Shivratri - The Great Night of Shiva
Shivratri is one of the most popular festivals in the Hindu world, celebrated with devotion and fervour by millions of Hindus each year. This year it falls on March 6th (today!).
In the Hindu view, the Divine Being transcends all human conceptualisation, yet can be approached in many ways. The deities of Hinduism reflect realizations of God on various levels, as experienced by ancient Rishis in deep meditation. Shiva is one of the most important deities, and His worship forms part of the daily lives of many Hindus. He is the Lord of Yogis, the Lord of Time and the Destroyer. The destructive aspect of Shiva is not something to be feared; it is destruction for the purpose of regeneration. He destroys that which is old and impure in order to make room for a new creation, which is pure and divine. On an inward level, He oversees the annihilation of old habits, attachments and ego - all essential for us to progress on the spiritual path.
March 7th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
keep good work
March 7th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I am glad that your reproduction of the story about God Shankar is well said in brief. I attended the function that night held in the temple in Delaware. It was indeed a great event attended by devoties in large numbers observing religious chantings the priests asked them to do. I wish everywhere in USA the messege of Shiva is promoted for the good of the mankind and the next generation follows the meaning.
March 8th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Hi dear,
Nothing right now I have. I wish you go ahead our mission. I think we should preserve our culture whereever we are.
I with you.
Nepal.
March 8th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Jai Shiva Shankar!
March 9th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Har Har Mahadev!
March 31st, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Purans are mythology not the real religion.
Real Hindu religion is in the Vedas, Upanishad and Bhagwat Gita, where there is no mention about Siva and his stories.
Siva Ratri is just one of the nice stories but it is not a part of Hindu religion.
April 12th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
working with Garouda in the name of humanity, i feel always astonished when i see how people call for their death! No the aim of Shiva is the end of the world. When at the apocalypse, he and all the masters of different religions will acceeded to the throne of the gods, no one on earth will be able to see it.
At the moment a strong war is happening in the paradises. You have to choose between the couple Vishnou-Lakshmi or Shiva. Be sure that your choice will have a consequence at the time of your death.
April 14th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
MODERATORS:
There is quite a bit of spam on the discussion as of late. Perhaps we should implement a small code word to prevent bot-spamming.
Thanks.
April 14th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Thanks for the suggestion Keshav.
As for the moment, I shall stick to watching the situation more regularly. Up until now, the spam filter that came with this forum was doing the job OK, but now spam is beginning to get through.
Regards
June 2nd, 2008 at 4:47 pm
“Shivratri is also associated with Shiva’s wedding to Goddess Parvathi. The wedding symbolises the mystical union between spirit and matter, which forms the basis of our existence.”
I thought the union was between SHIVA and SHAKTI, ie the DIVINITY and POWER. Shakti is then manifest in many forms: Parvati, Jagadamba, Mahakali, Durga or Mahishi (from Mahesh and Mahishasura), etc.
The union is also symbolic of unity in the divine whilst there is duality in everything else. This is expressed by idols of Ardhanarishavara.
Om Namah Shivaya.
February 8th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
shivratree night is the best thing that a hindu can achieve in his/her existance coz its mere bliss !!! OM NAMAH SHIVAYA