Maha Shivaratri – 23rd Feruary,2009
Mahashivaratri falls on the 13th or the 14th night of the new moon during Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Phalgun. The Sanskrit term, Krishna Paksha means the period of waning moon or the dark fortnight and Phalguna corresponds to the month of February - March in English Calendar. Shivaratri Festival is celebrated on a moonless night.
According to Hindu mythology, Shivaratri or 'Shiva's Great Night' symbolizes the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Many however, believe, Shivaratri is the night when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya - the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. Celebrating the festival in a customary manner, devotees give a ritual bath to the Lingam with the panchagavya - milk, sour milk, urine, butter and dung. Celebrations of Shivaratri Festival mainly take place at night. Devotees of Lord Shiva throng Shiva temples across the country and spend ‘the Night of Lord Shiva’ by chanting verses and hymns in praise of the Lord. The festival holds special meaning for the ladies. They pray to Goddess Parvati also called 'Gaura', the giver of 'suhag' for good husbands, marital bliss and a long and prosperous married life.
This Year Shivaratri carries special significance since it is falling on Monday which is also considered as Day of Lord Shiva. In India, Unmarried girls keep fast on Mondays to please Lord Shiva and pray for a good husband.
SHIVA AARTI
Jai Shiv Onkara Har Jai Shiv Onkara |
Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv Arddhagni Dhara ||
OM Jai Shiv Onkara
Ekanan Chaturanan Panchanan Raaje |
Hansanan Garudasan Vrishvahan Saaje ||
OM Jai Shiv Onkara
Do Bhuj Char Chaturbhuj Das Bhuj Te Sohe |
Tinon Roop Nirakhta Tribhuvan Jan Mohe ||
OM Jai Shiv Onkara
Akshaymala Vanmala Mundmala Dhari |
Chadan Mrigmad Sohai Bhale Shashi Dhari ||
OM Jai Shiv Onkara
Shvetambar Pitambar Baghambar Ange |
Sankadik Brahmadik Bhootadik Sang ||
OM Jai Shiv Onkara
Kar Men Shreshth Kamandal Chakra Trishooldharta |
Jagkarta Jagharta Jag Palankarta ||
OM Jai Shiv Onkara
Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv Janat Aviveka |
Pranvakshar Ke Madhye Yah Tinon Eka ||
OM Jai Shiv Onkara
Trigun Shiv Ki Aarti Jo Koi Nar Gave |
Kahat Shivanand Swami Manvanchhit Phal Pave ||
OM Jai Shiv Onkara
Bolo Shakar Bhagwan ki Jai
Bolo HAR HAR MAHADEVA
(With Inputs from http://www.mahashivratri.org )
