Happy Shivaratri 2019

Lord Shiva temple
near Haridwar, India.

Today is officially Shivaratri. As some of you may or may not already be aware, this is a Hindu holiday which falls on the 4th night of a new moon. Krishna Paksha, which means the period of a waning moon or the dark fortnight, Shivaratri is celebrated on what is often referred to as a moonless night. Today is March 4, 2019.

Shivaratri is a holiday that celebrates the love between Lord Shiva and Goddress Parvati, primarily the anniversary of their marriage. Hindu believers (not all, but most) also believe the anniversary of their wedding day was the first time Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya, a dance which holds major significance in the creation of life, as well as, preservation.

It is tradition for devotees of Lord Shiva to attend the nearest Hindu temple (primarily one of Lord Shiva) and give a ritual bath to the Lingam. The ritual bath consists of several things such as milk and ghee, which is part of the actual panchagavya.

Although I have always identified as Christian, what you may or may not know about me is that I have been a Hindu also for almost a year now hence why I am mentioning this celebration on my blog. As a woman who is in a relationship with a Hindu man, this festival holds significant value to me, as I will spend my day embracing Parvati and praying for a long and prosperous love life.

If you do not believe in Hinduism, at least consider this religion as a form of sub-faith. If you are an enthusiast of spiritualism, you will enjoy Hinduism for its richness and seniority in the theological world of tradition, as I know I do.

With that said, Happy Shivaratri.