Preparations for MahaShivaratri

[DeviChaaya]

Hara Hara Mahadeva!

Mahashivaratri is upon us and I haven't seen any posts. What will those who observe this festival be doing? I have just come down with some sort of lurgy so I'm worried I might not be able to attend. My regular temple no longer allows devotees to attend and perform worship for the entire night, instead closing at midnight. I am considering going to one of the Murugan temples nearby but if I am not feeling up to it, I will try to observe at home.

I pray this most sacred of nights brings blessings to us all.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Not much, though my people (Kashmiri brahmins) are mainly termed as Shaivas. This is because of the intrusion of Vaishnavism (and abandonment of meat in rituals), otherwise meat was offered to and partaken on Shivaratri. Those who have been ethnically cleansed from Kashmir valley in recent years celebrate it in the old ways.

 

[Jainarayan]

Festivals don't usually go well for me, being alone (culturally) in celebrating them. If I don't have the epidural injection for my back I will probably go to temple after work for an abhishekam, not much more than that. I try to fast, but I'm usually not able to keep them, nor would I be able to stay through the night. So, I may just chant some prayers to Lord Shiva. *sigh*

 

[Vinayaka]

I'm in Hawaii. It will be the first time celebrating it here for me. Should be a very inner time. Only until midnight though. Too old and wise to give myself jet lag purposefully.

 

[Aupmanyav]

The Lord also has to go to Mother Parvati. She would not sleep till the Lord is comfortably ensconced in his bed.

 

[Jainarayan]

I'm in Hawaii.

Who in Canada or the US goes to Hawaii in February! Why, that's the most unheard of thing I've ever heard of. And I've heard some pretty unheard of things!

Enjoy your stay.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Not bad in Vancouver: Max 8C, Min. 4C
Better in Hawii: Max 24C, Min 19C
Have a good time.

 

[Vinayaka]

Who in Canada or the US goes to Hawaii in February! Why, that's the most unheard of thing I've ever heard of. And I've heard some pretty unheard of things!

Enjoy your stay.

Hawaii lost out years back to cheap Mexican, Cuban, and Dominican Republic all inclusives. It hit the industry here pretty bad. Course, as you know, I'm no tourist. Been going to 2 pujas a day, sometimes 3.

 

[Fireside_Hindu]

I prepared the poster for my local mandir's Mahashivratri celebration. I'll likely go to mandir and do abhishekam but I won't stay all night. Shivratri is a very nice contemplative time.

 

[DeviChaaya]

I prepared the poster for my local mandir's Mahashivratri celebration. I'll likely go to mandir and do abhishekam but I won't stay all night. Shivratri is a very nice contemplative time.

Is there anywhere I can see your work, @Fireside_Hindu ?

 

[Fireside_Hindu]

Is there anywhere I can see your work, @Fireside_Hindu ?

If you scroll through my facebook Illustration page I often post the images of posters I make for the various temples I am a devotee at. Thanks for asking! Ashley Moore Illustration

 

[carmenara]

My favorite Shiva / Durga temple along with a very small temple in Little India both have Maha Shivaratri events. I'll be attending either. Big Durga temple will be open 24/7 for 2 nights.

 

[carmenara]

Hara Hara Mahadeva!

Mahashivaratri is upon us and I haven't seen any posts. What will those who observe this festival be doing? I have just come down with some sort of lurgy so I'm worried I might not be able to attend. My regular temple no longer allows devotees to attend and perform worship for the entire night, instead closing at midnight. I am considering going to one of the Murugan temples nearby but if I am not feeling up to it, I will try to observe at home.

I pray this most sacred of nights brings blessings to us all.

I will be going to the temple at night tomorrow.

It will be my first night out at a temple and I'm not sure if I'll have anywhere to rest. Or will I survive until the next morning and head back to work looking like some incarnate of a goddess of destruction (thats what happens when I don't sleep...)

 

[sayak83]

Hara Hara Mahadeva!

Mahashivaratri is upon us and I haven't seen any posts. What will those who observe this festival be doing? I have just come down with some sort of lurgy so I'm worried I might not be able to attend. My regular temple no longer allows devotees to attend and perform worship for the entire night, instead closing at midnight. I am considering going to one of the Murugan temples nearby but if I am not feeling up to it, I will try to observe at home.

I pray this most sacred of nights brings blessings to us all.

I am visiting North Bengal during that time. There is a famous medieval Siva temple there. If I have the opportunity, I will visit and share pics here.

 

[Sharmaji]

I have to study so I’m unable to attend any gathering I won’t even have time to prepare mithai or other festive food. If anybody could recommend me what I could do instead let me know.

 

[carmenara]

I have to study so I’m unable to attend any gathering I won’t even have time to prepare mithai or other festive food. If anybody could recommend me what I could do instead let me know.

Listen to Shiva mantras / bhajans on YouTube, fast, chant Om Namah Shivayae. Little things to get your spiritual side happy.

This was a suggestion from someone I discussed the festival with, in the event either of us couldn't attend temple.

 

[Aupmanyav]

I have to study so I’m unable to attend any gathering I won’t even have time to prepare mithai or other festive food. If anybody could recommend me what I could do instead let me know.

Remember your deities for five minutes and jump into life with full vigor.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Those of you who are at the computer at the moment, see the all-night Isha Foundation Shivaratri program here:
Mahashivratri 2018 Live Streaming | Free Online | Isha Yoga Center

 

[carmenara]

Those of you who are at the computer at the moment, see the all-night Isha Foundation Shivaratri program here:
Mahashivratri 2018 Live Streaming | Free Online | Isha Yoga Center

That's what I felt after the day and night of devotion, although I was busy trying to slay great evil in the workplace as usual... it seemed all the trouble soon dissolved right after that night of devotion.

This sequence of events is becoming very memorable and special to me!

 

[Vinayaka]

Boss and I had a 'good' time. Learned a lot too.