Few weeks ago a feature article was published on NETERU-XYZ.BLOGSPOT.COM on Hinduism in Africa but, we are this time considering a festival which is celebrated worldwide by all Hindus--- Maha Shivaratri.
Monday,7th March 2016 marked the day for celebration of Maha Shivaratri in Ghana-Africa so , NETERU's writter did not hesitate to find out on how "Maha Shivaratri" is celebrated the Ghanaian way and as a matter of fact, the African way.
"Maha Shivaratri" is a Hindu festival of India celebrated annually in reverence of the God Shiva. It is also celebrated in Nepal. While most Hindu festivals are celebrated during the day, Shivaratri is celebrated during the night by keeping a "jaagaran" - a night-long vigil as its believed that Lord Shiva saved the universe from darkness and ignorance. This day is believed to be the day that Shiva was married to the Goddess Parvati.
The Maha Shivaratri festival, also popularly known as 'Shivaratri' (spelt as Sivaratri , Shivaratri , Sivarathri, and Shivarathri ) or 'Great Night of Shiva', marks the convergence of Shiva and Shakti .
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Bikram Sambat Calendar on the month of Falgun as per Amavasya-ant month calculation. As per Poornima-ant month calculation, the day is Krishna Paksha Trayodashi or Chaturdashi of Bikram Sambat calendar month Falgun which falls in February or March as per the English Gregorian calendar . Of the twelve Shivaratris in the year, the Maha Shivarathri is the most holy.
The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael (Vilvam) leaves to Shiva, all-day fasting and an all-night-vigil ( jagaran). All through the day, devotees chant "Om Namah Shivaya", the sacred mantra of Shiva. Penances are performed in order to gain boons in the practice of Yoga and meditation, in order to reach life's highest good steadily and swiftly.
On this day, the planetary positions in the Northern hemisphere act as potent catalysts to help a person raise his or her spiritual energy more easily. The benefits of powerful ancient Sanskrit mantras such as Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra increase greatly on this night.
In Ghana, the festival started on the dawn of Monday at 5:00 Am and was observed by all branches of the Hindu Monastery of Africa. At the Shiva Temple in Accra, the festival began with the performing of linga ( phallus) towards Lord Shiva and was supervised and led by the head of the Monastery, His Holiness Swami Satyanandaji.
This was then followed by Havan ( a ritual offering by burning ghee and grains in fire) and then arathi - a kind of offering done through worship, was also performed.
Just after Arthi there was a break for those who had other business' to attend to could go and take care of it, but Akanda Japa(Chanting of the lord's names ) continues in the temple throughout.
Then at 4pm of thesame day, puja ( worship) started till the next morning. As the puja continued Shiva lingam was performed and devotees were now given the opportunity to pour milk, honey, and water on the sacred lingam stone of Lord Shiva. Throughout the whole day there was fasting amidst chanting of the holy names of Lord Shiva (Japa).
Finally, at about 6am the next day, the festival came to an end. Then again havan and arthi were perfomed followed by the sharing of Prasad ( holy food coming from remnants of what was offered to the Lord).
Below are few photos from the Shiva Temple in Accra as Maha Shivaratri was celebrated by the Hindu Monastery of Africa on Monday.
Photo credit : Arjuna Dadzie
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