Chants of “Om Namah Shivaya” Reverberate at Baba Someshwar Peetha on the Occasion of Sacred Jagara
Kakatpur, 18/2 – “He is the Truth, the Beautiful, and the Supreme among all gods” — such sentiments echoed across the ancient Shaiva shrines of the Prachi Valley as devotees observed the sacred Jagara on the highly auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, the most eagerly awaited day for Shiva devotees.
This sacred observance takes place on Krishna Chaturdashi of the month of Phalguna. According to Sage Sanat, among the ten most significant vows to please Lord Mahadeva, Maha Shivaratri or Jagara Brata is considered the highest and most fruitful. According to popular belief, it was on this night that Mahadev Shankar manifested himself to the world.
As per mythology, during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), Lord Shiva drank the deadly poison that emerged, thereby saving the universe from impending destruction. The poison’s intensity made him lose consciousness. Until he regained his senses, the gods stayed awake throughout the night by lighting lamps continuously. To commemorate this divine event, devotees observe the Maha Shivaratri vigil.
On this day, devotees offer Ketaki, Champa, and Durva to Lord Shiva. After the ceremonial abhisheka (sacred bath) of the deity, devotees perform incense rituals and circumambulate the temple, after which the Mahadeepa (great lamp) is ceremoniously raised to the temple spire by the temple priests. It is believed that observing this vow removes all dangers from the lives of devotees.
Thus, on this occasion, all Shaiva shrines like Someshwar, Shidheswar, Harinath, Balikapileswar, Amareshwar, Shankareswar, and others witnessed lamp-lighting ceremonies and dedicated fasting. Devotees remained in a state of vigil and prayer until the Mahadeepa was raised at 11:30 PM, after which the vow was concluded.
The entire region vibrated with the resounding chants of “Har Har Mahadev” by thousands of devotees. The temples were beautifully decorated with lighting arrangements, and local residents had organized an Ashtaprahari Naam Yajna (24-hour devotional chanting).
At Someshwar Peetha, all arrangements for the devotees were made by the Sevaka Committee, ensuring they could light lamps and participate in rituals with ease. After the Mahadeepa was raised, the devotees partook in Mahaprasad and completed the vow in high spiritual spirits.
