THE GREAT
NIGHT OF SHIVA
IN ITALY
вместе с Гуру Свами
Вишнудевананда Гири
NIGHT OF SHIVA
IN ITALY
вместе с Гуру Свами
Вишнудевананда Гири
Италия. Ашрам Шива Према Сагара
25 февраля - 5 марта 2025 г.
25 февраля - 5 марта 2025 г.
THE GREAT
NIGHT OF SHIVA
IN ITALY
NIGHT OF SHIVA
IN ITALY
with Guru Swami Vishnudevananda Giri
Italy. Ashram Shiva Prema Sagara
February 25 — March 5, 2025
February 25 — March 5, 2025
| Maha Shivaratri – «The Great Night of Shiva» – is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed in February-March. The festival of «Shivaratri» is celebrated several times a year, but this one is considered the most important, hence it is given the prefix «Maha» meaning great or principal. Devotees of Shiva recite katha – stories about Shiva – and sing hymns in his honor. After the 24-hour celebration, fairs are held along riverbanks and water bodies. According to the Puranas, those who stay awake during Shivaratri are promised material prosperity and a place in heaven. It is believed that any meditation performed on this night is 100 times more powerful than usual, due to the unique alignment of the Sun and Moon at this time. |
Program
Day 1
February 25
February 25
Arrival of guests at the ashram and accommodation. Evening: General introduction and meet-and-greet.
Day 2
February 26
February 26
Maha Shivaratri
«This is the night when Shiva holds an open audience to address personal matters, the only night of the year when this portal of communication opens. The alignment of universal, solar, and lunar energies makes this possible.
Since Shiva is easily pleased, a small tapasya (austerity) on this night is sufficient to receive blessings or have one’s wishes fulfilled».
«This is the night when Shiva holds an open audience to address personal matters, the only night of the year when this portal of communication opens. The alignment of universal, solar, and lunar energies makes this possible.
Since Shiva is easily pleased, a small tapasya (austerity) on this night is sufficient to receive blessings or have one’s wishes fulfilled».
Guru Swami Vishnudevananda
Day 3
February 27
February 27
Evening satsang with Guru.
Days 4 - 6
February 28 – March 2
February 28 – March 2
Three-day seminar: «Methods to Awaken Shiva Consciousness».
Days 7 - 9
March 3–5
March 3–5
Three-day retreat: «Methods to Awaken Shiva Consciousness».
You will experience:
Daily satsangs, darshans with Guru Ji, and practices with monks. Linga Puja, Abhisheka of Shiva Murti, mantras, bhajans, aarti, yoga, and meditation.
The Legend of the Festival's Origin
There are various legends associated with Maha Shivaratri. According to one of the most popular, the festival marks the wedding day of Shiva and Parvati. Another version states that
on this day, Shiva performed the Tandava, the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. Yet another legend tells that on such a night, Shiva appeared before Brahma
and Vishnu in the form of an infinite and beginningless Lingam.
Maha Shivaratri holds special significance for women and sadhus. Indian women visit temples on this day to pray to Parvati (as Shiva, Parvati's husband, is considered the ideal spouse) for a successful marriage, beautiful children, and family prosperity in the coming year.
For sadhus, Maha Shivaratri is their festival, as Shiva is the patron of yogis and ascetics.
As part of the celebrations, sadhus drink thandai — a bhang-based drink made from milk, cannabis, and almonds — in honor of Shiva.
On Maha Shivaratri, it is considered auspicious to worship Lord Shiva continuously throughout the night and meditate on His form. It is said to be an ideal time to free the mind
from worldly thoughts.
Chant: «Om Namah Shivaya» – «Salutations to the Auspicious One!» – fully immersing yourself in awareness and spiritual experience.
Maha Shivaratri is the Mystical Night that opens the door to the Unknown...
Om Namah Shivaya!
There are various legends associated with Maha Shivaratri. According to one of the most popular, the festival marks the wedding day of Shiva and Parvati. Another version states that
on this day, Shiva performed the Tandava, the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. Yet another legend tells that on such a night, Shiva appeared before Brahma
and Vishnu in the form of an infinite and beginningless Lingam.
Maha Shivaratri holds special significance for women and sadhus. Indian women visit temples on this day to pray to Parvati (as Shiva, Parvati's husband, is considered the ideal spouse) for a successful marriage, beautiful children, and family prosperity in the coming year.
For sadhus, Maha Shivaratri is their festival, as Shiva is the patron of yogis and ascetics.
As part of the celebrations, sadhus drink thandai — a bhang-based drink made from milk, cannabis, and almonds — in honor of Shiva.
On Maha Shivaratri, it is considered auspicious to worship Lord Shiva continuously throughout the night and meditate on His form. It is said to be an ideal time to free the mind
from worldly thoughts.
Chant: «Om Namah Shivaya» – «Salutations to the Auspicious One!» – fully immersing yourself in awareness and spiritual experience.
Maha Shivaratri is the Mystical Night that opens the door to the Unknown...
Om Namah Shivaya!
