Rudrabhishek was performed with gaiety- its write-up is being flashed on the f.b. on March 2,2011

Bishwa Nath Singh


Shivarati signifies the night of Shiva. The entire ceremonies take place chiefly at night. This is a festival observed in honor of Lord Shiva to commemorate his marriage with Parvati that was solemnized on this day. Usually most of us observe a strict fast on this day.It's being celebrated today with gaiety and fervor.

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.(Photo of Lord Shiva and His spouse Goddess Parvati).
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Bishwa Nath Singh :
The Shivaratri that we celebrate today is a very important festival for Hindus. Shivalingam is worshipped throughout the day and night by washing it every three hours with milk, curd, honey, rose water etc. while the chanting of the Mant...ra “Om Namah Shivaya” continues. Offerings of Belpatras(leaf of Bel tree) are done to the Siva Lingam. Bel leaves are known for being very sacred as her Hindu mythology Goddess Lakshmi resides in those Bel leaves. This is a festival observed in honor of Lord Shiva to commemorate his marriage with Parvati that was solemnized on this day. The hymns in praise of Lord Shiva, such as the Shiva Mahimna Stotra are sung with great fervor and devotion. People repeat chanting of Lord Shiva Mantra” Om Namah Shivaya”. It is said that one who utters the names of Lord Shiva during Shivaratri, with perfect devotion and concentration, is freed from all sins. He /she reach the abode of Shiva and lives there happily. He/she is liberated from the wheel of births and deaths. Many pilgrims gather where Shiva temples are situated. There are numerous myths regarding the origin of Shivaratri. Most of the stories of Shivratri can be traced to the Puranas It is noticed that almost all the myths happened during night and that is why Shivaratri is celebrated during night. The myth of Shivratri based on Vishnu and Brahma searching for the origin of Linga could be seen below: Lord Vishnu and Brahma wanted to know who was superior and this led to a fight. Lord Shiva intervened and said whoever can find out the origin or end of Shivling is superior. Lord Shiva appeared before them in the form of a huge pillar of fire. Lord Vishnu went down searching and Brahma went up searching. Both traveled and traveled but never met the beginning or end. After the futile search, Lord Vishnu and Brahma prayed to Shiva and appeared before them in the form of Jyotirlinga and this day of the appearance of Lord Shiva is celebrated as Shivratri.There is another famous legend of Shivaratri based on Samudra Manthan ( churning of ocean)as happened during the churning of ocean by Devas and Asuras to get ‘Amrit.’ While churning the ocean, highly toxic poison came out and Lord Vishnu asked the ‘devas’( Gods) and ‘asuras’( Demons) to approach Lord Shiva. He agreed immediately to help them and drank the poison. In order the poison to have no effect, Lord Shiva should not sleep. So the ‘devas’ and ‘asuras’ kept praying the whole night. Pleased with the devotion Lord Shiva said ‘whoever worships me on this day will get their wishes fulfilled. There is another legendary story of Mahashivratri and the fall of ketaki flower.This myth is similar to the appearance of the Jyotirlinga legend. Brahma went up searching for the end of the Jyotirlinga and Vishnu went down. Brahma after traveling for a while saw a ketaki flower (screw pine) dangling down. He stopped his search and took the flower and returned to Lord Shiva. Vishnu too came back soon and expressed his inability to find the beginning. But Brahma said he found the ketaki flower atop the Jyotirlinga and ketki supported it. Lord Shiva became furious and cursed ketki flower that it will not be offered in worship. The another story of Shivratri based on hunter unknowingly dropping Bilva leaves ( Bel Patra)on Lingam is as follows:There once lived a tribal hunter who was a Shiva devotee. One day he lost his way while hunting and was trapped in the forest at night. Soon wild animals started to gather around him and he climbed a Bel or Bilva tree. In order to keep himself awake, he started plucking Bilva leaves and dropped it down repeating ‘Om Namah Shivaya.’ In the morning, he discovered that he had been dropping the leaves on a Shivling. And the word spread that he was saved by Lord Shiva. People started celebrating the day as Shivratri. The story is mentioned in Mahabharata by Bhismha while on the bed of arrows. The hunter was born as King Chitra Bhanu who could remember his previous births. And he discussed the importance of Shivaratri with a sage. Apart from these myths, it is said that the reunion of Lord Shiva and Parvati happened on the Shivratri day. Another legend states that Lord Shiva performed the Taandava on this day.Let us join to to perform Rudrabhiskek on this eve with great devotion and sincerity!·

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Like -2 People Vandana Kumar Seth and Anil Kumar like this..

Anil Kumar :
Thanks sir for such details. O Lord Shiva !! Forgive my sins & grant me peace...OHM NAMAH SHIVAY.
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Rvi Dwivedi Pratap :
ॐ नमः शिवाय ॐ नमः शिवाय ॐ नमः शिवाय ॐ नमः शिवाय ॐ नमः शिवाय

ॐ नमः शिवाय ॐ नमः शिवाय ॐ नमः शिवाय ॐ नमः शिवाय ॐ नमः शिवाय

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f.b.
March 2, 2011.