Happy Shivaratri
Well it's that time of year again. Shivaratri is upon us. Spent the morning at the Temple for Abishekam (bathing ritual for the diety) and Homam (fire ceremony) that concluded at 12:30 p.m.
Things get kicking off at 4:30 p.m. There will be a number of things happening this evening including a looooong Abishekam. Each time a different ingredient is used while Rudram is chanted (18 - 22 minutes) for a total of 11 times. I forget the order, but the ingredients are milk, buttermilk, ghee, yogurt, 5 fruits, sesame oil, honey, sandal wood, etc. This part should conclude at 11 p.m. then every 2 hours starting at midnight there is 1 Abishekam while Rudram is chanted yet again.
So, basically, I'm in for a lot of chanting tonight. Traditionally, I observe a fast and try to stay up all night, but given my energy level, the goal is to make it to 11 p.m. See how I feel about midnight, then head home. If I can stay awake great. If not, there's always next year.
For more info about Shivaratri see http://festivals.tajonline.com/maha-shivaratri.php
For photos from the Temple and to listen to Rudram see http://www.puja.net
Wishing everyone a joyous Shivaratri.
Things get kicking off at 4:30 p.m. There will be a number of things happening this evening including a looooong Abishekam. Each time a different ingredient is used while Rudram is chanted (18 - 22 minutes) for a total of 11 times. I forget the order, but the ingredients are milk, buttermilk, ghee, yogurt, 5 fruits, sesame oil, honey, sandal wood, etc. This part should conclude at 11 p.m. then every 2 hours starting at midnight there is 1 Abishekam while Rudram is chanted yet again.
So, basically, I'm in for a lot of chanting tonight. Traditionally, I observe a fast and try to stay up all night, but given my energy level, the goal is to make it to 11 p.m. See how I feel about midnight, then head home. If I can stay awake great. If not, there's always next year.
For more info about Shivaratri see http://festivals.tajonline.com/maha-shivaratri.php
For photos from the Temple and to listen to Rudram see http://www.puja.net
Wishing everyone a joyous Shivaratri.