Hindu Calendar: Thursday February 11th 2010 - Maha Shiv Ratri

Namaste, Hari Om,

Why is this day important: "On the auspicious day, devotees observe fast and keep vigil all night. Mahashivaratri marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the 'Tandava'. It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati Ma. On this day Shiva devotees observe fast and offer fruits, flowers and bel leaves on Shiva Linga."  Source: http://www.mahashivratri.org/

" Shivaratri Pooja has been given tremendous significance in Hindu mythology. It is said that ritual worship of Lord Shiva on a Shivaratri day pleases Lord Shiva the most. Devotees further believe that by pleasing Lord Shankara on the auspicious Shivaratri day, a person is absolved of past sins and is blessed with Moksha or salvation." Source: http://www.mahashivratri.org/shivaratri-pooja.html




What should I do: Fasting on this day (Whole day is reccomended) - but do it to your best ability and with love. Also if possible, drink only Milk that day. Also, click here for a guide on what to do, its a quick refrence. For a full guide on Shiva Puja, especially for this day along with mantras and songs (for Lingam worship) click here for the Swaha International Guide to Shiva Puja.

This special date needs no introduction as its one of the major days in the Hindu calendar. Shiv Ratri is a most auspiscious day for Hindu devotees globally, its a day when Lord Shiva offers great blessings on to his devotees.  Chanting either 108 names, or 1008 names of Lord Shiva will provide blessings. Mahashaktimaya is one of the 1008 names of Lord Shiva, Mahashaktimaya means one with boundless energies. Lord Shiva can bestow great blessings, he is easily pleased by those who perform tapasya (spritual sacrifices, i.e. fasting, or performing repititions of his name etc..). Shiva Ji is also known as Hara, remover of Sins, he can ease our negative karmas to make life pleasent.

People of all backgrounds can perform this special worship,

The date is Feb 11th 2010, some say its Feb 12th as well, but check with your local Mandir/pundit/swami as the time zones are different. For US Eastern time its Feb 11th.

I posted below on Shiva Ji, but the book at this link here contains great info on Shiv Ratri, please read - again thanks to Swaha International.

Also in the very same book, you will find how to do puja for Shiva Ji, please read through its very helpful and will make the best out of this day for you.

Also, click here to download Shiva Bhajans specially selected for this day!

Jai Shiva Shankar!
Har Har Maha Dev!