Shivratri was observed Sunday morning and evening February 15 by a throng of worshippers at the Swami Ganapathy Sachchidananda (Avadhoota Datta Peetham) Ashram in Mysuru. Service was presided over by His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, a very charismatic spiritual leader. Sri Swamiji, holder of multiple honorary doctorates, is a revered spiritual leader and the head of the Ashram. He was conferred another doctorate by the Wellness University of America during a midday service. His Holiness has founded centers in several countries, not the least being Trinidad, USA, UK, and Canada, among other countries.
Shivaratri is a night of worshiping Lord Shiva and generally falls in mid or late February.
Shivaratri is one of the most important festivals of Hinduism glorifying Lord Shiva, known as the Destroyer in the Hindu Trinity of Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Protector and Preserver), and Shiva.
Thousands thronged the mandir main hall in the ashram during the day for homa and during the evening for abhishekam as it was a night of prayer and celebration.
Devotees paid obeisance to Lord Shiva. Thousands offered jaal or holy water or a mixture of curds and sweet spices, flowers, and clothing.
Shiva is the husband of Goddess of Parvati. According to Hindu scripture, anyone who prays to Lord Shiva on that special night is absolved of sins.
Aside from the Ganapathi ashram, Shivratri was also observed at all ashrams and Mandirs around India and globally.
