Mahashivratri Celebrated Across Universe by Hindus

By PHP Staff
Thursday, March 03, 2011

KAUAI, HI, U.S : Mahasivaratri is the most important festival dedicated to Lord Siva. This holy day is observed by millions of Hindus all over the world. It is one of Hinduism's most esoteric holy days, when yoga practices, mantras and meditation take the devotee closer to God's essence within the core of himself. Hindus typically fast, maintain silence and stay up all night to perform spiritual practices, such as worshiping, chanting and singing. In some regions, devotees visit as many Siva temples as they can on this night.

For hundreds of millions of Hindus Siva is the Supreme Being, the absolute One God who both transcends creation and pervades it--thus existing as our own innermost essence. Siva is the powerful Deity whose ener- getic dance creates, sustains and dissolves the universe in endless cycles. He is the master yogi delving into unfathomable mysteries, the supreme ascetic, the prime mystic, the Light behind all light, the Life within all life. Siva is often called Mahadeva, 'Great Being of Light.'

Tonight, millions chant, 'Aum Namasivaya.'

Thai-Cambodian clashes has damage the landmark Hindu temple

By PHP Staff
Friday, February 11, 2011

(Photo : Preah Vihear Temple or Prasat Preah Vihear or Hindu Temple of Preah Vihear  form UNESCO website)

CAMBODIA : 'Very serious' damage has been caused to four gopuras (towered gateways found at the entrances to temples) of landmark Preah Vihear Shiva temple, according to a Cambodian Government communication.

Situated on the edge of a plateau that dominates the plain of Cambodia, the Temple of Preah Vihear is dedicated to Shiva. The Temple is composed of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases over an 800 metre long axis and dates back to the first half of the 11th century AD. Nevertheless, its complex history can be traced to the 9th century, when the hermitage was founded. This site is particularly well preserved, mainly due to its remote location. The site is exceptional for the quality of its architecture, which is adapted to the natural environment and the religious function of the temple, as well as for the exceptional quality of its carved stone ornamentation.

Known as Preah Vihear in Cambodia and Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand, this remote temple at the border between Thailand and Cambodia, which had reportedly not been clearly demarcated, has been a source of tension for generations. The two nations have been disputing the territory where the temple stands.

[NOTE : The source did not state clearly what caused the gopuras to collapse, but no use of heavy artillery has been reported in recent times around the temple.]

Preah Vihear was said to even predate Cambodia's Angkor Wat temple complex by about 100 years and its stunning setting made it finest of all the ruins left from the mighty Khmer civilization. An outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture mostly created by Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II, it was a unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries and was said to be exceptional for the quality of its architecture and carved stone ornamentation.

Pictures of 2011 PHP & SRSSM Free Calender Distribution at Rataneshwar Mahadev Temple in Karachi, Pakistan

By Gopinath Kumar (editor-in-chief)
Monday, January 31, 2011

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: PHP Karachi Staff
Date: Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 8:46 PM
Subject: Rataneshwar Mahadev Temple, Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan
To: Pakistan Hindu Post (PHP)

Namaste

Dear Gopinathji,

          Please find attach pictures of  Free Distributed of 2011 PHP & SRSSM  Calender at Shri Rataneshwar Mahadev Temple or also called as Lord Shiv Mandir on 24th January Sunday in Karachi City of Sindh State, Pakistan.

Introduction : Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple at Clifton Karachi. This is at the side of Jehangir Kothari parade. In the olden times, sea was upto the walls of this temple and this temple was a cave about 30-40 feet in the sea. There used to be a stream of sweet water. This temple contains the langham of self created Mahadev. The shape of the langham is like an egg or zero meaning this whole world is nothing but a dream. As per another source the ships used to pass from here after offering ablution. There was no idol in this temple, only a lamp placed there was worshipped by the Hindus. The Talpur ruler used to offer 7.5 seers of oil for this lamp every month. Sat Guru Nanak Dev Ji meditated in a cave just beyond the lamp. An other lamp is kept burning at the place where he had meditated and it is called “Guru Joti”.

This Temple is situated at the seaside of Clifton. It was constructed about more than 150 years ago in a cave in a hill. Grand Mela (Fair) of Lord Shiva (SHANKER) is held for 3 days on Maha Shiva Ratri the day where in more than 25,000 people visit the Temple for celebration & rituals on this occasion every year. On every Monday, “Parsad”(sacred food) is distributed but now 7 days of week, parsad is offered.

Best Regards,
Sanjesh Sunny
PHP Karachi Staff
 

(1Photo : 2011 PHP Free Calender Distribution at Rataneshwar Mahadev Temple, Pakistan)

 (2Photo : 2011 PHP Free Calender Distribution at Rataneshwar Mahadev Temple, Pakistan)

 (3Photo : 2011 PHP Free Calender Distribution at Rataneshwar Mahadev Temple, Pakistan)

 (4Photo : 2011 PHP Free Calender Distribution at Rataneshwar Mahadev Temple, Pakistan)

 (5Photo : 2011 PHP Free Calender Distribution at Rataneshwar Mahadev Temple, Pakistan)

 (6Photo : 2011 PHP Free Calender Distribution at Rataneshwar Mahadev Temple, Pakistan)

(7Photo : 2011 PHP Free Calender Distribution at Rataneshwar Mahadev Temple, Pakistan)