In some parts of the city, the beating of drums and ringing of temple bells has already begun as Hindus celebrate Shivaratri in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the gods forming the Hindu trinity. According to popular legends, Shivaratri is the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is also believed that Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a linga for the first time on this day.
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| Picture from IndoVacations.net |
Shiva devotees fast on Shivaratri, many eating only fruits and milk and some avoiding everything including water. Worshippers follow all the traditions and customs related to Shivaratri festival because they believe that sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day releases a person of his sins and also liberates him from the cycle of birth and death. Shiva is regarded as the ideal husband, therefore on Shivaratri unmarried women pray for a husband like Him. Married women pray for the wellbeing of their husbands on this auspicious day.
Please pray for Bangaloreans participating in Shivaratri today. Ask God to help them understand that sins and liberation only come through Jesus. Pray that God would give Hindus a biblical understanding of marriage and the roles of godly husbands and wives. Pray as Hindus turn to Jesus, husbands and wives would learn how to love and honor one another as Jesus taught.
