Lord Shiva! When we think of Lord Shiva, don’t we always picture him as this incredibly powerful god? The mighty God with his blue throat, a snake around his neck, covered in ash, and wearing a tiger skin! Whether he’s deep in meditation or rocking out the cosmic dance, the Tandava, Shiva’s image is just so vivid and awe-inspiring, right? ✨
There’s something so special about Bholenath, as we lovingly call him. He’s like that great friend who’s always there for you, guiding you with kindness and simplicity. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved visiting the Lord Shiva temple in our village. The temple visits with my friends are etched in my heart. 🛕
One of the best parts of my day was the evening aarti in the small village where we lived. I used to eagerly wait for it, counting down the minutes after my tuition. A kind pujari maintained the temple, and every evening, the whole village would gather for the aarti. 📿
My Magical Evenings at Lord Shiva’s Aarti
After our classes, my friends and I would rush to the temple, soaking in the atmosphere. Watching people light and place Diyas was like watching a mesmerising dance of light. During the Aarti, the sound of bells echoed through the air, creating a magical vibe. I was small back then, so ringing the bell or playing the dhol was a big feat for me. But I didn’t mind; I found joy in singing along, clapping, and immersing myself in the incredible energy.
Sometimes, even the cows joined in! The peaceful vibes, the sound of the bells, and the calming presence of Shiva made every visit feel like a warm hug from an old friend. It always felt like it recharged my batteries and filled me with so much joy.
Those evenings were pure magic. The simple act of being there, surrounded by the warmth of other devotees, made each visit special. Did I mention the joy of eating Prasad? 😀 Little did I know that these experiences would lay the foundation for my deep connection with Bholenath.
But but but my dear friends….!!! Have you ever wondered why in most temples, deities are portrayed in human-like forms, while in Shiva temples, why is the focus on the linga? The linga is more like a shape or a pillar.
Why Do We Worship Shiva as a Linga?
It’s because it’s a way of showing the formless aspect of Shiva.
The linga is a symbol of creation and renewal. When people worship the linga, it’s their way of connecting with the idea that Shiva is everywhere and doesn’t have one specific shape. It’s like focusing on the spiritual side of God instead of what he looks like.
Recently, I had the opportunity to read Shiv Purana. It’s one of the eighteen main Puranas in Hinduism and holds a significant place in Hindu Mythology. The Shiv Purana is all about Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, but it also talks about and honours all the other gods.
The Shiva Purana is known for its many stories and legends about Lord Shiva. Some of the most popular stories include the story of the birth of Lord Shiva, the story of the churning of the ocean, the story of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati, and the story of the destruction of the demon Tripurasura.
It is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about Hinduism and Lord Shiva. And I thought it would be a great idea to share wisdom with all of you lovely people! Sharing wisdom with you all is my pleasure! Keep an eye out for future blogs to continue the journey with me. Happy reading! 🙂