Hindus celebrate Mahashivratri
The Hindus converge in their temples to celebrate the great festival at the night of Lord Shiva. The celebration is combined with the commemoration of 154 years of Indians in South Africa.
For many residents in Laudium, Mahashivratri is a special occasion, especially for the devotees of Lord Shiva, who celebrated the religious festival with great enthusiasm.
Devotees thronged to temples and holy shrines to offer prayers and please Lord Shiva. As it happens each year, Mahashivratri 2014 was celebrated last Thursday and many decorated Shiva temples in colourful ways.
According to Hindu mythology, Mahashivratri is Lord Shiva’s favourite day. Devotees fasted and held an hour-long spiritual meditation followed by rituals to commemorate Mahashivratri and be blessed with grace.
In the early morning, they visited the temples and offered cold water, milk and bael leaves on the Lingam, a symbol for the worship of Lord Shiva, after they cleaned it.
On Maha Shivratri, many sadhus visited shrines wearing a garland made from rudraksha, and apply turmeric, vermilion or holy ash on the forehead to symbolise a holy ritual on this religious festival.
Holy mantras were recited and special puja ceremonies were held throughout the night to celebrate Shivratri. Stories pertaining to the celebration of Mahashivratri were told.
In one version, devotees believe that Shivratri is important, because it marks the marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
However, others believe that Mahashivratri signifies the night when Lord Shiva performed the dance Tandava, which led to the creation, conservation and devastation of the universe. Mahashivratri is a time to celebrate marriage.
