Maha Shivarathri Poojay at Azalea Drive temple
During this Pooja, chants of "Om Namah Shivaya" and sounds of bells chiming reverberate through the temple
The Hindu Thirukootam & Shree Ganaser Temple celebrated Maha Shivarathri Poojay at the Azalea Drive temple on Tuesday night. The prayer started at 6pm and continued until 6am the next morning. Devotees gathered at the temple to be blessed and observe this auspicious prayer.
Maha Shivaratri Pooja has been given tremendous significance in Hindu mythology. It is said that the ritual worship of Lord Shiva on Shivaratri day pleases Him the most.
Devotees further believe that by pleasing Lord Shankara on an auspicious Shivaratri day, a person is absolved of past sins and is blessed with Moksha or salvation.
Fasting is usually observed on Maha Shivaratri. However, the way in which fasting is observed has changed over time. Most devotees observe a full day fast on a diet of fruit and milk.
Following the method prescribed in Shiva Purana, priests perform a ritual Pooja of Shiva Linga (sacred symbol of Lord Shiva) every three hours all through the night of the Shivaratri Festival. During this Pooja, chants of “Om Namah Shivaya” and sounds of bells chiming reverberate through the temple.
The Lingam (statue) is bathed in milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water, which helps to purify the soul, and then a vermilion paste is applied on the Lingam, representing virtue. Devotees offer milk, fruits and bay leaves to the Lord on this Holy occasion.
