Maha Shivaratri 2025

Shivaratri is a ritual of remembrance and practice

Shiva is the granter of welfare and remover of pain, the destroyer of illusion and giver of Peace, ever watchful of us day and night. On this darkest night we ask that he take his rest, and we will remember him and the practices we have been taught. The mind will be absorbed. Shiva will not need to worry about us because we will be in Sadhana. With prayers, chanting, practices and
ceremony we will keep engaged in that focused remembrance.

It is an auspicious time to deepen our understanding of our true nature, to reaffirm or renew our vow to regularly practice sadhana and live a yogic life.

Schedule

February 24 – fasting begins at 8:30 am for those making lingams.
February  25 – fasting continues or begins for those offering in the pujas.
February 25 – 8:30 am: Making of 1008 Shiva lingams for the Shiva Mandala*.
February 25 – 7:00 pm: All-night vigil begins – Ganesh Puja – Hanuman Chalisa – Shiva Arati – Kirtan – Asanas – Yajñas.
February 26 – 7:00 am: Procession – lingams to the pond.
February 26 – 8:00 am: Simple ‘break fast’ breakfast.

*The Shiva Lingam (“mark or sign”) represents the formless aspect of Shiva, unmanifest nature, and procreative power. They are placed in a circular mandala while repeating Shiva mantras. The mandala represents the integration of masculine (Lingam) and feminine (Yoni, representing manifest nature). This symbolizes the entire creation and a form of the universe itself.

Participation and accommodation:

• If you are interested in participating in making the lingams and/or offering in the midnight Shiva Puja or Maha Shivaratri Puja the following morning, 👉 contact Mahavir: theseentheseen@yahoo.com
• If you are arriving from off-island and need a room, 👉 contact Anuradha: anuradhaom@gmail.com
• Note that you will need a room on the 24th if you plan to make the lingams.
• All are welcome to participate and observe anytime throughout the night. Hara Hara Mahadev   🔱 🕉️

“When God is loved and continuously remembered that is meditation.”

“Repetition of a divine name or a sacred syllable brings the mind into the present where there is no past or future, only divine presence.” – Babaji

🎥 For Live Stream from Mount Madonna Center,
You may also join remotely via livestream on the Temple YouTube channel.