Maha Shivaratri is a day of great significance for Hindus all over and in Chinmaya Gurukul it was no exception. We had 2 celebrations to mark this auspicious Day.
As is the practice, our first celebration was a samashti Puja in the Balavihar assembly on Sunday Feb 22nd. Kids and parents participated in the Shodhasha Upachara Puja. This was spread across 3 sessions. In every session, the yajamans did the puja and offered all the dravyas to the beautifully decorated Shiva Linga while the rest of the kids and parents offered flowers to their Bhagwan’s picture frame on the plate. These pictures were part of the art project, kids did the week before .
The whole atmosphere was one of divinity and love . The chanters led the puja explaining the steps so everyone would understand exactly what they were doing. Volunteers worked tirelessly, making sure all the participants had flowers and them making sure it was cleared away. Everyone left with their hearts full and their minds tuned to the Higher.
On Feb 26th was the Mahashivaratri Puja at the ashram. A lot of preparations went into getting the puja setup, including setting up the priest, flower malas, prasad and so many small and big details which were worked out in advance.
The puja started on time with our yajamans doing the Ganapati Puja and then continuing with the abhishekham. All this was accompanied with the chanting of Rudram. Shiva looked mighty pleased with all the love being showered on him. All the 200+ people gathered got to come up to the Lingam and do the abhishekham.
After which volunteers helped clear the area and behind curtains, the decoration started. When the curtains were unveiled , all the devotees gathered ,felt so blessed with the beautiful decoration and to sound of conch shells blowing and bells tinkling and the chanting of the priests and the devout and with the Jagadeeshwara Aarti, the puja finally concluded at 8:30. This was followed by a very simple dinner that catered to people who were fasting.
Shiva is DakshinaMoorthy, the Guru, the one who imparts the highest Knowledge. On that day, we all felt that peace, that joy which comes from being in the presence of the Divine. Har Har Mahadev!!!!
