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How to observe Maha Sivarathri Viradham?

Posted on: 26/Jan/2019 7:41:45 PM
All living creatures have at least some quantum of ego or self-pride in them! And the Devas were no exception to this statement. The day on which the Devas performed prayers to Lord Siva when their vain pride was vanquished is observed as the Maha Sivarathri.

Dos and Donts on the Sivarathri Day

When performing prayers to Lord Siva on the 3rd Phase of the Maha Sivarathri Day will remove all the evils and sins done during ones life however heinous they might be! The folklore explains this as Lord Siva is in such a benevolent mood on this day that he tends to accept thing generally rejected by him and offer pardon to the devotee. So, this sacred period is considered to be so holy! What is all to be done on this day?

On the eve of the Sivrathri, one should eat only once throughout the day and observe part fasting. On this eve, one should avoid minor pleasurable time-pass, etc.  On the day of Maha Sivarathri, get up early in the morning; take an early bath. Do all the morning regular religious routine even as the Sun rises. The visit a temple of Lord Siva and have a formal Darshan and pray and return.

Also, one should remember not to fall flat and pray apart from the place where the flagpole tree is located. Remember to avoid taking the wrong circular direction while doing Pradakshan (praying while walking through the corridors of the Sanctum Sanctorum of the main deity and the other deities.

One should remember not to cross between the main deity and his main carriage situated right opposite the sanctum sanctorum. Also, never remove any thread from your clothing and offer to Lord Chandieswarar. The males should offer prayer by folding their hands together above their heads. The females should pray with folded hands kept right in front of the chest.

The procedure to perform Pooja in the house

After visiting the temple and praying, immediately after returning to the house, clean the place located for performing Sivarathri Pooja. Decorate the area with garlands and festoons made of plant leaves. Take bath during the noon session and perform the religious routines to be done doting the noon time. Collect all the Pooja items. Start preparing for the Sivarathri Pooja even as the sun sets.

During the Phase of the 1st Jamam (from 6.00 PM to 9.00 PM) Panchakavya; Abhishekam should be performed on the deity/picture of Lord Siva Panchakavya is the mixture of 5 products yielded by the cow Cow;s milk, curd, ghee (clarified butter), urine, and the dung in the ratio 1:2:3:1:1. Add akhil paste and vilvam.

Perform Archana with lotus flowers. Make the special offering of the special Pongal made with rice and green gram while chanting the Rig Veda.

In the 2nd phase or Jamam (between 9.00 PM to 12.00 midnight), perform Panchamirtha Abhishekham. Panchamirtham is a mix of honey, sugar, curd, milk, and ghee. Some people replace curd with banana fruits. Apply sandal paste and decorate by adorning with lotus flowers. Perform Archana with thulasi (basil) leaves and make the special offering of payasam (kheer)  and chant Yajur Veda.

In the 3rd Phase of jamam (between 12.00 midnight and 3.00 AM) perform abhishekham with honey. Apply a paste o of finely ground green camphor and adorn with jasmine flowers. Perform Archana with vilvam and make the special offering of sesame rice (Yelu sadham) and chant Sama Veda.

In the 4th Phase or Jamam (between 3.00 Am and 6.00 AM), perform abhishekham with sugarcane juice and adorn with nandhiyavattai flower with ground saffron past. Perform Archana with neelothbalam flower an make the special offering of pure white rice and chant Atharvana Veda.

After this, take an early bath the next morning and perform the routine morning religious chores along with the noon-time religious routines and pray the mentor who gave advice and seek his blessings. Offer food to the poor. After this, one can partake food. All the above routines must be performed within 2-and-a-half hours after the sunrise!

Those who cannot participate in the house poojas can join the poojas performed in the temples. However, please do not watch the cinema or play board-games just in order to keep awake. This is a strict no-no! Either you can read/chant devaram, Thiruvasagam, Siva Purana, Siva-sthothras, etc., or listen to others chanting of the same.

Usually, Upanyasams (religious discourses) are organised on the night of Sivarathri in a few temples. One can visit and listen. Or else, chant some mantras or slogans in silence and pray/meditate!