Traditional Ceremonies Of Shivaratri
Short description of each ceremony provided in the Maha Shivaratri program
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Digambara Digambara
This expression is used to greet and invoke Lord Shiva, meaning "Clothed in eternal and cosmic space". We enter the sacred temple and chant the name of Lord Shiva to honor the Divine Masculine.
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Fasting
Many people observe a fast during the entire day and night of Shivaratri. The fast is maintained to purify oneself and focus on worship and prayer to Shiva.
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Abhishekam
Is the ritual bathing ceremony of Shiva, in which the Murti or representation of the Lord is immersed in various sacred liquids such as milk, yogurt, honey, juice and water. This act symbolizes purification and offering devotion to the god.
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Fire Puja
This is a worship ceremony involving the offering of flowers, fruits, votive lamps, incense and other sacred objects to Shiva. During the Puja, mantras are recited and devotees concentrate in meditation to the flame, observing Lord Shiva’s elemental essence.
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Rudra Abhishekam
This is a special type of abhishekam ceremony in which the Rudra Sukta, a powerful hymn dedicated to Shiva, is recited, accompanied by abhishekam to the lingam of Shiva and the Murti of Lord Shiva with holy water.
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Bhajans and Devotional Chants
Dedicated to Shiva, the program includes devotional songs and bhajans celebrating Lord Shiva. Devotees chant hymns and mantras to express their devotion.
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Night vigil (Jagran)
On this holy night, many devotees stay awake throughout the night and engage in the recitation of mantras, chants and prayers in honor of Shiva. This practice is believed to help achieve bliss and enlightenment.
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Divine Scriptures
We will spend time reading and reflecting on sacred texts such as the Linga Purana or the Shiva Mahapurana, learning and meditating on the stories and teachings of Shiva.
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Shivas Dance
We will dance Shiva's dance in the form of Nataraja entering the cosmic dance that creates the universe.
