Hindu Society of Queensland’s Gayatri Mandir in Boondall held its Shivaratri celebrations for three days from Feb 19 to Feb 21.
Three days of Shiv Katha was recited by Pundit Sanat Pandey with the presence of Pundit Suresh Shandil, Pundit Brijesh Maharaj, and Pundit Satya Narayan Sharma. The function was well attended by devotees. After the prayers and prachar in the evening, aarti was done, and the devotees were served the prasad and mahaprasad daily.
Maha Shivaratri means “The Night of Shiva”. This is a festival observed in honor of Lord Shiva. It is said that, once upon a time, Shiva was very pleased and liberated all devotees who worshiped at night during Nisith Kal in four stages. Many stories are written regarding this in Vedas and Puran.
People repeat the Khatakshar Mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” and Panchakshara Mantra “Shivaya Namah” as it is said that he who utters the name of Shiva during shivaratri, with perfect devotion and concentration, is freed from all sins. He is liberated from the wheel of births and deaths.
