Maha Shivaratri Celebrations!

Posted: 13 years ago
::Om tryambhakam yajamahe, sugandhim pushtivardhanam,
urvarukamiva bandhanan, mrityor mukshiya maamritat::
 
File:Bangalore Shiva.jpg
 
H a p p y M a h a
S h i v a r a t r i
t o  a l l 🤗
May Lord Shiva bless all your homes with health & happiness 😃
Shivaratri 2011: March 2 - March 3
 
H i s t o r y  o f  S h i v a r a t r i (from wikipedia.org) 
Per Hindu puranas, the day was determined as follows: 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 favorite day. Parvati repeated these words to her friends, from whom the word spread over all creation.
 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 Him in milk and Panchamruta (milk, curd, ghee, sugar and honey (symbols of sustenance) one after the other respectively, 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.

Chanting the Rudram is considered very auspicious.

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
I know it is on March 2nd, but posting this a few days early will remind people that a very special and divine holiday is coming up. 😳 Shivaratri is my favorite holiday. Do share how you all celebrate it in your homes. 😊
-Aish
Edited by aishi.muffin - 13 years ago
Posted: 13 years ago

How Shivarathri is Celebrated

 
 
Maha Shivratri or Maha Sivaratri or Shivaratri or Sivarathri (Great Night of Shiva or 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. Cannabis 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.
 
 
 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. On this day, artists from various fields such as music and dance perform the whole night.

Thrikkuratti Mahadeva Temple 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 lots of pilgrims. The antique wooden carving of Thrikkuratti Mahadeva temple's Sricovil came to lime light recently through visual media, attracting lots of art lovers including foreigners. At a special Nada (gate) on the east side of the Thrikkuratti temple compound wall, other religious members, in particular, Muslims, present offerings on a 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 based 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 (100 being made of silver, while one is made of gold), 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 "Namah Shivaya", "Hara hara Mahadeva", and "Sambho Mahadeva". This year Mahasivarathiri is observed on 2nd March 2011 in all of South India's temples.

 Sivarathri Nrutham

Sivarathri Nrutham at Thrikkuratti temple, according to religious scholars, resembles the cosmic dance of Shiva, called 'Anandatandava,' meaning, 'the Dance of Bliss' symbolizing 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 (holy walkway made of granite around Sanctum Santorum). When the fifth round is reached at the 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 lit with camphor and brass temple lamps by thousands of devotes who stay awake through the night while chanting "Nama Sivaya", "Hara Hara Mahadeva" and "Sambho Mahadeva". Older devotees sing "Hara sankara siva sankara duritham kala sivane". In this enlightened serene mood, the Priest performs Nrutham and runs the pradakshina vazhi towards the east nada. During the 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 livening. 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 is followed by colourful display of fireworks.

 Parabrahma Temple Sivarathri

Padanilam is a small town situated about 10 mi (16 km) from Mavelikkara and 9 mi (14 km) from Adoor, in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. The Padanilam Temple is located in the heart of Padanilam. The distinguishing characteristic of the temple is that it has no compound walls and roof. The presiding deity of the temple is lord Parabrahma. This is one of the few temples in Kerala where a large number of festivals are being conducted. Among its festivals, Sivarathri is celebrated in a spectacular manner. Besides day to day rituals, there is a special kavadiyattam and Kettulsavam. The programs last until midnight of Sivarathri day. The Onattukara region, spread over Kayamkulam and Mavelikara, has come alive with the Sivarathri festival.

Steeped in history, legends and endearing tales of religious harmony, the temple saw thousands flocking to its premises to have a glimpse of the gigantic, colorful temple cars bearing equally huge effigies of bullock. Seventeen huge bullocks were brought to the 'padanilam' in energetic processions that were accompanied by thumping music and dancing devotees. Brought from the 13 provinces of Palamel, Edappon, Muthukatukara, Naduvilemuri, Thathammuna, Nedukulanjimuri, Ulavakad, Kidangayam, Pazhanjikonam, Pulimel, Edakunnam, Pattoor and Puthupallikunnam, the ritual of the bullocks paying homage to the temple deity is part of what is said to be one of the biggest such festivals in the state.

 

 Mrutyunjayaaya Rudraaya
Neelakantaya Shambhave
Amriteshaaya Sarvaaya
Mahadevaaya Te Namaha
Edited by aishi.muffin - 13 years ago
Posted: 13 years ago
 
 
⭐️May Lord Shiva and Devi Parvathi's blessings be upon you all always!🤗 Hope you all will enjoy this Maha Shivratri with your family and friends.😃
 
❤️Jai Bolenath!❤️
 
 
This spot reserved for my creation.....
 
 
Love,
Janu
Edited by JanakiRaghunath - 13 years ago
Posted: 13 years ago

⭐️Some Bhajans/Songs I would like to share with you all.⭐️

 
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAYyJFmRtAg[/YOUTUBE]
 
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPw3A1k6N58&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]
 
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MB1XQl0l3A&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]
 
 
😃The following are some nice bhajans/songs from Mythological Shows.😃
 
|| Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan ||
 
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAwMoYUiZtM[/YOUTUBE]
 
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9PSdjlTRyA[/YOUTUBE]
 
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO94hj3yErE&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]
 
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-DzZRYGtjs&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]
 
 
|| Ramanand Sagar's Shri Krishna ||
 
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZSLFz_w_OM&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]
 
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4LTiyycHf0&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]
 
 
|| Anand Sagar's Ramayan ||
 
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxH2YbEb8aU[/YOUTUBE]
 
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x4ORY5dXI8[/YOUTUBE]
 
 
||Dheeraj Kumar's Om Namah Shivay ||
 
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v4K7bHYNQs&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]
 
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZREQmap8uwc&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]
 
If you guys know any other Shivji songs from mythos, please do post them here and I'll add them to this post.😃
Edited by JanakiRaghunath - 13 years ago
Posted: 13 years ago
ohh ... i was about to open for Mahashivrati :))
Best is Mahamritunjay Mantra !! Just Love it
THANKS A LOT beautiful pics and info ....

LOVELY .... LOVELY .. quote i'll surely use this quote 😃


Edited by ...PARiNA... - 13 years ago
Posted: 13 years ago
|| Om Namah Shivaya ||

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tCTqJawsLc[/YOUTUBE]











|| Om Namah Shivaya ||

Edited by ...PARiNA... - 13 years ago
Posted: 13 years ago
Some of my VM's i made ... dedicated to Shivji 😃

Shiv Aradhana - Mann Mera Mandir Shiv Meri Puja

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSwLnuAz5lk[/YOUTUBE]

Shiva - Chant Om Namah Shivaya

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glho88TGW-w[/YOUTUBE]

Shiv Aarti - Om Jai Shiv Omkara

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQzz2dcKn3I[/YOUTUBE]


Shiv Mahima - Subaha Subaha Le Shiv Ka Naam

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CygrWSNAWAA[/YOUTUBE]


😃 || Om Namah Shivaya || 😃

Edited by ...PARiNA... - 13 years ago
Posted: 13 years ago
|| Shiva Bhajans ||


_/\_

OM JAI SHIV OMKARA,
OM JAI SHIV OMKARA, PRABHU JAI SHIV OMKARA
BRAHMA VISHNU SADA SHIV, ARDHANGII DHARA
OM JAI SHIV OMKARA...

EKANANA CHATURANAN PANCHANAN RAJE
HANSANAN, GARURAASAN VRISHVAHAN SAJE
OM JAI SHIV OMKARA....

DO BHUJA, CHAAR CHATURBHUJA DASHABHUJA ATI SOHE
TIINON ROOP NIRAKHATE TRIBHUVAN JAN MOHE

OM JAI SHIV OMKARA...

AKSAMALA VANAMALA MUNDAMALA DHARI

CHANDANA MRIGAMAD SOHAI BHAALE SHASHIDHAARI
JAI SHIV OMKARA...

SHVETAMBARA PIITAMBARA BAAGHAMBARA ANGE

BRAHMADHIK SANAKAADHIK PRETAADHIK SANGE
OM JAI SHIV OMKARA...

KARA MADHYE KAMANDALU AU TRISHUL DHARI

JAGKARTA JAGHARTA JAGAPALAN KARTA
JAI SHIV OMKARA...

BRAHMA VISHNU SADASHIVA JANATA AVIVEKA

PRANAVAKSAR KE MADHAYA TINONH EKA
OM JAI SHIV OMKARA...

TRIGUN SWAMI KI AARTI JO KOI NAR GAVE

KAHATA SHIVANANDA SWAMI MANA VANCHITA PHALA PAVE
JAI SHIV OMKARA...


_/\_

Subaha subaha le shiv ka naam
Karle bande yeh subh kaam
Subaha subaha le shiv ka naam
Karle bande yeh subh kaam
Subaha subaha le shiv ka naam
Shiv ayenge teri kaam

Aum Namo Shivaya
Aum Namo Shivaya
Aum Namo Shivaya

Khud ko raakh lapete phirte
Auro ko dete dhaan dhaam
Khud ko rakh lapete phirte
Auro ko dete dhaan dhaam
Devo ke hith vish pee dala
Neil kant ko koti pranaam
Neil kant ko koti pranaam

Subaha subaha le shiv ka naam
Shiv ayenge tere kaam
Subaha subaha le shiv ka naam
Karle bande yeh subh kaam

Aum Namo Shivaya
Aum Namo Shivaya
Aum Namo Shivaya

Shiv ke charano mei milte hai
Saare tiraath charo dhaam
Shiv ke charano mei milte hai
Saare tiraath charo dhaam

Karni ka sukh tere haatho
Shiv ke haatho mei parinaam
Shiv ke haatho mei parinaam


Subaha subaha le shiv ka naam
Shiv ayenge tere kaam
Subaha subaha le shiv ka naam
Karle bande yeh subh kaam

Aum Namo Shivaya
Aum Namo Shivaya
Aum Namo Shivaya

Shiv ke rahete kaise chinta
Saath rahe prabhu aatho yam
Shiv ke rahete kaise chinta
Saath rahe prabhu aatho yam
Shiv ko bhajle such payega
Maan ko ayega araam

Subaha subaha le shiv ka naam
Shiv ayenge tere kaam
Subaha subaha le shiv ka naam
Karle bande yeh subh kaam
Subaha subaha le shiv ka naam
Shiv ayenge teri kaam

Aum Namo Shivaya
Aum Namo Shivaya
Aum Namo Shivaya

_/\_



Edited by ...PARiNA... - 13 years ago
Posted: 13 years ago
Om Namah Shivaya

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea5lK7YrNvI[/YOUTUBE]




*I got this story from fb i a post by Lord Shiva fanclub member Ajay Dutt.

Why we celebrate Shivratri?

Though Lord Shiva knew everything, but still feigning ignorance. The deit...ies told him about the battle, fought between Brahmaji and Vishnuji." and said them don't worry
I know.

"Lord Shiva then sent his one hundred Ganas to pacify both of them. He too went there accompanied by Mother Parvati, boarded on a chariot. When Lord Shiva reached there, he saw that Brahmaji and Vishnuji were about to use their deadly weapons- Maheshwar and Pashupat respectively. Fearing the destruction, which these deadly weapons might have caused, Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of 'Analstamba' (pillar of fire) between them. Brahmaji and Vishnuji had already released their weapons- Maheshwar and Pashupat. Both the weapons fell into that pillar of fire and got destroyed.

"Brahmaji and Vishnuji were very surprised to see the pillar of fire, which was so enormous in size that it reached the sky and penetrated down the earth. Vishnuji transformed himself into a boar and went to the 'Patal' (nether world) to find the base of that 'Pillar of fire'. But he was unsuccessful in his attempt and came back.

Similarly Brahmaji transformed himself into a swan and flew up in the sky to find its limit. But he was also unsuccessful in his attempt and came back.

"Lord Shiva smiled at the futile attempts of Shree Brahmaji and Vishnuji. As a result of his smile the Ketaki flower fell down from his head. Brahmaji was very pleased to see Ketaki flower and said I found end of this Pillar and said to ketaki flower who had holded you, Ketaki flower told Brahmaji that he had been present there since the beginning of the creation on Lord Shiva's head, but was unable to know about the origin of that 'Pillar of fine'. The flower also advised Brahmaji against making any effort in that direction, as it would be of no use."

"Brahmaji then sought the help of Ketaki flower to give a false witness before lord Vishnu, that he (Brahmaji) had been successful in seeing the limit of that pillar of fire. Ketaki flower agreed after preventing lots of time. Both of them went to Vishnuji and Brahmaji told him that he had seen the limit of that Pillar of fire. Ketaki flower gave a witness. Vishnuji accepted the superiority of Brahmaji. and worshiped him"

"Lord Shiva then revealed himself in His full glory from central part of the pillar and Vishnuji hold the feet of Lord Shiva and said we tried hard to find you but you are unable to found with ignorant mind please forgive our sins. Lord Shiva became pleased with Vishnuji and accorded him the same status as Hat of his own for his true devotion and truth."

"After according same status to Vishnuji as that of his own, Lord Shiva opened his third eye from it manifested 'Bhairav'. He ordered Bhairav to kill Brahmaji. Bhairav severed the fifth head of Lord Brahma with his sword. Brahmaji became very terrified. He was trembling in fear. Lord Vishnu felt pity on his condition and requested Lord Shiva to forgive him.

Lord Shiva then stopped Bhairav, but told Brahma.

"You spoke untruth with a desire to become worshippable. It is my curse that, you will not be worshipped by anybody. You will posses only four heads."

Brahmaji begged his forgiveness. Lord Shiva feeling pity on Brahmaji gave him a boon of being the presiding deity of all the yagya. Similarly the Ketaki flower also prohibited from being used during worship. But when Ketaki flower tendered his apology Shiva gave blessing that it would be fortunate to be offered to lord Vishnu during the worship.

Lord Vishnu and Brahma made salutations to Mahadev and offered him a seat. Then they both worshipped him together. This was the first time, Brahma and Vishnu had worshipped Mahadev togehter. Mahadev was very pleased and said Shiva-ratri has been continued to be celebrated since that day. This particular day is considered to be the most auspicious day for the worship of Lord Shiva.

A devotee who fasts on Shiv ratri remaining only on fruits, attain virtues equivalent to the worship done for the whole year.

The Statue of Shiva is consecrated on this day.

Lord Shiva has himself told the deities that he had manifested in the form of Pillar of Fire' in the month of Mgahan and during the constellation of Ardra Niketar or Poornima. He also said-

"One who has my darshan on this day (Shivratri) or worships me in my form of Ling is dearer to me than Kartikeya. The place where, I manifested in the form of Pillar of fire will become famous as Ling-asthan. Because of its resemblance with the 'Mountain of Fire', it will also be known Arunachal."



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
😊
Here's a vm by me. Not anywhere close to as good as you guys, but still an attempt. Love the song though.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm8Cr3VwzV0[/YOUTUBE]






@Aishi di, thanks for the info di! I loved to hear so much of the beautiful traditions in celebrating Shivratri in the South! It sounds all so magnificent. Want to some day see it for myself!

@Parina di, omg, you should post your vms!!!! They're so beautiful! And The little poem about Shivji is so lovely and touching! Loved it so much!
Edited by AishuJSKfan - 13 years ago
Posted: 13 years ago
thanks Aish .. i hv post my 3 VM's on fist page one is still in process 😛

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