Monday What is it? When is it? Feb 20th Shiva + ratri = “night of Shiva” Annual festival for praying to Lord Shiva All-night vigil, strict fasting Shivalinga worship all night ○ Offer bilva leaves & betel leaves ○ Abhishekam - honey, ghee, yogurt, milk, water, etc. Panchakshari Mantra: “Om Namah Shivaya” Story of King Chitrabhanu Why bilva leaves? Most sacred & loved by Shiva Lakshmi resides in them Ayurvedic/medicinal properties Symbolic of 3 gunas Meaning of Shivalingam Brahmanda – “cosmic egg” Linga = microcosm of universe / the creation of the universe Pillar of light Beginningless & endless Stambha Represents infinite + attribute-less nature of Shiva (Brahman) Arunachala: fight between Brahma and Vishnu settled by Shiva manifesting as column of fire/light Bana Linga / Narmada Linga Linga-Yoni “Yoni” and “Linga-Yoni” have two different meanings Linga-Yoni: Representation of emergence of cosmic egg (universe) from Shakti (creative power) In Advaita (nonduality) theory, Linga-Yoni is a union of Shiva-Shakti to show they are one and the same Creation & Creator are ONE Not a sexual union Other Symbolism Trishula (trident) Controls 3 gunas, 3 worlds Crescent moon Time cycle – Shiva transcends time Snakes Shiva is Pasupathinath – lord of all creatures Snakes represent evil/demonic nature in world Kundalini More Symbolism! Vibhuti (sacred ashes) – impermanence Tripundra (3 lines) – represents 3 gunas Matted locks – yogi ; renunciation Cremation grounds – conquers death