Maha Shivratri is observed every year on Chaturdasi in the dark half of the Hindu month of Phalgun. This year, the Hindu world observes this sacred day on Monday, March 7th. It is the night specially consecrated for Bhagwan Shiva’s worship.
The important features of this religious function are fasting, chanting and vigil during the night. Maha Shiva Ratri, according to the Maha Shiva Puran was decreed by Lord Shiva himself. It is seen as a day for divesting all negative tendencies and worshipping Shiva for the removal of all hindrance to a blissful life.
From early in the morning Hindus will chant – OM NAMAH SHIVAYA the Panch Akshara or five letter mantra creating the atmosphere for contemplation and worship. Shiva who is truth, existence and beauty (Satyam. Shivam, Sundararm) will be propitiated and Puja done to Him in varying ways.
Shivratri emphasizes oneness not only of God but also of humanity as whole. AKHANDA KIRTAN or unbroken recital of NAMAH SHIVAYA influences the unfolding of spiritual energy, calms the individual and composes the seeker for contemplation and absorption in the realm of
Shiva’s eternal grace.
Shiva literally means auspicious. He is not only the source of existence but He removes that which is negative and replaces it with that which is positive.
Recorded as the only deity who is worshipped both as Nirgun(formless) and Sagun(with form), Bhagwan Shiva is the central theme in Hindu adoration and as such Maha Shivratri is regarded as the most powerful spiritual occasion observed on Chaturdasi in the month of Phalgun. Bhagwan Shiva is the only deity in the Hindu legacy who is adored both as personal and impersonal. Shiva is therefore the infinite God who can be aptly described as omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. His trishul or Trident emphasizes that our revered Shankar Bhagwan is in command of the three mighty Gunas – Satwik, Rajasic and Tamasic. The Lingam connotes Nirakar Eshwara and the Trident – sovereignty.
The prescription to worship Shiva takes into account the many dimensions which He reflects.
It is expected therefore that you observe the day with profound discipline, vrat and chanting of the Pancha Askshara mantra – Om Namah Shivaya.
President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Persaud takes the opportunity to wish the Hindu community a peaceful and spiritually uplifting Maha Shivratri and urges Hindus to attend their mandirs across the country with their families.
The Sabha said special satsangh conducted by Pandit Jagmohan Persaud will be held at Dharmic Rama Krishna Mandir, Barr street, Kitty at 18:00 hrs. and Shri Krishna Mandir, Seaforth street at 19:00 hrs on Monday, March 7th. Linga Puja will commence at 7:30pm at Shri Krishna Mandir C/ville.
