. Continuous worship of the Lord necessitates the

devotee's constant presence in the place of worship. Motion is

controlled. Evils like lust, anger, and jealousy, born of Rajas are

ignored and subdued. The devotee observes vigil throughout the night

and thus conquers Tamas also. Constant vigilance is imposed on the

mind. Every three hours a round of worship of the Shiva Lingam is

conducted. Shivaratri is a perfect Vrata.

 

The formal worship consists of bathing the Lord. Lord Shiva is

considered to be the Form of Light (which the Shiva Lingam represents).

He is burning with the fire of austerity. He is therefore best

propitiated with cool bathing. While bathing the Lingam the devotee

prays: " O Lord! I will bathe Thee with water, milk, etc. Do Thou kindly

bathe me with the milk of wisdom. Do Thou kindly wash me of all my

sins, so that the fire of worldliness which is scorching me may be put

out once for all, so that I may be one with Thee—the One alone without

a second. "

 

Here is another formula for the supreme worship of the Lord: " O Shiva!

you are my Self. My mind is Parvati. My Pranas are your servants. My

body is your house. My actions in this world are your worship. My sleep

is Samadhi. My walk is circumambulation of you. My speech is your

prayer. Thus do I offer all that I am to you.