Gayatri Pariwar

Hindu Festivals

Maha Shivratri

Mahashivratri is famous for gaining blessings of Lord Shiva. Shiva means auspicious, good – and Shankar means – the one who does well. To please Shiva one has to become like him, meaning work for the wellbeing for others. There is a shloka – Shivam Bhutva Shivam Yajet – meaning worship Shiva by being Shiva only then you will get his blessings.

There is a widespread attraction for Shiva and his worship among people but there are lots of misconceptions regarding ways to worship him. On the occasion of Shivratri community puja should be performed to clear these misconceptions and establish lord Shiva’s faith among people as per his dignity. The purpose of Shivratri celebration should be to teach the worshippers the true meaning of Shiv and the true method of worshipping and pleasing Shiva.

Shiva means auspicious and Shankar means one who does good. Developing good thinking, good characteristics and good intentions is the true path to prepare yourself for Shiv worship and getting close to Shiva.

Shiva linga means the seed of auspiciousness and wellness. The way a small seed when sowed properly, gradually grows into a big tree and covers a huge area similarly establish Shiva in your life as a seed and then by practicing the good deeds and welfare for all you can grow Shiv bhakti.

Shiva is harsh on himself but generous to others. This spiritual path is the best formula for worshippers. Living on minimum resources while providing the best for others. Being happy with minimum is the righteous key to Shivatva.

There is a tradition to offer narcotic substances to Shiva. Consuming narcotic substances is not good but they have medicinal properties too. To offer these substances to Shiva means to accept their good use only, leaving the bad, addictive, inauspicious use of these substances.

The image or Shiva or Shiva murti itself is source of countless inspirations. Trinetra shows burning of desires, the moon on his forehead is for mental balance, Ganga denotes the flow of knowledge, bhoot and scary figures surrounding him inspire to accept all, and giving love to the socially backwards.

Shiva Pariwar – Shiva’s family is an ideal family each and every member reflects great personality and is of great importance independently as well. His wife – Goddess Parvati is the destroyer of evil demons and worshipped as Bhavani, elder son Kartikey is the commander of Divine army, younger son is Ganesha who is remover of all obstacles and is always worshipped first. Shiva’s worshippers should strive for creating a family that has good values and character. While worshipping Shiva’s family have a feeling in your heart that the good characteristics of this ideal family are flowing to your family.

Gana awahan – Shiva’s Gana’s or helpers are personalities that are devoted to his mission. His Gana’s include the bhoot pishacha and the Gods as well. The main gana is Virbhadra. Bravery should not be ill-mannered, politeness should not be cowardice only then Shivatva will be established. All the good and bad should come together for the greater good that is the inspirtation provided by Shiva’s Ganas

Have this feeling that the flow of good habits is coming to you and it’s making you Shiva’s followers. The Gana’s will become useful for us when we worship them.

Ashiva tyag Sankalp – Ashiva abandon pledge –It is possible to convert bad elements into good. Some medicines have narcotic affects and poisonous properties too. They are allowed for medicinal purposes only. Don’t let them become an addiction. Leave the additions and offer them to Shiva. Take a pledge to leave the intoxicating things for any purpose other than the medicinal purposes.