Welcome to "Maha Shivaratri",
a two-day festival celebrated all over the world not only in India and Nepal but also in parts of West Indies which apparently has over 400 temples across the country,although nowhere does it
quite so exuberantly as India and Nepal, the two homelands of Hinduism.
According to Hindu culture, it is advised to not keep a ‘Shivalingam’ in a place where it is not regularly worshipped with proper rituals. As showing disrespect to Shiva may anger the lord. Lord Shiva is very innocent and may get pleased in no time. But, his anger too is well-renowned. Shiva believes in living off a simple life with bare necessities, and the things which he cherishes the most are Dhatura fruit, Bel leaves, bhang, ice-cold milk, sandalwood paste, and bhasma. Worshipping Lord Shiva with these appeases him.
Shiva is also worshipped as the Adi Guru (first teacher) from whom the yogic tradition originates. An iconic statue for iconic
city. First “Adiyogi” face at Coimbatore installed by ISHA Foundation. Shiva is one of
the principle dieties of Hindusim. He is the supreme God within , one of the three most influential denominations in contemporary
Hinduism.
Shivaites or Naga Sadhus are known to be the ardent followers of Shiva.
Part of Dashanami Sampradaiya (Tradition of 10 Names), they remain naked
throughout their life and rub a kind of paste mixed with Ash over their bodies
while staying mostly in a trance mode. The hullabaloo of Naga Sadhus can be
seen in only two different occasions, Kumbh Mela of India and Maha Shivaratri of Nepal. Their
out loud and carefree behavior remains the major attraction of the day. Sadhus
chanting “Bum Bum Bole..” can be heard almost the entire day.
Some of the Sadhus and Devotees take
Thandai, a drink which is made of cannabis and milk and the main highlights of
Maha Shivratri is that the Hindu holy men smoke marijuana during the occasion,
as they believe that Lord Shiva is fond of it.
Maha Shivaratri is the
most important festival in Kashmir
Shaivism, found in north Himalayan region of the India. It is celebrated as the anniversary of the marriage of
Shiva and Parvati. Maha Shivaratri is
celebrated widely in the temples all over Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
Pashupatinath
Temple (Nepali: पशुपतिनाथ मन्दिर) is one of the most significant Hindu temple
of Lord Shiva, located in Nepal. Because of the ancient ideologies of the
temple’s guardians, only the born Hindus are to allowed to enter the temple.It dates back to 400 A.D. and is known to be
the ultimate pedestal for Hindu devotees during Maha Shivaratri the temple
premise comes alive with devotional songs buzzing on loud speakers, Naga Sadhus
dancing on the tunes, devotees queued up to pay visit to the Lingman located at
the center of the temple and Marijuana fuming in the air.
The festival is not only
celebrated in India and Nepal but also in parts of West Indies which apparently
has over 400 temples across the country.
