Shivarathri Message - The deep significance of Shivarathri.
Brahma Kumari Meena Sister shares a profound, meaningful and evocative message for Shivararthri with us. Unlike many other religious festivals celebrated in India the Mahashivarathri is marked by austerity with the practice of Jagarana, Upavasa and Vrata by devotees. Shiva means 'sada kalyanakari'- 'ever beneficent' In Shiva temples Shiva is represented as a linga meaning symbol. The term Jyotirlinga may be understood in two senses; as a symbol for Jyotisvarupa that is the (only) form of Shiva and as a symbol that radiates light (jyoti). The earliest lingas were made out of diamond or crystal.The meaning and importance of the terms Shivalinga and Jyotirlinga is the same namely to remember Jyotisvarupa Shiva Paramatma. The linga facilitates the performance of puja practices prevailing in temples. The worship of God Shiva is somewhat different from other practices and indeed unique in their significance. It is worth noting that in Bhakti practice all the gods are shown praying to Shiva for he is 'Mahadeva'. There are twelve ancient Jyotirlinga temples in India,and each name has significance.The Brahma Kumaris Iswariya Vishva Vidyalaya have recreated the twelve temple niches for the convenience of the devotees.The exhibition has been always received with deep spiritual fervour. 'Shivashankara' is an oft-heard term for Shiva. This combines two terms namely Shiva and Shankara. The latter is not synonymous with 'Shiva' The meaning and significance of Shiva and Shankara should be clearly understood so that our prayer and meditation acquire the necessary clarity and depth. The term rathri or night has a special meaning, in the sense of total ignorance or the effacement of spirituality from our minds. God Shiva descends into the world in the extreme phase of Kali yuga with His life-renewing spiritual message. May this Shivarathri as indeed each day of this kalpa-end, be a day of Jagaran ('Awakened state') and Upavasa ('Living in the company of the One'), concludes Meena Sister. Let us all be with the message.
