Mega Maha Shivaratri (10 March 2013)
Tenth March 2013 will remain etched in the hearts of devotees forever as the Mega Maha Shivarathri was celebrated in grand style with bhajans, discourse and dance. More than 1300 devotees of Lord Shiva dressed in their exquisite eastern wear gathered together at the Chinmaya Mission ashram in Montford, Chatsworth to join in the night-long celebrations.
The evening’s program commenced with the renditions of beautiful and soul-stirring bhajans of Shivji by various local and overseas artists. Fresh flower garlands and festive lighting decorated the ashram premises. Gift bags were handed to each person who attended the function. Special permission was also taken from the Durban municipality for the road closures to cater for the large crowds of people.
Devotees were given the opportunity to take darshan and also offer milk kalash pots to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva who is both the combination of dispassion and softness, cool, calm and ocean of compassion captured the hearts of all those who visited the temple. Elaborate puja consisting with the 11 different puja items were offered with simultaneous chanting of Rudram and Chamakam. Shiv Sahasranam puja was also performed after 12 am in the sanctum. It was a mega event, one not to be missed. Screens captured the various activities in different points. Refreshment stalls catered for those observing special fast for the night
There was a live radio broadcast of Swamiji’s discourse followed by question and answer session. This event also saw the launch of the stotram book which has more than 50 hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva as part of the fundraising initiatives for the building expansion project. Every aspect from the preparation, planning to the execution stages was thoroughly thought of. Weeks of meticulous planning and many meetings with the volunteers culminated in the success of the function.
The air was filled with festivity and the buzz of excitement. There was continuous chanting of Om Namah Shivaya throughout the night and into the early hours of the morning. The spiritual vibrations emanating from the chanting of the Lord’s name purified the atmosphere surrounding the ashram. It was truly an amazing experience for all present at the Mega Maha Shivarathri celebrations. Devotees left the ashram the following morning with smiles on their faces and their hearts filled with joy, fulfilment and devotion for the Lord.
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