Temples to observe Maha Shivaratri
Devotees are gearing up to celebrate the great night of Lord Shiva.
Maha Shivaratri is a major Hindu festival that celebrates Lord Shiva and will be observed worldwide on Wednesday, February 26, from 18:00 to 06:00.
It is observed by fasting, meditating, chanting, visiting temples, and participating in cultural events.
Many devotees fast on Maha Shivaratri as a sign of devotion, and some stay awake all night. They also visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, such as Mahakaleshar, Kedarnath, Somnath, and Kashi Vishwanath in India.
Devotees chant sacred mantras, such as ‘Om Namah Shivaya’, and meditate on virtues such as honesty, forgiveness, and charity while offering puja (prayer) at home or in temples by lighting oil lamps, burning incense, and offering flowers.
Devotees offer milk, honey, and other holy objects in the Abhishekam ceremony.
The following temples on the South Coast will be observing Maha Shivaratri:
* Experience the presence of Lord Shiva at the the Shree Hanuman Sanathan Dharma Sabha Mandir with invocation, prayer, recitals, hawan and much more. For further information, contact Veena Lakhan on 067 0688282.
* The Umzimkuluwana Shri Siva Soobramoniar Temple will also observe the festival. For more information, contact Indresan Pillay on 073 1255431 or Benita Moodley on 083 6343108.
* Resident priest Pandit Piyush Kumar Mishra will officiate at the prayer at the Shree Raam Narayan Temple Society in Marburg Extension 14. For more information, contact Singh Samsunder on 083 3008382.
* Port Shepstone Tamil Association (Sivan Temple) in Andreason Street will observe the prayer, with resident priest Guru JS Sharmajee officiating. For more information, contact Radha Moodley on 071 4835568.
* The Umbango Sri Siva Soobramoniar Temple will commence the prayer with hawan followed by bhajans rendered throughout the night. Temple organisations and service groups are welcome to render bhajans. Supper and prasad will be served. For further information, contact Ragini Ramaloo on 083 7035303 or Kevin Govender on 083 3753876.
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