On 19th February evening, there was a grand celebration of Siva ratri festival at ISKCON Jagannath Temple, Rajapur. More than hundred devotees gathered for the event. Many resident and visitor devotees went from Mayapur Chandrodaya Temple. First of all, there were lectures by HH Candramauli Maharaj and HH Bhakti Vighna Vinasa Narasimha Swami. Both of them glorified Lord Siva like He is asutosa (very easily pleased). Different people approach Him for different motives and He fulfills their desires. These include demons like Vrtasura who desire crazy powers. Today many pious people also worship Lord Siva but for material results. HH Bhakti Vighna Narasimha Swami told that we may worship Lord Siva for pure devotional service to Lord Krsna. This is His actual mercy as a compassionate Vaisnava and leads to real satisfaction of our heart. Worship of Lord Siva at Rajapur started some years back and is expected to continue in the coming years. Having said that our focus remains on attracting mercy of Spiritual master. Worshiping Lord Siva as Vaisnava is good but not mandatory.
After the classes, there was a traditional dance performance by a devotee from Croatia. Following that, there was Abhishek of Lord Siva (Sivaling form) with milk, yoghurt, ghee, honey, fruits, Ganga water, coconut water and bael leaves. Kirtan accompanied the Abhishek and this was followed by distribution of carnamirta remnants. Due to a rain shower, all the devotees left pandal and remaining event took place in the Temple hall. Next, all devotees offered puspanjali to Lord Siva. Kirtan continued in Temple hall and after Maha arati of Lord Siva, there was prasadam distribution. Kirtan continued till mid night.
Click here for pictures of the event: Siva ratri 2015. More can be known about Lord Siva’s worship from our last year’s post: Siva ratri 2014.
Hare Krishna!!
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