Tribute to Lord Shiva
Namaste to one and all,
It is with great pleasure that we have the privilege of creating a publication like this in honour of the Great Lord Shiva.
In all honesty, when we did our previous Mahashivratri issue, I knew surprisingly little about Him. I can’t recall what prompted us to publish it, now that I think back, but I cannot say how grateful I am that we did. What started as a seemingly ordinary day, has blossomed into so much more than I can describe.
On the night of Shivratri, I remember that I didn’t do anything special. I performed no prayers, made no offerings, nor chanted any mantras. All I tried to do was to stay awake and keep an upright posture. As the night progressed, I felt a subtle peace come over me. Later on, perhaps a week or two later, I
was deep in meditation. There was a loud and brilliant storm and I sat on my bed fixing my mind on God. Thunderstorms have always made me feel close to God, I can’t really explain why.
In the darkness of my mind, emerged an image of Lord Shiva, looking blissful and sitting in the lotus position. His eyes closed and a subtle smile on His face. His hair was matted and the locks coiled like a crown above His head, wet with the waters of the Ganga. Around His neck was a great serpent adorning Him as a garland. His third-eye like a blazing fire and the cresent moon like a jewel above His brow.
I was awe-struck. How could the great Mahadev appear before an ordinary man like me, who being full of faults and struggles with the most basic teachings.
Tribute to Lord Shiva
It is evident to all who know Him and have experienced His presence why He is called ‘karuna avataaram’ or the incarnation of mercy. Lord Shiva is the very embodiment of compassion. It does not take much to please Him and earn His favour.
Over the weeks that followed, I was entranced by Him, and time seemed to fly and stand still at the same time. In those moments it felt as if I was sitting and meditating with Him on His Holy Mountain of Kailash.
I heard many different stories about His greatness, such as when He drank the poison that threatened creation which was a result of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), as well as the story of when Lord Shiva allowed the Ganga to flow through His hair to control its force and prevent destruction on earth.
Just under a year has passed,
and since then, day after day I am taught invaluable lessons, most often humbled by my limited understanding of the world and God, and driven by my insatiable desire to get to know Him more intimately.
So this Mahashivratri I implore everyone, regardless of any factor that you may feel would separate you from the Divine, to seek the presence of the Great Lord Shiva. Like me, you will find a treasure beyond description, that you didn’t even know you were looking for.
May the grace and mercy of Mahadev bless you all this Mahashivratri and give you the strength to endure the night with grace and so be rewarded with His bliss.
Har Har Mahadev
Hari Aum Tat Sat
Mahashivratri
Types of fast
Nirjala Vrat: This fast involves abstaining from both food and water Phalahara Vrat: Devotees avoid grains, pulses, and regular meals They consume only fruits, milk, juices, dry fruits (avoid items that are salted/ salty, or spicy) and tea (avoid spiced and caffeinated teas), Samapta Vrat: This fasting type allows for the consumption of items permitted in the Phalahara fast, along with a single meal that may include sweets like makhana kheer, rice kheer, jaggery kheer. This meal avoids onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.
5. Jagran: Staying awake throughout the night signifies dedication and allows for extended devotion. Devotees engage in devotional activities like singing hymns, reciting mantras, or meditating, seeking inner peace and connecting with the divine.
6. Perform Sadhana at the four different Prahars during the night.
How to check Times:
Online Platforms: You can check local Shivratri dates and timings using astrology websites or mobile apps Some apps give precise timings for each prahar based on your location.
Local Temples: Many temples display the timing of Shivratri events or special pujas based on local time and customs
How to break Maha Shivratri fast:
On 27 February 2025, devotees are advised to take a sacred bath and conduct rituals by lighting a lamp with clarified butter (desi ghee) in front of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. They should offer homemade sweets such as halwa, kheer, or other sweet fruits, along with bhog prasad consisting of dishes like sabzi, poori, and raita These offerings are first presented to the deities before devotees partake in the bhog prasad. It is important to refrain from consuming any non-vegetarian food on this auspicious day.
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