Shivraatri literally means “The night of Shiva”. The celebration is called MAHA SHIV RAATRI, which distinguishes it from MAAS SHIV RAATRI (monthly worship) or DAINIK SHIV RAATRI (daily worship). Maha Shiva Raatri means then, the Great Night of Shiva. Why is this night so special? Are the other nights of Shiva’s worship meaningless or insignificant?
Some thinkers suggest that it is on this auspicious night; Bhagwan Shiva rewards His devotees with “certificate of satisfaction”. Throughout the year, we evolve ourselves in prayers, poojas, in meditation, in chanting and more importantly we attempt to obey the instructions of our Lord. How well have we done is the assessment of the Lord Himself. Have we fulfilled His expectations? Have we practiced Adweshtaa - bearing ill will for no one? Karuna - compassion to all? Nirahamakarah – release from the feeling of “selfishness”? Kshama – forgiveness? On Shivraatri night we analyze ourselves and we scrutinize our spiritual progress. Indeed we reflect on the fleeting nature of our earthly existence. In our mad onrush we pause and crave for His divine grace.
While the celebration varies in its elaborateness from person to person, Mandir to Mandir and country to country, the commonality exists in its blanket of chanting, fasting, and poojas. To many it is considered a VRAT, a term that embraces fast and self-denial for a short period of time during which the celebration lasts. Vrat purifies the body and mind in preparation for the rituals that follow.
Ideally on Shiva Raatri Night, poojas are done on four separate occasions from 6pm to 6am at intervals of three hours. Special Prasad is offered to the Murti and worship is done to the Shiva Lingam. An all night vigil is kept interspersed with Bhajans, Kirtans and Dhoons.
LINGAASHTAKAM
Bramha Muraari Suraar Chita Lingam Nirmala Bhaasita Shobhita Lingam
Janmaja Dukha Vinaashana Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam Brahma,
Vishnu and other Gods adore the Lingam. It is taintless, shining and beautiful.
It is the destroyer of the miseries that follow birth. We bow before that eternal symbol of Shiva.
Deva Muni Pravaraar Chita Lingam Kaamadahana Karunaakara Lingam
Raavana Darpa Vinaashana Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Lingam is adored by the sages and denotes the destruction of lust, the ocean of Mercy, which subdued the pride and passion of Raavana. We bow before that eternal symbol of Shiva.
Sarva Sugandhi Sulepita Lingam Buddhi Vivarddha Kaarana Lingam
Siddha Suraasura Vandita Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Lingam is lavishly smeared with perfumes and scents, which elevates the power of the mind and before which the Siddhas, Suras and Asuras prostrate. We bow before that eternal symbol of Shiva.
Kanaka Mahaamani Bhusita Lingam Phanipati-vestita Shobhita Lingam
Daksha suyajna Vinaashana Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Lingam is decorated with various ornaments glowing within the embrace of the Lord of Serpents,and that obstructed the sacrifices performed by Daksha. We bow before that eternal symbol of Shiva.
Kumkuma Candana Lepita Lingam Pankaja Haara Sushobhita Lingam
Sanchita Paapa Vinaashana Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Lingam is adorned with Saffron, Sandal paste and garlands of lotus flowers, with a large fan shining behind it. It destroys all the sins attained in many births. We bow before that eternal symbol of Shiva.
Deva Ganarchita Sevita Lingam Bhavari Bhakti Bheereva Cha Lingam
Dina Kara Koti Prabha Kara Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
Saints and Sages worship the Lingam with faith and devotion. It is the source of unlimited brilliance. We bow before that eternal symbol of Shiva.
Ashta Dalo Pari Veshtita Lingam Sarva Samud Bhava Karana Lingam
Ashta Darida Vinashana Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Lingam is seated in the eight petal seats, which is the cause of all creations and destroys all kind sad destitution. We bow before that eternal symbol of Shiva.
Sura Guru Suravara Poojita Lingam Sura Vana Pushpaa Sada Chita Lingam
Paraat Param Paramatmaka Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Guru of the Gods worships the Lingam; they offer flowers grown in the heavenly gardens to the symbol of the Supreme Soul. We bow before that eternal symbol of Shiva.
Some thinkers suggest that it is on this auspicious night; Bhagwan Shiva rewards His devotees with “certificate of satisfaction”. Throughout the year, we evolve ourselves in prayers, poojas, in meditation, in chanting and more importantly we attempt to obey the instructions of our Lord. How well have we done is the assessment of the Lord Himself. Have we fulfilled His expectations? Have we practiced Adweshtaa - bearing ill will for no one? Karuna - compassion to all? Nirahamakarah – release from the feeling of “selfishness”? Kshama – forgiveness? On Shivraatri night we analyze ourselves and we scrutinize our spiritual progress. Indeed we reflect on the fleeting nature of our earthly existence. In our mad onrush we pause and crave for His divine grace.
While the celebration varies in its elaborateness from person to person, Mandir to Mandir and country to country, the commonality exists in its blanket of chanting, fasting, and poojas. To many it is considered a VRAT, a term that embraces fast and self-denial for a short period of time during which the celebration lasts. Vrat purifies the body and mind in preparation for the rituals that follow.
Ideally on Shiva Raatri Night, poojas are done on four separate occasions from 6pm to 6am at intervals of three hours. Special Prasad is offered to the Murti and worship is done to the Shiva Lingam. An all night vigil is kept interspersed with Bhajans, Kirtans and Dhoons.
LINGAASHTAKAM
Bramha Muraari Suraar Chita Lingam Nirmala Bhaasita Shobhita Lingam
Janmaja Dukha Vinaashana Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sadaa Shiva Lingam Brahma,
Vishnu and other Gods adore the Lingam. It is taintless, shining and beautiful.
It is the destroyer of the miseries that follow birth. We bow before that eternal symbol of Shiva.
Deva Muni Pravaraar Chita Lingam Kaamadahana Karunaakara Lingam
Raavana Darpa Vinaashana Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Lingam is adored by the sages and denotes the destruction of lust, the ocean of Mercy, which subdued the pride and passion of Raavana. We bow before that eternal symbol of Shiva.
Sarva Sugandhi Sulepita Lingam Buddhi Vivarddha Kaarana Lingam
Siddha Suraasura Vandita Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Lingam is lavishly smeared with perfumes and scents, which elevates the power of the mind and before which the Siddhas, Suras and Asuras prostrate. We bow before that eternal symbol of Shiva.
Kanaka Mahaamani Bhusita Lingam Phanipati-vestita Shobhita Lingam
Daksha suyajna Vinaashana Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Lingam is decorated with various ornaments glowing within the embrace of the Lord of Serpents,and that obstructed the sacrifices performed by Daksha. We bow before that eternal symbol of Shiva.
Kumkuma Candana Lepita Lingam Pankaja Haara Sushobhita Lingam
Sanchita Paapa Vinaashana Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Lingam is adorned with Saffron, Sandal paste and garlands of lotus flowers, with a large fan shining behind it. It destroys all the sins attained in many births. We bow before that eternal symbol of Shiva.
Deva Ganarchita Sevita Lingam Bhavari Bhakti Bheereva Cha Lingam
Dina Kara Koti Prabha Kara Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
Saints and Sages worship the Lingam with faith and devotion. It is the source of unlimited brilliance. We bow before that eternal symbol of Shiva.
Ashta Dalo Pari Veshtita Lingam Sarva Samud Bhava Karana Lingam
Ashta Darida Vinashana Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Lingam is seated in the eight petal seats, which is the cause of all creations and destroys all kind sad destitution. We bow before that eternal symbol of Shiva.
Sura Guru Suravara Poojita Lingam Sura Vana Pushpaa Sada Chita Lingam
Paraat Param Paramatmaka Lingam Tat Pranamaami Sada Shiva Lingam
The Guru of the Gods worships the Lingam; they offer flowers grown in the heavenly gardens to the symbol of the Supreme Soul. We bow before that eternal symbol of Shiva.
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