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Maha Shivarathiri
Description
SHIVARAATHRI is a very auspicious day for all. It is the fourteenth day of the lunar fortnight, when the Moon is waning, and the Sun is in the sign of Aquarius. The festival is, however, related to the Moon rather than the Sun. That is the reason why it is called Shivarathri (the night of Shiva). Unlike other nights, this particular night is the night consecration, of dedication, of illumination.
Spiritual Significance
The three eyes of Shiva represent the three lokas (worlds). Shiva's trident is symbolic of the past, present, and future, the three aspects of time. The three gunas (qualities) satwa (serenity), rajas (passion), thamas (sloth) are images of the Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The three worlds, the triune aspect of time, and the three qualities are the manifestations of the Easwara (God) Principle. When the Divine is installed in the heart in this manner, man can raise himself to the level of the Divine.
Prayer
Mrutyunjaya Mantra:
Om Thryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam
Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaan Mrithyor Mukshiya Maamrithaath
Purpose of Rituals
Bilva Leaf: Shiva is worshipped with the three-leaved Bilva. He is immanent in the three worlds, in the three phases of Time, in the three attributes of Nature. He removes the three types of grief; He has no basis outside Him; He is the source of Bliss; He is the embodiment of the sweetness and efficacy of Nectar. Since every being is Shiva-Swarupa (of the nature of Shiva) - for without Shiva, it is mere ‘Shava' (corpse) - man has to live up to that Divine status.
Chant/Song
Shivaya Namah Shiva Shivaya Namah
Story
1. Shivarathiri Festival at Shrishailam
2. Devotion of Markandeya
Activity
Bring a small Shiva Lingam to class and have children do Abhishekam with water/vibhuti.
Details
For details, please see document provided in the link below:
