Mahashivaratri Festival Kerala Celebrations 2011
This article gives information on the features and aspects of the Mahashivaratri festival in Kerala and information on the Aluva Shiva temple in Kerala where the Mahashivaratri puja takes place on a big scale every year.
The festival of Mahashivaratri is a festival celebrated by followers of the Hindu religion. As implied by the name 'Mahashivaratri', this festival is in celebration of Lord Shiva and the literal meaning of the festival's name is "great(maha)night(ratri) of Shiva". It is considered a very auspicious festival and is generally celebrated on the 14th night of the new moon during what is known as 'Krishna Paksha' as per the Hindu calendar (the months of February/March as per the English calendar). In Kerala, the Mahashivaratri festival is celebrated during the month of month of Kumbham (same months as the English calendar, namely February/March).
Legend of Mahashivaratri: As per an old Hindu mythological legend, Lord Shiva danced a vigorous dance depicting creation, preservation and destruction - known famously as the Tandava Nritya. Lord Shiva is said to have saved the earth and its residents from complete destruction by drinking the poison which emerged during the churning of the oceans (referred to as Samudra Manthan).
Rituals of Mahashivaratri: Devotees fast the entire day and do not sleep at all. They worship the Shiva lingam, bathing it with various items such as milk, honey, rose water, curds, etc. This ritual bath is given every 3 hours with the simultaneous recital of hymns and mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva, especially the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya". The main items used during the Mahashivaratri puja are: (1) bael leaves; (2)vermillion paste;(3)incense sticks; (4) diya (lamp); (5)betel leaves. Each of these items is used in turn during the worship of the Shiva lingam. For married women, Mahashivaratri is the day when they pray to Lord Shiva for the good health of their husbands.2011 Mahashivaratri Celebrations at Aluva Shiva temple Kerala
Every year, thousands of devotees travel to the Aluva Shiva temple in Kerala. The temple is not a concrete structure but created primarily from bamboo poles and palm leaves. This structure is over the Shiva lingam which is said to have emerged directly out of the sand on the banks of the Periyar river. There is a beautiful procession known as the Shivarathri vilakku (vilakku means lamp) procession. Also to be seen are bedecked elephants walking sedately, accompanied by the vigorous beating of drums. A few cultural programs are also organised during this festival.
Location of Aluva Shiva Temple in Kerala: As mentioned earlier, this temple is located on the banks of the Periyar river in the district of Ernakulum. You can ask for directions at the Municipal Bus Stand. Landmarks on the way from this bus stand are: Central Bank, Najath Hospital, Hotel Periyar, and the Thottakkattukara Post Office.
Exact address: Manappuram, Aluva, Kerala - 683108.
How to reach the Aluva Shiva Temple in Kerala: You can take a train heading to the Aluva railway station(which is 2kms from the temple) or fly to the airport at Cochin and hire a rental vehicle to drive down to the temple(about 15kms from the airport).
Important note: Do not wear revealing clothes. It is mandatory for men to wear the traditional Mundu and women must wear a sari when participating in the Mahashivaratri festival rituals at the temple.
Shopping & Dining at Aluva during Mahashivaratri:Besides being part of the holy rituals of the temple, you can browse through the numerous shops in the town of Aluva as this is the time when there are likely to be good discounts during the festival time. There are also plenty of restaurants serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Popular local food items include vadas and pazampori (fried bananas). For a full meal, you can order a vegetarian thali which includes a variety of delectable curries. Yummy!
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