The whole- night pooja can be divided into four parts. Those who do not have a Shiva Linga can make a Linga out of the mud and apply ghee (clarified butter) on it and do the Abishekam(hydration) pooja. One observes purity and sanctity if they are maintaining and worshipping a Shiva Linga at home. Devotees take another bath in the evening before commencing the Shivratri pooja. First, worship is offered to the Sun God, Vishnu, and then Shiva. Usually, the eldest member of the family conducts the pooja. East has specific importance, and the pooja room should face an east-west direction. Maha Shivaratri pooja can be performed at home too. Shivaratri night can be spent performing pooja to Shiva. Keeping the Vrat involves staying awake the whole night, and one can keep the fast for 24 hours. They abstain from consuming water, while some consume only water during the fast. While some people do not take food and water, others undertake the fast by consuming only fruits and milk during the day. During the fast, one usually abstains from consuming any food. Fairs and special events are held near the temple premises.ĭevotees should adhere to Sankalpa (spiritual devotion) to observe the 24-hour fast for self-determination. Some of the Shiva temples hold the traditional dance festival called Natyanjali (worship through dance). Diyas (lamps) are also lit by devotees offering prayers. Temples remain open through the night as devotees maintain a ‘Jaagaran’ (all-night vigil) with prayers, chanting of Shiva mantras, and recitation of the Shiv Chalisa. The temples reverberate with the ringing of bells, making the energy in the surroundings vibrant. They chant the ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ mantra and the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra during the pooja, which is performed once in three hours. Temple priests perform the pooja for the Shiva Linga during the day and all through Maha Shivaratri night. It is suggested to have only one meal the day before Maha Shivaratri and then commencing the fast to avoid any trace of food in the digestive system while one is on a fast.ĭevotees visit the nearby Shiva temples early in the morning after taking a holy bath. While taking the holy bath, one should promise to undertake the Shivratri Vrat (fast) and break it only the next day. If possible, one can take an early bath in the Ganges. Ancient scriptures prescribe that adding black sesame seeds to the bathing water purifies it and further purifies the body and soul. It is essential to awaken early in the morning on the day of the festival. It is one of the ancient festivals of India. Shivaratri is derived from a Sanskrit word, which means a night-long celebration and devotion to Shiva. Positive vibrations and energies reverberate in the atmosphere. It can invigorate the deity, awakening them to release divine energy. The spiritual devotion, the offerings (Samagri), the chanting of the sacred hymns (Mantras) has a profound effect and results in the manifestation of the Sankalpa. Performed with heightened spiritual intent (Sankalpa), utmost devotion and prescribing to the sacred texts of Vedic tradition are important. Pooja is a sacred ritual performed to worship or revere and have a sublime connection with the deity.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |