sivarathiri Brochure - Sri Sivan Temple :: Singapore

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Sivamayam
MAHA SIVARATHRI
Monday, 20 Febuary 2012
Maha Sivarathri (the Night of Shiva) is celebrated on the Monday, 20 February 2012.
The festival which usually falls on the 13th or 14th day of the dark half (waning
moon) of 'Masi' month (February-March) honours Lord Shiva and the ceremonies
take place chiefly at night. During the festival, the Siva Lingam is bathed every three
hours with milk, curd, honey, and rose water with the recitation of mantras.
In conjunction with Maha Sivarathri, Sri Sakthi Panchakshari Maha Yagam will be
conducted from Thursday, 2nd February 2012 till Saturday, 11th February 2012.
Sri Viswanathar Laksharchanai will also be held from Sunday, 12 February 2012 till
Thursday 16 February 2012. This year, the Maha Sivarathri festivities will be
celebrated from Friday, 17th February to Tuesday, 21st March 2012.
Significance of
Sri Sakthi Panchakshari
Homam
According to Hindu scriptures, all those reside on
earth are none other than the form of Sivan and
Sakthi and the universe itself is the manifestation
of these two divinities. Thus, the power of Sivan
and Sakthi are present in everything as the vital
force. The worship practises of Sivalingam
followed in our Saivite Temples are based on this
philosophy of " Sivasakthi Unification ''.
During the 10 day long Sri Sakthi Panchakshari Homam, offerings(Avarthis) are
made to Sri Sivasakthi to ward off evil influences, to bestow everyone with wealth,
health and wisdom, to specially bless the married with children and the unmarried
with a happy married life. Offerings are also made to Sri Sivasakthi to protect our
country and the world from the natural calamities and to obtain peace and economic
prosperity. Sri Sivasakthi Panchakshari Homam will end with a ceremonial offering
(Poornahuthi) of auspicious items on the last day.