Bal Vihar Class celebrates Maha Shiva Ratri

RIVERSIDE: Sunday was the perfect opportunity for Riverside's Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Bal Vihar children to celebrate Maha Shiva Ratri.

RIVERSIDE: Sunday was the perfect opportunity for Riverside's Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Bal Vihar children to celebrate Maha Shiva Ratri. Head Priest Dr. Shukavak Dasa began with Om, Gayatri Mantra and a talk about Linga puja. Suma Hareesh put vibhuti on the foreheads of all students and explained the significance of Maha Shiva Ratri.

On this night Lord Shiva performed the 'Tandava', the dance that is the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution. It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati Ma. The group then entered the Shiva Mandir for abhishekham.
Sangeeta Khetarpal brought her delicious homemade pistachio kulfi, which was enjoyed by all.  During aarti Suma and Sangeeta sang, Pandit Shukavak rang a bell and both parents and students offered lit diyas. Bal Vihar is the perfect way for children to get together with friends, have fun in the temple and especially to develop awareness of Hindu cultural heritage, traditions and values. Bal Vihar classes are held in Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir the second and fourth Sunday of the month at 10 am. Classes are free and all children are invited to attend.