BOSTON: The Shivalaya Temple of Greater Boston celebrated a special program of Maha Shivaratri festival on February 13 with a large number of devotees from nearby areas participating with great enthusiasm.
The temple remained crowded since morning till late at night and the special puja ceremony took place mainly in the evening.Some devotees observed a strict fast from dawn till dusk on this day. It is believed to bring good luck to those who observe it. Others meditated in the name of Lord Shiva for wisdom and freedom from the mortal world. Devotees with utmost devotion stood in the long queue to offer prayers and milk with Ganga Jal to Shiva Lingam.
Swami Nalinan and Giri Ji sang Shiv Bhajans and delivered Shiv Katha eloquently. Later, Maha Rudra Abhishek of Shiva Lingam was performed with proper Vedic rituals, mantras and presented a glorious appearance of beautifully decorated Lingam with flowers, nuts and several Deeyas to the devotees.
Swami Ji along with all the devotees chanted verses and hymns from religious scriptures to appease Lord Shiva. Sri Rudram was chanted along with 108 names of Lord Shiva in chorus. Chanting of Sri Rudram in rhythm created a positive vibration that purified the entire atmosphere around and within the hearts.
Neeraj Periwal sang a few popular devotional Bhajans of Lord Shiva and made all the devotees to sing along with him. Devotees enjoyed and appreciated the music played by professional artists: Bharat Kumar Raval and Abhishek Patvari on harmonium and Sanjay Kharat on tabla. A delightful event of Shiv Vivah was presented by children with intricate dance technique.
Maha Mangal Arati to Lord Shiva was performed while ‘Nirvana the Taste of India’ restaurant served delicious Prasad to all the devotees. Temple President Vijay Kumar Selhi and Shri Chirag thanked generously all the devotees and all the volunteers for making this event a grand success.
Geetha Patil
