Get your dose of ‘Shiva energy’ tomorrow – don’t miss out
MAHA Shivaratri, a great night dedicated to Lord Shiva, will be celebrated tomorrow. Astrologically and spiritually, on this powerful night you can easily tap into cosmic energy.
It is 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 increase spirituality.
Please remember that this year’s Maha Shivaratri falls on a Monday, so, astrologically, you get much more benefits than if it were another day. Therefore, do not miss this opportunity. Significance:
Due to a special planetary conjunction, spiritual practices done on this day are considered extremely auspicious and very beneficial.
There is a reference to this in one of the Puranas, where Shiva himself tells Parvati Devi (the Divine Mother) this day is especially dear to him.
He said people who fasted, chanted and performed rituals on this day pleased him the most.
According to scripture, a year’s worship of Lord Shiva is equivalent to worshipping Him on Maha Shivaratri. Importance to women:
Lord Shiva promised more benefits to women because he appreciated, compared to males, their soft and caring nature. For this reason, Maha Shivaratri holds special significance for women.
Lord Shiva and his consort, the Goddess Parvati, are believed to be the perfect couple. All married and unmarried women worship these Gods and seek their blessings.
Married women perform pooja (prayer) on this day to ensure blessings and wedded bliss, while unmarried women perform pooja to ensure they are blessed with a good husband and the joys of a marriage to follow. Rituals:
Lord Shiva grants devotees their wishes without being asked, provided he is worshipped with “bel leaves” (bilva-patra), especially in the Sawan month and on Maha Shivaratri.
It is believed an offering of bel leaves with stalks on Shivalinga, removes the sins of three births.
Remember to place the top side of the leaf on Shivalinga when the offering is made.
If bel leaves are not available, you can offer “panchaamrit”(which usually comprises milk, curd, ghee, honey, gangajal and sugar). The most important ingredient of panchaamrit is tulsi leaves, but for Shiva prayers tulsi leaves are not permitted because Tulsi Devi is the female energy of Lord Vishnu.
If you are not able to offer either, an offering of water to Shivalinga is acceptable. You could perform a “mansik pooja”. In this prayer, devotees pledge everything they have, mentally, to Shivalinga.
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, which has 108 beads. Offering something is always better than nothing, so a minimum of 11 rounds of mala need to be done.
Another powerful mantra to chant on this day is the Mahamritunjaya mantra: “Om Triambakam Yajamahe Sungandhim Pustivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Muskshiya Maamrtat.”
It is prudent to fast on this day and night and, if possible, try to only drink water during the fast. Otherwise, fruit, vegetables and milk are allowed. Make an effort not to consume grains on this day and try to break your fast the next day.
Chanting this day and night will create job opportunities and bring good health, favourable solutions to problems, an increase in finances or good fortune and ensure your wishes are granted.
It is believed that by whispering your prayers in the ears of the Nandi (bull figure) before entering the temple, they reach Lord Shiva quicker.
Always ensure you don’t stand between Nandi and Shiva in prayer. There is a procedure to follow when praying to Nandi. First touch his feet and then whisper – this is common practice in India. The legend:
Lord Shiva married the goddess Parvati on Shivaratri day.
On this day, Lord Shiva first manifested in the form of Jyotirlinga, which is a symbol of divine light.
In ancient times, devotees worshipped Shivalinga at the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines around India. Because of their true love and devotion, Lord Shiva appeared to them. The devotees requested Lord Shiva to remain with them.
On this night, Lord Shiva blessed the moon and freed it from the curse of Prajapati.
Lord Vishnu and Brahma praised and worshipped Lord Shiva on this day.
The 12 Jyotirlinga shrines in India are: Somnath, Shri Sailam, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Varanasi, Trimbakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageshwar, Rameshwaram and Grishneshwar.
It is recommended that every person should visit these Jyotirlinga shrines as well as Amarnath, Pashupatinath (in Nepal), Kailash Mansarovar (in China) and Ganga Talab (in Mauritius). Readers can send their name and surname, religion, date, place and time of birth and the advice they require to: Mahesh Bang, Tribune Herald, PO Box 47549, Greyville 4023, or e-mail tribuneherald@inl.co.za. Alternatively, call him at 083 659 2277 or 031 401 8888.