Hope you and your families are safe and well.
Most of you might be familiar with above mantra chanted on Maha Shivratri which means "I worship thee, O sweet Lord of transcendental vision (the three-eyed one or Lord Shiva). O giver of health and prosperity to all, may I be free from the bonds of death, just as a melon (or cucumber) is severed effortlessly from its bondage or attachment to the creeper."
Maha Shivratri is celebrated annually with much fervour and enthusiasm to honour Lord Shiva. Maha shivratri is celebrated in the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) on the 13th night or 14th day of Maagha or Phalguna (February or March). Pujas offered on the day of Maha shivratri gets amplified many folds, Mahashivratri is the best day to purify one's thought or to undertake one's spiritual journey.
Legends associated with Maha Shivratri:
On the day of Maha Shivratri at midnight, Lord Shiva revealed his Lingam form. Thus devotees perform the Rudra Abhishek at midnight of Mahashivratri to worship the formless Sadashiv.
Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati got married on the day of Maha Shivratri. Thus from 'Nirgun Brahman' He became "Sagun Brahman" due to Maya power of Parvati.
Lord Shiva drank the poison Halahal that emerged during the churning of Kshir Sagar or the milky ocean and saved the world from humanity on this day. Due to the poison the Lord's throat turned as He came to be known as 'Neelkantha'.
Lord Shiva had revealed to Maa Parvati that the 14th night of the Krishna Paksha is His favorite night and that devotees who worship Him on thus night will surely receive His blessings.
Also on the night of Mahashivratri Lord Shiva is said to have revealed the Tandava, the dance of primordial conception, preservation, sustenance and destruction. On the day of Mahashivratri, Maa Parvati performed strict penance for Lord Shiva.
SHITAL invites you, your family and friends to join us to celebrate Maha Shivratri on Wednesday, 26th Feb 2025.
Festival Schedule for Wednesday, 26th Feb :-
For Wembley and Leicester Temple :
08.00am : Temple Opens.
08:30am : Kakad Aarti.
09:10am : Baba's Mangal Snan.
09:45am : Baba's Chota Aarti.
10:15am : Lord Shiv Abhishek with Milk and Bilva starts. (and continues whole day)
12:00pm : Madhyan Aarti followed by Lord Shiv Aarti.
06:00pm : Dhoop Aarti followed by Lord Shiv Aarti.
12:00am : Rudra Abhishek.
02:30am : Lord Shiv Aarti.
06:00am : Baba's Mangal Snan.
07:00am : Baba's Chota Aarti.
(Temple will close on Thursday, 27th Feb. at 09:45 pm)
For Reading Temple :
08:00am : Temple opens.
08:45am : Chotta Aarti.
09:10am : Shiv Abhishek with Milk starts. ( and continues the whole day)
12:00am : Baba's Madhyan Aarti.
07:00pm : Baba's Dhoop Aarti.
08:00pm : Rudra Abhishek.
11:00pm : Bhajans.
11:45pm : Lord Shiv Aarti.
11:55pm : 108 Bilva-Patra pooja.
12:00am : Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Chanting.
12:15am : Chotta Aarti.
12:30am : Temple Closes.
Please note, there will be no Shej aarti on Wednesday, 26th and no Kakad aarti on Thursday, 27th.
Temple remains open throughout the night on Thursday,27th.
Volunteers Needed:
We require volunteers to help us during these times.
Please let us know if you can provide voluntary services. Please see the contact details below for any further information/queries