| SIVARATRI
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The Rituals :
The devotees in general on this auspicious day observe Sivartri Vrata by taking only a
single meal during the day previous to Sivaratri. They then start the vratha by taking
holy bath in sacred waters of a river if possible and then worship Shiva with all
devotion. Devotees fast all day and keep a nightlong vigil called the
"Jagaran" with sacred chants and sacred texts eulogising
the Lord in all the four quarters of the night called the "jamus", marked
by special prayers for each.
Shiva is offered special food made from the
fruits of the season, root vegetables and coconuts ritual worship. Litres of Bhang,
a concoction made out of slightly intoxicating wild leaves, mixed with savouries and water
is also offered by some and consumed as Prasad. And it is time for Smartas,
a class of Hindus, to prepare the holy ashes, which become their daily requirement.
Siva-Parvati Kalyanam
is performed in the temples on the day and Siva Linga is offered sacred ablutions (Abhishekam)
all night with the reverberating rhythms of Rudra Japam, Namakam
and Chamakam on the occasion. Observance of Jagaran witnessing all
this is sure to bless the devotees with what is called the Atma Gnyana, besides blessing
them with material prosperity.
The Shivite temples like ones at Sri
Kalahasti, Sri Sailam, Kalesvaram, Draksharamam, Keesara can be seen to be thronged with
huge crowds of the devotees, not to mention the local temples.
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