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PARAMASHIVAN
12th February 2010, 04:21 PM
[tscii:fbba7ef604]The Significance of MahaShivartri:


Maha Shivratri or Maha Sivaratri or Shivaratri or Sivaratri (Night of Shiva or "Great Night of Shiva") is a festival celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Maagha (as per Shalivahana or Gujarati Vikrama) or Phalguna (as per Vikrama) in the Hindu Calendar (that is, the night before and day of the new moon). The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael (Bilva) leaves to the Lord Shiva, all day fasting and an all night long vigil. Ganga is traditionally used as an offering for Lord Shiva and his followers.

Per scriptural and discipleship traditions, the penances are performed in order to gain boons in the practice of Yoga and meditation, in order to reach the goal more swiftly and avoid rebirth.

Contents [hide]
1 Samudra manthan (the Churning of the Ocean)
2 Pralaya (the Deluge)
3 Shiva's Favourite Day
4 The Story Of King Chitrabhanu
5 Rituals of Maha Shivratri
5.1 Other Traditional Worship of Lord Shiva
6 Mahashivaratri in Southern India
7 See also
8 References
9 External links

[edit] Samudra manthan (the Churning of the Ocean)
During the samudra manthan (the churning of the ocean) by the Gods and demons, haalaa-hala, a poison, came out of the ocean. It was so toxic, it could have wiped out the entire creation. At this juncture, on the advice of Lord Vishnu , the gods approached Lord Shiva and prayed to him to protect their lives by consuming this poison. Pleased with their prayers, and out of compassion for living beings,Lord Shiva drank the poison but it was so intense that something was required to cool its effects as his throat became blue. Help was taken from Chandra( Moon God ) and finally a snake was placed around his neck which cooled the effect of the poison and the throat became blue.Thus Lord Shiva is also known as Neelakantha.This saga of hari-dasa story between Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, is often depicted in many Hindu household.

[edit] Pralaya (the Deluge)
In another version, it is believed that the whole world was once facing destruction and the Goddess Parvati worshipped her husband Shiva to save it. She prayed for the Jivas (living souls) remaining in space – like particles of gold dust in a lump of wax – during that long period of pralaya (deluge) night, should, upon becoming active again, have his blessings, but only if they worshipped him just as she did then. Her prayer was granted. Parvati named the night for the worship of Ishwara by mortals Maha-Sivaratri, or the great night of Shiva, since Pralaya is brought about by him.

[edit] Shiva's Favourite Day
After creation was complete, Parvati asked Lord Shiva which rituals pleased him the most. The Lord replied that the 13th night of the new moon, during the month of Maagha, is his most favourite day. Parvati repeated these words to her friends, from whom the word spread over all creation.

[edit] The Story Of King Chitrabhanu
In the Shanti Parva (chapter) of the Mahabharata epic, Bhishma, whilst resting on the bed of arrows and discoursing on Dharma (righteousness), refers to the observance of Maha Shivaratri by King Chitrabhanu. The story goes as follows:

Once upon a time King Chitrabhanu of the Ikshvaku dynasty, who ruled over the whole of Jambudvipa (India), was observing a fast with his wife, it being the day of Maha Shivaratri. The sage Ashtavakra came on a visit to the court of the king.

The lord asked the king the purpose of his observing the fast. King Chitrabhanu explained that he had a gift of remembering the incidents of his past birth, and in his previous life he had been a hunter in Varanasi and his name was Suswara. His only livelihood was to kill and sell birds and animals. The day before the new moon, while roaming through forests in search of animals, he saw a deer, but before his arrow flew he noticed the deer's family and their sadness at its impending death. So he let it live. He had still not caught anything when he was overtaken by nightfall and climbed a tree for shelter. It happened to be a Bael tree. His canteen leaked water, so he was both hungry and thirsty. These two torments kept him awake throughout the night, thinking of his poor wife and children who were starving and anxiously waiting for his return. To pass away the time he engaged himself in plucking the Bael leaves and dropping them down onto the ground.

The next day he returned home and bought some food for himself and his family. The moment he was about to break his fast a stranger came to him, begging for food. He served the food first to stranger and then had his own.

At the time of his death, he saw two messengers of Lord Shiva, sent to conduct his soul to the abode of Lord Shiva. He learnt then for the first time of the great merit he had earned by unconscious worship of Lord Shiva during the night of Shivaratri. The messengers told him that there had been a Lingam (a symbol for the worship of Shiva) at the bottom of the tree. The leaves he dropped had fallen on the Lingam, in imitation of its ritual worship. The water from his leaky canteen had washed the Lingam (also a ritual action), and he had fasted all day and all night. Thus, he unconsciously had worshipped the Lord.

As the conclusion of the tale the King said that he had lived in the abode of the Lord and enjoyed divine bliss for long ages and now he was reborn as Chitrabhanu.

This story is also told in the Garuda Purana[1].

[edit] Rituals of Maha Shivratri
Tripundra refers to the three horizontal stripes of holy ash applied to the forehead by worshippers of Lord Shiva. These stripes symbolise spiritual knowledge, purity and penance (spiritual practice of Yoga), so also they represent the three eyes of Lord Shiva.

Wearing a rosary made from the rudraksha seed of the rudraksha tree, said to have sprung from the tears of Lord Shiva) when worshipping Lord Shiva is ideal. A rudraksha seed is a mahogany-like color, sometimes black, and sometimes may have traces of sacred sandalwood powder, turmeric, kumkum, or holy ash if the rosary was used in worship ceremonies or anointed.

On Shivaratri, only cold water and bael leaves are offered to the Lingam. Other traditional offerings, such as bathing it in milk and Panchamruta (a mixture of milk, curds, ghee, sugar and honey) (symbols of sustenance), or anointing it with vermilion (kumkum) or white consecrated rice (Akshata) (symbols of fertility, or creation), are done on this day, when Lord Shiva is worshipped as the deity of dissolution [2]..

Chanting the Rudram is considered very auspicious

[edit] Other Traditional Worship of Lord Shiva
Main article: Jyotirlinga
The twelve Jyotirlingas (lingams of light) are sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, and centres for his worship. They are known as "Swayambhus", meaning the lingams sprung up by themselves at these places and temples were built there afterwards.

Temples are listed in the India tourist guides.

[edit] Mahashivaratri in Southern India
Mahashivaratri is celebrated widely in the temples all over Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Shiva is considered the Adi (first) Guru from whom the yogic tradition originates. According to tradition, the planetary positions on this night are such that there is a powerful natural upsurge of energy in the human system. It is said to be beneficial for one's physical and spiritual wellbeing to stay awake and aware throughout the night."[3] On this day, artists from various fields such as music and dance perform the whole night.

The date for Shivaratri in 2009 is 23 February (coldest and darkest winter eve without a moon is the yearly celebration of Tamil Nadu's tradition in the West).

Thrikkuratti Mahadevar Temple [4] is one among 108 sivalayas built by Lord Parasurama, situated in Mannar, also known as The Bell Metal Town, a major business town mid way between Mavelikara and Tiruvalla, in Alappuzha District of Kerala state, India, on State highway 6 (kayamkulam – Thiruvalla Road). It is believed that the mammoth thrikkuratti mahadeva temple compound wall was built by Bhootangal of Lord Paramasiva in one night. The unique festivities of Thrikkuratti temple (Sahasra kalasam, Maikatti puja and Sivarathri Nritham) attracts lot of pilgrims. The antique wooden carving of Thrikkuratti mahadeva temple sricovil came to lime light recently through visual media, attracting lot of art lovers including foreginers. At a special Nada (gate) on east side of the Thrikkuratti temple compound wall, other religious members, in particular, Muslims, present offerings daily basis. This practice is believed to be centuries old and this is considered to be a true embodiment of religious harmony. The Thrikkuratti Mahasivarathri Festival, only next to Aluva sivarathri in terms of mass congregation, attracts thousands of devotees. The West Nada (Parvathi) will be open for ten minutes during Sivarathri Nritham on Sivarathri day only. All other days during the year it remains closed. The Srikovil of Thrikkuratti Mahavishnu temple is built on North Indian Architecture.

The Mahasivrathri festival at Thrikkuratti Mahadeva temple is different from other temples due to its unique festivities. Though the spectacular and colourful cultural programs are performed by renowned artists during these eleven days, the main emphasis is for Sahasrakalasabishekam, Sivarathri Nrutham and Mahasivarathri Procession.

Sahasrakalasabishekam

This is a very special and rare puja conducted during 10 days of Mahasivarathri festival. It is well known that Lord Siva is abhishekapriya (lover of ablutions). Lord Parasurama and Kroshta muni, during their worship of the lord here, are believed to have bathed the deity with Sahasrakalasam or a thousand pots of holy water according to Vedic rites. Now during Mahasivarathri festival days the Head Priest (Thanthri) and his team perform this puja. It is a ten day function, each day an offering of 101 Kalasam or pots of holy water being made 100 pots of Silver and one of Gold at do centre all filled with water and surcharged with mantras recited by learned Brahmins seated on the Mukhamantapam. These are emptied on the deity, the golden pot Brahmakalasam being the last one. A magnificent light is the indication or identity of Lord Shiva and the Shiva Lingam is considered to be the symbol of it. Hence, the formal worship on Maha Shivaratri consists of bathing the Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva is said to be burning with the fire of austerity and so only those items are offered to Him that have a cooling effect. A cool water bath is believed to propitiate him best. There is a belief among devotees that participation in Sahasrakalam and offering holy worship materials, will lead to blessings with prosperity and peaceful life. Hundreds of devotees thronging the shrine with chants of “Namasivaya”, “Hara hara mahadeva”, and “Sambho Mahadeva”.

Sivarathri Nrutham

Sivarathri Nrutham at Thrikkuratti temple, according to religious scholars, resembles with, the cosmic dance of Shiva, called ‘Anandatandava,' meaning, ‘the Dance of Bliss’ symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, as well as the daily rhythm of birth and death. The dance is a pictorial allegory of the five principle manifestations of eternal energy - creation, destruction, preservation, salvation, and illusion.

The Priest keeps sheeveli vigraha (idol) fixed on decorated frame on his head. He makes seven rounds on pradakshina vazhi (Holi walkway made of granite around Sanctum Santorum). When fifth round reaches at west nada (Parvathi nada), the door opens for just 10 minutes. This is an annual ceremony. Thousands of Pilgims rush to have a glance of this auspicious moment. At this time all the pradakshina vazhi will be lighted with Camphor and Brass temple lamps by thousands of devotes who spent a sleepless night with chants of “Namasivaya”, “Hara Hara Mahadeva” and “Sambho Mahadeva”. Old people sing “Hara sankara siva sankara duritham kala sivane”. In this enlightened serene mood, the Priest performs Nrutham and runs along pradakshina vazhi towards east nada. Next two rounds he accepts “Valiya kanikka”. The Sivarathri Nrutham is followed by the well known magnificent display of fireworks.

Mahasivarathri Procession On Sivarathri day evening a grand procession starts from Kadapra Kainikkara Temple. It includes, several decorated floats, Kaavadi Aaatam, Mayilattom, Amman Kudom, Thaiyyam, Vela kali, Kuthiyotta chuvadu, richly caparisoned elephants and folk art forms etc attracts thousands of devotees and tourists. When the main procession reaches Market Junction, other mini processions from Kurattikkadu Mutharamman Temple, Kurattissery Kannamkavil Mutharamman Temple, Thrippavoor Mahavishnu Temple, Vishavarsherikkara Subrahmanya Swami temple and Alumoodu Sivaparvathy Temple joins and makes the procession quite enlivening. The marvellous as well as magical effect of the Sinakari melam and Panchavadyam, a combination of five percussion and wind instruments is to be felt and enjoyed. Among the varieties of festivals celebrated in Kerala, Thrikkuratti Sivarathri Procession is one of the most thunderous, spectacular and dazzling. It is an expression of popular fascination for sound and colour, and because of the pageantry, it appeals to all people including foreigners. Once the procession reaches the temple, Deeparadhana followed by colourful display of fireworks.
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PARAMASHIVAN
12th February 2010, 04:39 PM
[tscii:35750701a3]MahaShivratri of Mahesha
Braving the dark of the pre-dawn hours, the chill in the air and the ice cold water of the Ganga, thousands of devotees ecstatically shouting “Bom Bom Bhole” started bathing in the holiest river of the Hindus on the occasion of Mahashivratri on Friday, one of the biggest days of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela here.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on Mahashivratri. It is one of the focal days of the Maha Kumbh Mela, the once-in-12-years festival that promises to become the world’s largest religious gathering this time.
The much-awaited and one of the most popular events during the Maha Kumbh — the first Shahi Snan (Royal Bath of sadhus) — will take place after 11 a.m. amidst heavy security.
During the Shahi Snan, sadhus of various sects march along the banks of the Ganga, and then plunge into the waters — a symbol that they have dedicated themselves to the holy river. Of the 13 Akharas, according to Mela officials, seven will participate in Friday’s Shahi Snan.
With the Mela authorities not allowing lay devotees to bathe after 8 a.m., the pilgrims started on their holy dips soon after midnight.
“Devotees in large numbers preferred to take the holy dip just after midnight simply because they knew we have imposed restrictions on their bathing for the mega event of Shahi Snan,” Anand Vardhan, officer in charge of the Mela, told IANS.
“In view of the Shahi Snan, the regular devotees will be allowed to bathe along the ghats only till 8 a.m. Then the ghats would be cleaned and would be made ready for the Shahi Snan that will start at around 11 a.m. and will witness participation of only sadhus, including the ash—smeared, bare—bodied Naga sadhus. It will continue till 4.30-5 p.m. After 5 p.m., the other devotees will be allowed to bathe in the holy river again,” he added.
Men, women and children, able and infirm, all went to the river in serpentine queues through the night to pray and bathe.
“I came here at around 11 p.m. Thursday and straightway came to Har-Ki-Pauri Ghat...And as the day changed, I took the holy dip,” polio-hit Mithlesh Kumar told IANS.
“Initially, taking into account my physical disabilities, my parents and even other relatives advised me not to go to the Maha Kumbh due to the heavy rush. But, when I told them I don’t want to miss the religious event that will come again only after 12 years, they were convinced and granted me permission,” Kumar, 32, a resident of Kankerbagh colony in Patna said.
Another devotee Prabal Sarkar, a resident of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, said: “Mahashivratri holds a special significance as it is believed that by taking the holy dip in the river, we can appease gods, particularly Lord Shiva.”
While the youth jumped into the river for the holy dip, women and the elderly sat on the stairs along the banks, where they poured water over themselves with the traditional copper vessels called lotas.
To hold the Shahi Snan successfully, a massive security cover has been thrown up, spread across 130 sq km spanning Haridwar, Dehradun, Pauri and Tehri Garhwal districts.
According to Mela authorities, nearly 9,000 security personnel are guarding the Mela area and other sensitive points in Haridwar.
“Security forces would take positions at all strategic points and keep vigil on suspicious elements. It’s one of the world’s most important religious gatherings. We are not going to take any chance,” Deputy Inspector General (Kumbh Mela) Alok Sharma told IANS.
The Maha Kumbh Mela that began Jan 14 will end April 28 after the Baisakhi Shahi Snan April 14.
According to Hindu mythology, Haridwar is one of the four places where a drop of the nectar of immortality or ‘amrit’ fell from the pitcher or ‘kumbh’ when Garuda, the divine bird of Lord Vishnu, was spiriting it away from the demons after a pitched battle.
Since then, Haridwar, along with Allahabad, Nashik and Ujjain — the other three places — have been celebrating the Kumbh Mela.
Jammu, Feb 12 (PTI) Mahashivratri is being celebrated with traditional gaiety and religious fervour throughout Jammu and Kashmir today.

Thousands of Hindus have been thronging different Shiva temples since morning to offer prayers on the occasion, officials said.

In Jammu, people have been visiting Ranbeshwar temple, Pir Kho temple, Panj Bakhtar Temple and Aap Shamboo Temple to offer prayers.

Hindu devotees also offered prayers in temples in Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur, Doda and Kishtwar.

Thousands of people visited the historic Shiv Khori shrine at Ransoo in Reasi district, where a three-day Shiv Khori Mela commenced from yesterday.

A 'shoba yatra' on the eve of Mahashivratri was taken out here last evening where 31 tableaux depicting the marriage of Lord Shiva took part. Children dressed as Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were the centre of attraction.

Muslims throughout the state also greeted Hindus on the occasion


Delhi celebrates Mahashivratri with fasting and prayers
Bombay News.Net
Friday 12th February, 2010 (IANS)
It was an early start to the day Friday for Shiva devotees in the capital, with ritual bathing and prayers to celebrate Mahashivratri. Unmarried women fasted on the occasion while praying for a good husband - just like Shiva himself.

'Fasting on Mahashivratri is a ritual. Unmarried women fast from dawn to dusk and pray to Lord Shiva to give us a good spouse, just like him,' Shubhra Das, a student, told IANS.

'We also pour water and a concoction of milk, rose water and honey on the Shivaling while offering our prayers, four times during the day,' she added.

Celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva, it is said that on Mahashivratri, Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati.

Aarti Sharma, a home maker, said after bathing the Shivaling, people offer various things - and each has its own meaning.

'Every offering made to the Shivaling on Shivratri has its own meaning. Smearing a vermilion paste and offering milk, rose water and honey signifies sanitisation of the soul, offering fruits represents a long life and fulfilment of desires while lighting a lamp signifies achievement of knowledge,' Sharma said.

People also thronged temples during the day - with many waiting in queues since early morning to offer prayers and pour milk on the Shivalingams.

'Mahashivratri is celebrated through the night with chanting and prayers. I got up at four in the morning and went to the nearby Shiva temple to offer prayers. I also prepared special sweets for the occasion,' said Radha Misra, a home maker.

'Despite all the activity, you hardly get tired. The excitement and the fervour simply infuses me with energy and I am enjoying the day,' she added.






J&K Governor, CM, Ministers, Pol.leaders greets people on Mahashivratri
by Vijay Kumar February 11, 2010



Jammu, February 11 (Scoop News) -The Governor, N. N. Vohra, has greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, which is celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits as Hairath.

In a message of felicitations, the Governor said that this festival symbolizes the values of piety, devotion, brotherhood and harmony, which are the hallmark of our glorious composite cultural ethos.

Wishing the people a happy Mahashivratri, the Governor prayed for peace, progress and prosperity in the State.



Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has greeted people of the State on the eve of Mahashivratri, being celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits as Hairath.

In his felicitation message, Omar said that J&K has a rich tradition of celebrating festivals in amity, brotherhood and harmony. He said Hairath also symbolizes traditional bonds of love between Hindus and Muslims.

Omar has also prayed for peace and prosperity of the country and the State on the occasion. Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand has greeted the people of J&K State, especially Kashmiri Pandit community, on the eve of Mahashivratri.

Felicitating the people, on the Heerath celebratins, Tara Chand said that the Pandit community is an important component of the Kashmiri’s composite culture. He hoped that the festival will strengthen the brotherhood and communal harmony among various sections of the society.



Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather, Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir, Minister for R&B, G. M. Saroori, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Qamar Ali Akhoon, Minister for PHE, Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Minister for Social Welfare, Ms. Sakina Itoo, Minister for Industries and Commerce, Surjit Singh Slathia, Minister for Revenue, Raman Bhalla, Minister for Forest, Mian Altaf, Minister for Health, Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Aga Syed Ruhaulla, Minister of State for Cooperative, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma, Minister of State for Haj and Auqaf, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, Minister of State for Tourism, Nasir Aslam Wani, Minister of State for Power Shabir Ahmad Khan have greeted people of the State especially the Kashmiri Pandits on the eve of Shivratri.

In their messages, they recalled the festivity of this festival, which Kashmiri Pandits, celebrate as Hearth and said that this demonstrated, in unequivocal terms, the strong bonds of brotherhood and amity between various communities.

The Ministers said that the Pandit community form an important component of Kashmir’s composite culture and the festival of Mahashivratri used to be a binding force between various communities and hoped that the day brings peace and happiness in the lives of people of the State.

Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir has greeted the members of Pandit community on the eve of Shivratri.

In his felicitation message, the Minister said the Pandit community forms an important component of Kashmir’s composite culture and the festival of haerath used to be a binding force between various communities. He hoped the day brings peace and happiness in the lives of people of the State.

Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora and Minister of State for Power and CA&PD, Shabir Ahmad Khan have felicitated the people of the State, especially, Kashmiri Pandits on the eve of auspicious festival of Maha Shivratri.

In a message, Jora hoped that the festival would bring peace and prosperity in the State. He said such Festivals strengthened brotherhood, amity and communal harmony among various sections of the society.

Greeting people on the occasion, Shabir has prayed for peace and tranquility in the State.

Minister of state for Tourism, Nasir Aslam Wani has greeted the people of the State, particularly members of Pandit community, on the occasion of of Shivratri.

Describing the festival as an epitome of Kashmir’s centuries old composite culture, the Minister in his felicitation message said the Pandit community continues to be an important component of Kashmir’s composite culture.

Nasir hoped the day brings peace and happiness in the lives of people of the State.

Advisor to Chief Minister, Mubark Gul, Political Advisor to Chief Minister, Davinder Rana have greeted the people of J&K especially Pandit community on the eve of Shivratri.

In their felicitation messages, the Advisors said the Pandit community forms an important component of Kashmir’s composite culture and the festival of heerath used to be a binding force between various communities. They hoped the day brings peace and happiness in the lives of people of the State.

The MLA and State Secretary, CPI(M) Mohammad Yousaf Targami has greeted the people of the State especially, Kashmiri Pandits, on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.

Former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayed and president of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti have greeted people of Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of Mahashivratri. Both the PDP leaders have extended their greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in general and Kashmiri Pandits in particular on the eve of this festival. In their message, PDP leaders said the festival symbolizes the values of piety, devotion, brotherhood and harmony, which are the hallmark of our great composite cultural ethos. They hoped that the festival would usher in a new era of peace and prosperity in the state.
Felicitating Kashmiri Pandits on this auspicious occasion, the PDP leaders said Mahashivratri reminded them of the age-old tradition of brotherhood and amity.

In a message, Tarigami recalled the festivity of this festival, which Kashmiri Pandits, celebrate as Hearth and said that this demonstrated, in unequivocal terms the strong of bonds of brotherhood and amity between various communities.

Tarigami hoped that the Government would make available all essentials, especially special quota of sugar to the Valley based Kashmiri Pandit families also





Indian group to perform in Pashupatinath during Mahashivaratri
Updated on Thursday, February 11, 2010, 18:23 IST Tags:Indian group, perform, Pashupatinath, Mahashivaratri, Nepal

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Kathmandu: Thousands of Hindu devotees from India are expected to throng the revered Pashupatinath Temple here, where a Delhi-based musical group will sing 'bhajans' during Mahashivaratri.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Rakesh Sood is expected to inaugurate the religious musical show titled "Shiva Stuti and Bhajans" to be performed by the five-member group led by singer Bhuvanesh Komkali, grandson of Indian classical singing maestro Kumar Gandharva, beginning today.




Minister for Culture and Federalism Minendra Rijal will be the chief guest during the concluding ceremony of the three day religious musical programme being organised in the 4th century Hindu shrine.

The number of devotees will be almost double this year as compared to the last year due to the improved security at the temple, said Shushil Nahata, Chief of the Pashupati Area Development Board.

"Last year some 3,00,000 people visited Pashupati on Mahashivaratri and this year we will have more than 5,00,000," he said.

Some 3,000 security personnel are to be mobilised and about 5,000 volunteers will provide service to the devotees.

After a Supreme Court ruling that annulled an attempt by erstwhile Maoists government to appoint local priests, Pashupati now has five priests including the chief priest from South India as per centuries old tradition



Haridwar gears up to host lakhs of devotees for 'shahi snan'
PTI
Thursday, February 11, 2010 20:20 IST
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Haridwar: Thousands of devotees have already trooped into the city to take part in the first 'shahi snan', which will witness over a lakh 'sadhus', including the ash smeared 'nagas', taking bath in the Ganges here on the occasion of Mahashivratri on Friday as part of the Maha Kumbh.


The administration, in a bid to thwart any untoward incident during the holy bath, when lakhs of devotees are expected to take a dip in the Ganga, on a day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati, has turned the city into a fortress.
According to sources, about 15,000 security personnel, including central paramilitary forces, will be seen in action on Friday, from managing the crowd to keeping an eye out for any mischief mongers.
Check posts have already been set up in various parts of the city and vehicles entering the city are being frisked.
Administration officials said the general public is expected to take bath from 12 midnight while the scheduled time for the 13 akharas (sects of sadhus) to come with all the pomp and show is at 11am. They said the main bathing ghat here, Hari Ki Pauri — will host the sadhus and nagas, who are expected to come riding on their horses and elephants smeared in ash and carrying traditional arms, depicting their original identity as the mendicant warrior class.
The first akhara to take the 'shahi snan' would be the Juna akhara, which will be followed by others, which all have been allotted different time slots.
Incidentally only seven akharas will participate in the royal bath here as rest are in Vrindavan.
Officials said 'Hari Ki Pauri' will be shut down for the general public from 11am to 6pm, the time for the nagas, who usually stay naked, and sadhus to take their dip.
The ghat will be cleared of people one hour prior to the bath so that the officials can clean it before the main akhara walks in.
The next two 'shahi snans' will take place on March 15 and April 14, on the occasions of Somawati Aamavasya and Baisakhi respectively.
With millions expected to take bath simultaneously, there are more than 300 bathing ghats — 117 ghats in Haridwar and around 200 in Rishikesh.
The state government has pressed in the entire administration for the smooth functioning of the Kumbh and has set up numerous camps to facilitate lodging of devotees. Hotels and lodges are running full even thought most of them have jacked their rates by three-five times. Devotees wanting to take only a night halt are finding it difficult to get room as many hotels are offering a minimum package of three nights.
The last Maha Kumbh in Haridwar was held in 1998. The Kumbh Mela is celebrated every three years in four locations across India — Haridwar, Allahabad, Ujjain and Nashik.
The Kumbh Mela goes back to the Vedic age and as per Hindu mythology, the places were Kumbh is observed are the ones where four drops of 'amrit' (nectar) fell from the kumbh (pot) at the four places when Lord Vishnu's 'vahan' (vehicle) Garuda was escaping from the demons who also wanted the nectar.
Belief is that the river Ganga also acquires certain properties of the nectar during Kumbh and hence the crowd who throng the mela to take a dip in the Ganges

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NOV
12th February 2010, 07:07 PM
Possible source for first article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri

Possible source for second article: http://www.india-forums.com/news/article.asp?id=228737


Pls dont post articles in the Hub without acknowledging the source, unless you have personally written the article. We dont want any copyright issues.

PARAMASHIVAN
12th February 2010, 08:18 PM
Possible source for first article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri

Possible source for second article: http://www.india-forums.com/news/article.asp?id=228737


Pls dont post articles in the Hub without acknowledging the source, unless you have personally written the article. We dont want any copyright issues.

Oh Sorry Nov

I didn't know that :oops:

PARAMASHIVAN
2nd July 2010, 03:55 PM
shiva lingam - A Glorious Worship
shiva lingam is the holy symbol of Lord shiva that is considered quite sacred and worshipped with devotion by the devotees. The sanskrit word li.ngam means symbol, so shiva lingam means symbol of shiva. It is considered the foremost sacred symbol for shaivaites and has been worshiped for ages. The purANas like shiva mahA purANam discuss about the superiority of li.nga worship. (1) (The Indus valley excavation is an example for the presence of this worship in olden times.)

Once the god of creation brahma and the god of protection mahA vishNu entered in an argument on deciding who is greater. When those two great gods were fighting between themselves, the Greatest of all Lord shiva who is formless and transcends everything appeared as a pillar of flame. God told brahma and vishNu that whoever finds the head or the foot of His flame form would be considered greater. brahmA took the form of swan ( ha.msam ) and set out to reach the top of the Fire. vishNu became a wild pig to see the foot of the Fire. Where are the limits for the infinite God ? They could not succeed in spite of their heavy effort. They realized their mistake and the peerless greatness of Lord shiva. The God who can never be reached by ego appears as the form of love to those who surrender to Him. Lord shiva appeared in the form of shiva li.ngam (which is the shape of flame) for their benefit. They worshiped that oldest form of Him and got blessed. The God who came to bless them from the Flame, from the li.ngam is known as li.ngodbhava (2). This incident is depicted in shiva mahA purANam (1) and many other scriptures.

As the God stood as pillar of flame, the natural adornment for the Lord is Holy Ash. (As ash would be found on the surface of the fire). As the God stood as the Luminat Flame that stood up the shiva sahasranAma hails God as Urdva retas and the shiva aShtottara as hiraNya retas. The hymn that starts nidhana pataye namaH, refers to many similarities of Flame and shivalinga.

God is formless, attributeless and omnipresent. This state is called arUpa (formless). For the benefit of the pashus, He took the form of shiva li.ngam which is neither form nor formless but is a symbol. This symbol of Him is called arUparUpam (formless form). He took many forms out of His mercy to bless all, which are called rUpams. (2). shaivam worships the God in all these three states. The oldest form that the formless God took namely the shiva li.ngam is called sadAshiva mUrtam and is worshipped in the altar of His abodes (temples). The forms that He later took which are called mAhEshwara mUrtam are worshipped in the outer circles in a temple.

This shiva li.nga worship is superior because it makes the worship simple because of the form while maintaining the truth that God is not having any definite form. There are a lot more marvelous principles behind the shiva li.nga worship which could be found in detail in standard scriptures.

http://www.shaivam.org/shplinga.htm

PARAMASHIVAN
2nd July 2010, 04:05 PM
Lord Shiva - God Of All
(Shaivam A Perspective)
Many of the asurAs worship Lord shiva and get boons as observed in the purANAs. Whereas very few of them worship the other divines. Why is it so ? Why should the God show grace to asurAs ?

Lord shiva is the Supreme, Which does not have any parents Which never takes birth Which is all alone without association with any of the creatures or creations enjoying in the Self. God is the only one Who is dependable for anybody / anything to surrender to as It is the only perennial Being. Hence God is the Lord of all creatures (lives/souls). For this reason the Lord is hailed as pashupati (Lord of living beings). Whether it is devas or asuras or humans or other creatures all are pashus. That being the case how could the Lord be partial to one section of pashus and withdrawing the Grace for the other ? So anybody who worships the Lord sincerely could get blessed with Its Grace irrespective of the caste, creed, race, power, status and qualities.

It is in fact to be noted that Lord shiva is worshipped by the devas like viShNu, braHma, indra, by asuras like bANa, rAvaNa, tripura, sUrapadma, by humans like sha~Nkara bhagavatpAda, samban^dhar, appar, by other creatures like jaTAyu, sampAdi (eagles), vAli (monkey) and the list goes on and on. One finds in the purANas the variety of people of different backgrounds and qualities worship the Lord shiva. There are many histories of temples which talk of the cranes, bees, elephants, spiders, snakes worshipping the Lord and getting blessed. So the Lord as the Supreme blesses anyone who worships in sincere devotion. There is no discrimination on who the seeker is. The Lord is so merciful that He showers the boons one look for when there is a determination to seek Him. It is evident from the history of asura bANa who attained a great fame of his valor and got the place in the abode of Lord shiva all due to his determined worship of the Lord.

But..., if the receiver of the boons does not use them in proper way and misuses to disturb others, in the Lord defined system of this universe they get punished for the misdeeds. A closer analysis would show that the devas are the divine elements of nature that are essential for all of us to survive (like air, sun, fire etc). Very often asuras are the one who disturb the nature as evident from purANas. So when the asuras misuse the boons got to disturb the other lives they get punished as evident from the histories of hiraNya, rAvaNa and others. When the misuse goes beyond a point by the powerful forces so as to question the existence of the whole system, the Lord the One Who is essential for all the essentials, Who has devised this whole Universe, takes the action to restore normalcy for example like tripura dahana.

Lord shiva is the God of all. Like the mother He showers the grace for all the children, but the misusing children get punished. This Supreme Lord better than a mother does not withhold the grace, He is our beloved pashupati.



Translation:
Daemons, kinnaras, deva of death, deva of rain, mobile fire, air, sun and moon, illusionless tiger, monkey, snake, vasus, heavenly people and under the earth people - of all these, the ones who worship Your Holy Feet relentlessly - seeing the great glory out of Your grace they have attained, without any surprise I surrender to Your Holy Feet, Oh the Lord of fertile thiruppunkUr !

http://www.shaivam.org/shpgodal.htm

Thirumaran
7th July 2010, 07:48 PM
For PS.. :P

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http://i49.tinypic.com/eq2gz4.jpg
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PARAMASHIVAN
7th July 2010, 07:53 PM
:redjump: Thank You

PARAMASHIVAN
7th July 2010, 08:44 PM
The above Picture illustrate how 'Vishnu' attained his Lethal weapon (sudarshan chakar) from The Maheshwara.

PARAMASHIVAN
24th January 2011, 11:36 PM
Any one know exact date for Mahashivartri this year? is it on March the 2nd ?

Please let me know

:ty:

NOV
25th January 2011, 06:35 AM
The above Picture illustrate how 'Vishnu' attained his Lethal weapon (sudarshan chakar) from The Maheshwara.wow! how illuminating!
but why is the Boss standing and the coolie seating?

also, can you explain why the Boss is being trampled upon in the below pic?

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http://bargainsonbooks.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/kali.jpeg
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PARAMASHIVAN
25th January 2011, 03:02 PM
I am not prepared to give any answers, and If I do there will be no end to it, we will be going in circles!

I am not at all offended, better luck next time!

PARAMASHIVAN
25th January 2011, 06:47 PM
boss and coolie wow, this is the way you describe cosmic power is it? so this the way you describe cosmic manifestation , is it?

Fanatism oftens blinds the Reality!

Sunil_M88
25th January 2011, 07:04 PM
The tallest Shiv ji statue in the world, 122 ft.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/25/Joggo_125.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/Shiva_Statue_Murdeshwara_Temple.jpg

PARAMASHIVAN
25th January 2011, 07:08 PM
The tallest Shiv ji statue in the world, 122 ft.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/Shiva_Statue_Murdeshwara_Temple.jpg

Is this the one in Bangalore :roll:

Sunil_M88
25th January 2011, 07:10 PM
Not Bangalore but it is in Karnataka though. It is located at Murudeshwara in the district of Uttara Kannada.

PARAMASHIVAN
25th January 2011, 07:14 PM
thanks Sunil when is Shivaratri, is it on 3rd or 4th of march ? :roll:

Sunil_M88
25th January 2011, 07:22 PM
The majority of sources state 3rd of March.

PARAMASHIVAN
3rd February 2011, 01:08 PM
Thanks Sunil. Grand Festival scheduled on Lewisham Sivan Kovil, London :)

PARAMASHIVAN
24th February 2011, 11:08 PM
http://smsjokes.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/shiva-cartoons.jpg

Sunil_M88
13th June 2011, 04:05 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tgqnzor7gtg

Om Namah Shivai!

Rimsha Deb :clap:

PARAMASHIVAN
20th February 2012, 06:02 PM
When is "Mahashivratri" ? Was it yesterday or was it today?

Some one pls confirm. Thanks

SoftSword
20th February 2012, 06:04 PM
today in india...
btw, is it something similar to egadhasi? when the ppl who dies on this day goes to swargam.?

PARAMASHIVAN
20th February 2012, 06:10 PM
Thanks SS

I am not sure about Egathasi :roll:

PARAMASHIVAN
20th February 2012, 09:35 PM
MahaShivarthri live at Isha Foundation !

http://mahashivarathri.org/live/