The Shree Pretoria Hindu Seva Samaj celebrated Maha Shivratri this past Monday (Feb 28).
Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of Lord Shiva. This year the day was much more special, because Shivratri fell on a Monday and it is believed that a Monday is dedicated to the great Lord Shiva. According to beliefs a devotee who performs sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivratri is absolved of sins and attains moksha.
The programme started at the Mandir from 5:15 am with two one-hour prayer sessions. At 3pm, one-thousand and eight (1008) Shiv Sahastranaams were held in the Mandir. From 8pm to 9pm, the Laudium Mandir Bhajan Mandal rendered beautiful, soulful and melodious bhajans in the name of Lord Shiva.
Devotees were allowed to come to the Mandir and partake in the pujas and Bhajans with all Covid protocols being followed. There were about 50 devotees who attended the evening bhajans. The entire programme was also streamed live on the SPHSS social media platforms. The Maha Shivaratri festival is also considered to be an extremely significant festival by women. Married and unmarried women observe fast and perform Shiv pooja with sincerity to appease Goddess Parvati who is also regarded as ‘Gauri’ – the one who bestows marital bliss and long and prosperous married life. Unmarried women also pray for a husband like Lord Shiva who is regarded as the ideal husband.
(Submitted by the Religious & Cultural Committee of the Shree Pretoria Hindu Seva Samaj).
