Lord Siva Showers His Abundant Grace on Maha Sivaratri

 

 

When we offer milk to Lord Siva, he grants us the highest peace and inner purity.

Jai Karunamayi!

Maha Sivaratri is quickly approaching, and will be celebrated in India on February 16th this year (this date may vary in other parts of the world). Amma has said that this day is the most auspicious day out of the entire year to worship Lord Siva and receive his most compassionate grace. On this day, Lord Siva's complete grace showers down upon the entire Earth. For thousands of years, spiritual seekers have sought Lord Siva's blessings on this day by engaging in various practices dedicated to him. Meditation, maintaining silence, repeating Siva mantras, singing Siva stotras and bhajans, or performing worship (puja) are all excellent forms of practice (sadhana) during Maha Sivaratri.

Amma has said that those who worship Lord Siva, especially on Maha Sivaratri, will definitely receive his grace in the form of true wealth, wisdom, peace, inner healing, spiritual virtues, and divine courage. In locations outside of India, Sivaratri may be celebrated on February 15th, so if you are interested in doing special practices, please check with a Hindu temple in your area for help with timing.

Specific Practices Recommended by Amma

In the past, Amma has recommended some specific practices that devotees may perform if they wish. The mantra "Om hrim namah sivaya" may be repeated silently, preferably at least 108 times. In addition, the Mrutyunjaya Mantra (Healing Mantra) may be chanted out loud, preferably at least 108 times. If desired, one can chant these mantras as many times as time permits.

Those who have a Siva lingam in their homes may do abhishekam with milk, while chanting either of the Siva mantras mentioned. The milk can either be poured continuously on the lingam or a small amount can be offered at the end of each mantra. The offered milk, which would then have been blessed and energized, may be consumed as prasadam and distributed to family and friends.

Aside from these sadhanas recommended by Amma, there is also a special practice, or vow (vrata), that many devotees of Lord Siva undertake at the time of Maha Sivaratri. This practice involves fasting and staying awake for the entire night, making sure to worship Lord Siva during every quarter of the night until dawn breaks. This practice is very powerful for inner purification, and makes it possible to absorb the abundant divine energy that is available to all on this night.

This photo from Sivaratri 2006 shows Amma offering purnahuti on behalf of all living beings.

Sri Rudra Homa and Abhishekam for World Peace

On February 16th, a very auspicious Sri Rudra Homa and Ekadasavara Rudrabhishekam will be performed at Amma’s Penusila Ashram for world peace and universal welfare. During the homa, Sri Rudram, a powerful Vedic hymn to Lord Siva, is chanted eleven times. The vibrations of Sri Rudra Homa are extremely powerful, and when special herbal offerings are made into the sacred homa fire, a wonderful subtle energy is released into the atmosphere. Just as clouds travel all the way around the Earth, the vibrations of the homa also travel all over the Earth, spreading peace and happiness everywhere.

During the abhishekam, which will take place in the divine Sri Lalita Parameswari temple, eleven auspicious items will be poured over a Narmadeswara Siva Lingam. When abhishekam is performed with the chanting of mantras, divine grace pours down on all beings, especially those who witness or sponsor the puja. Those who are interested in sponsoring these auspicious events and receiving the blessed prasadam can please click here. Be sure to check the Latest News page after the 16th for pictures of the Maha Sivaratri Homa and Abhishekam.

Many people have experienced a lot of difficulties this year, and during difficult times, it becomes harder to remember the tremendous power we all hold within ourselves—the power of the supreme Self. Through our heartfelt prayers, our songs of love and devotion, and the chanting of sacred mantras, we can become channels for powerful divine vibrations to flow into the world.

This Sivaratri, let us all join together in praying to Lord Siva for the happiness of all beings. May the auspicious light of Lord Siva fill each and every heart with peace, healing, and spiritual illumination.

 

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

May All Beings Be Happy

 

Om Shantih Shantih Shantihi

May All Be in Peace

 

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