Shiva Ratri..what I posted for work, thought you might like.

Thursday, 26 February 2009

Shivaratri: Celebrating Lord Shiva in the Valley As the seasons turn in the land of the Shiva worshippers, Shaivites, trickle from places near and far to visit the holiest of holy temples in Kathmandu, Pashupatinath. This holy festival ascends on the 14th night of the new moon during the Hindu month of Phalgun, equivalent to our English months February or March. For newcomers to Kathmandu, this holiday appears to transform the Capital city into a giant carnival. The streets surrounding Pashupati fill up into far reaching neighborhoods spilling at the seams, as if Woodstock prevailed in Kathmandu. Mahashivaratri is a widely celebrated Hindu festival in honor of the God Shiva, who encompasses the three principles of creator, destroyer, and preserver. As a God representative of both good and evil, the Shiva worshippers known as Shaivites, take this celebratory occasion very seriously. Thousands of Hindu’s travel from around the globe to visit Pashupati, considered one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world. People come to celebrate, to perform puja and give offerings to Shiva, and to partake in the ritual worshipping. There are different beliefs in how Shivaratri began, and why it takes place on this specific day. Many believe it celebrates the day Lord Shiva wed the Goddess Parvati. Others believe it was the auspicious night when Shiva performed Tandara, which is the dance of creation, prescription, and destruction. Another common belief is this commemorates the day when Shiva was manifested in the form of the Shiva Lingam. Regardless of how the holiday began, all Hindus believe in strict worship during this time. Shivaratri is considered very auspicious, especially for women. Married women pray for their husbands, and single women pray for their future husbands to be like Lord Shiva. Shaivites adhere to a strict fasting schedule, from sunup till sundown during the holiday. Some eat only fruits, and many refrain from even drinking water. Another essential aspect of the worshipping Shiva is practicing Puja. The Shiva Lingam, which is replicated throughout the temples at Pashupati, is bathed in an assortment of decorations which represent different virtues. For example, milk equals the purity of the soul, fruits signify longevity and gratification, and incense represents wealth. Hindus believe if strict worshipping is followed, they will be absolved from all sins. Approaching Pashupati on this holy day, smoke billows from the temples into the sky; creating a haunting mist that floats over the Bagmati River below. Throngs of people congregate at every turn, sitting high in the hills, and between the temples. A line wraps around the river bank, weaving between temples; Hindu’s awaiting their turn to enter the temple and pray to Shiva. Rice kernels, flower petals, and vibrantly colored tika powder is strewn about, mimicking the everyday Puja on a massive scale. Shivaratri is not only a time for worship, prayer, and spirituality but is also a time to witness the Holy Sadhu men, from miles around, converge in one place, and celebrate the significance of the God Shiva embedded in Hinduism. There are two types of Sadhus in Hinduism; Shaiva Sadhus, and Vaishna Sadhus. Shivaratri is significant for this reason, because Shaiva Sadhus are devoted to worshipping Lord Shiva. The Sadhu men, also known as Baba’s, encompass the fourth and final stage of life in Hinduism, which is moksha or liberation. Throughout Asia, and specifically in India and Nepal, the Baba’s live on the fringes of cities; they dwell in temples, caves, and some in far reached mountain sides. Sadhus pledge a life of simplicity, giving up all material possessions. There is a certain part of Pashupati which is devoted to the Sadhus, where they are able to squat and live, and use the space as a place of worship and meditation. During Shivaratri, the Sadhus gather in abundance to practice their life’s commitment of worshipping Shiva. If it is your visit to Nepal during this time, Shivaratri is definitely a holiday you do not want to miss out on. However, if you are a single traveling female, I would highly recommend finding a male friend to go with you. While we like to believe we are strong single females, I would not recommend going to this event alone. So grab your 6’3 body builder friends, and saddle up. As in many places, when the crowds grow to capacity, it is inevitable you will be making your way through densely crowded areas. The majority of which are young Nepali males and during this holiday, many are influenced by a mind altering substance. If you are comfortable with bringing a large handbag or water bottle, and not afraid to flail it around a bit if things get out of hand, then you should be fine. I would not recommend going alone at night or after dark, and be prepared to be groped if you pass through a crowd. While these circumstances are unfortunate, we must be aware of the cultural differences, and magnitude of the religious rituals. While keeping this in mind, it is best to be respectful local customs while visiting the Hindu temples. The main Hindu temple is restricted to only Hindu’s. It is still very important to dress conservatively, and take the appropriate measures in ensuring your own safety but also the dignity of your surroundings.