I find most people asking how to celebrate Shivaratri? Shivratri is the day when rituals and worship are given more importance. There is no fun or merrymaking as in other Hindu festivals.
It is a day of renunciation and prayer. It is a day to realize the Brahmn and cleanse ignorance. Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Jyotirlinga on this day. A lingam which had no end and beginning and it symbolizes Brahman.
It is said that one should practice non-violence on this day. Then are things like not to lie, strict brahmacharya, be compassionate etc. But these things should be practiced on all days. So one need not wait for Shivaratri to be compassionate.
Generally most people fast on Shivaratri day by uttering the panchakshari mantra – ‘om namah shivaya.’ Next is keeping vigil all night by worshipping Lord Shiva. Worshipping Shiva with Bilva leaves is considered highly auspicious.
If you have a Shivling at home you can keep on bathing it at night with milk, curd, sugar, honey and ghee. But I guess this would be hard for a devotee to do. So, simple water will do. Remember, Shiva accepts anything when given with utmost devotion.
If you are unable to observe fast or keep vigil during night, you can observe the day by chanting ‘om namah shivaya.’
Related
How to observe fast on Shivratri?
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7 comments:
Nice post.
But I have a simple comment on your translation of "Ahimsa" to Non-violence. In my opinion its not the right translation. This translation came into practice, after Gandiji's politiacal movement of Non-violence. Ahimsa means not injuring others. More porper translation is Non-injury.
Shashi
I was wondering if any1 can answer my question is there any link between the shiva linga and the muslim kaaba?
Nithya,
I used to be at temple hearing songs on Great Lord Shiva, but do not know how to worship myself at home.Now I am aware how to worship on this special day.I would like to hear more about worshiping Shiva and Parvathi Devi.If you could provide information about Lord Krathikeya and Ganesha,it will be great.Thankyou
You can also worship Shiva by putting milk on the shivling 3 times.
I wanted to know why women can not observe fast and prayers during their monthly periods.
1stky thanks for all this information of worshping of shiv on shivratri,,,i want to ask abt shivratri fast that u have told that it start in the morning n end inthe next morning of aavasya,,, so we do have fast during shivratri????? while we are doing puja,,,,becoz we do puja befoe the sun rises,,,
@anonymous july 2 2008
yes kabba was a hindu temple and islam was originated from hinduism see the below
http://www.ceveni.com/2010/01/number-786-in-islam-and-hinduism.html
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