Prayer that changes your life SOUL JOURNEY

MAHA Shivaratri is a great night dedicated to Lord Shiva.

This year we are particularly fortunate because Shivaratri falls on February 28 in South Africa. However, some countries may celebrate it on March 1.

As the 28th is also a Monday it has double significance and auspiciousness. If any devotee is very sincere or enthusiastic then they can observe Shivaratri on both days, tomorrow and Tuesday, to maximise this year's special radiance of Shivaratri.

Astrologically and spiritually on this extremely powerful night you can tap the cosmic energy easily. It is very important to connect with this positive “Shiva-energy”, so that we can harmonise with its vibrations which will energise the mind, foster positive thoughts and shower prosperity and spirituality within us.

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Significance of Shivaratri:

Owing to a special planetary conjunction, spiritual practices done on this day are considered to be extremely auspicious and beneficial. There is a reference to this in one of the Puranas, where Lord Shiva himself tells Parvati Devi (the Divine Mother) that this day is particularly dear to him and those who fast, chant and perform rituals on this day please him the most.

Astrologically, you will receive a multitude of benefits on this day. On this day and night the planetary combination is so favourable enabling us to fulfil our righteous wishes rapidly.

You can do Sadhana (prayers) with full devotion and empower your luck. However, whatever your faith may be I encourage all to be more devoted to Allah, Jesus, Buddha, Waheguru as per your religion to get the boundless astrological benefit.

Importance of Shivaratri for women:

In the past, Lord Shiva gave the boon to all females that he will hold them in special regard and will be more easily pleased with their devotion in comparison to males, due to their soft and caring nature. This is why, for women, this festival of Maha Shivaratri holds special importance. Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati, are believed to be the perfect couple. All married and unmarried women worship both of them and seek their blessings.

Married women perform pooja (prayer) on this day to be blessed with a happy married life, while unmarried girls perform pooja to get a good husband and to bestow marital bliss.

Rituals:

1. Lord Shiva fulfils the wishes of his devotees without their asking if he is worshipped with “bel leaves” (bilvapatra) especially in Sawan month and on Maha Shivaratri. It is believed that just by offering bel leaves with stalks on Shivalinga, the sins of three births are removed. (The upper side of the leaf should be placed on Shivalinga while offering.)

2. If the bel leaves are not available, then one should at least offer “Panchaamrit”.

3. If the above cannot be done, just offer water to the Shivalinga. You can do mansik puja and offer the above on the Shivalinga. In mansik puja, the devotee mentally dedicates everything.

4. One should chant Om Namah Shivaya as much as possible on this day and night. It is best to do at least 108 rounds of mala consisting of 108 beads. Something is always better than nothing so do at least 11 rounds.

5. Another powerful mantra to be chanted on this day is the Mahamritunjaya mantra: Aum tryambakam yajaamahe sugandhim pushtivardhanam Urvaarukamiva bandhanaan-mrityormuksheeya maamritaat.

6. It is best to observe a fast on this day and night. Try to have only water. If not possible then you may have fruits, vegetables and milk. Make a conscious effort not to have grain on this day.

7. Astrologically, don’t miss this day and night and chant as much as you can. It will improve your chance of luck, help you to get a job, bestow good health, favourable solutions to your problems, good finances, and improve luck and fulfil your wishes.

8. It is believed that whispering your prayers in Nandi’s ears before entering the temple will reach Shiva quickly. You always have to ensure you do not stand between Nandi and Shiva while praying. There is a procedure to pray to Nandi: first touch his feet, then whisper in his ear. This is common practice in India where Nandi is of big size.

Legend:

1. Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on this Shivaratri.

2. On this night, Lord Shiva blessed the moon and made him free from the curse that is given by Prajapati. Lord Shiva dharan (placed) the moon on his jata (matted hairs).

3. On this night, Lord Vishnu and Brahma praised and worshipped Lord Shiva.

4. Another legend: on Maha Shivaratri Lord Shiva first manifested in the form of “Jyotirlinga”. It means a “Linga of Divine Light”. There are 12 Jyotilinga around India. In ancient times devotees worshipped the Shivalinga in these places. Due to their true love and devotion, Lord Shiva appeared in front of them. The devotees requested Lord Shiva to remain there in the form of Jyotirlinga. There are 12 Jyotirlinga Shrines in India. These shrines are Somnath, Shri Sailam, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Varanasi, Trimbakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageshwar, Rameshwaram and Grishneshwar.

5. According to one legend in the Shaivism tradition, it is said that it is the very night when Lord Shiva performs the dance of creation, preservation and destruction.

Significance of Jyotirlinga:

The Puranas vociferously sing the praises of the greatness of the Jyotirlingas. By reciting the name of this, one can eliminate the sins.

The Sadhaka becomes calm, chaste and pure. He becomes illuminated and enlightened with supreme and divine knowledge.

It is recommended that every person who has the opportunity should visit these auspicious places, as many as they can.

One should also visit Amarnath (India), Pashupatinath (in Nepal), Kailash Mansarovar (in China) and Ganga Talab (in Mauritius).

Wishing you a very Happy Maha Shivaratri.