In the midst of the Christian Lenten observance, Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago will celebrate Maha Shiva Raatri tonight.It is the night of the great awakening of Lord Shiva according to the Hindu holy books. He is also the Absorber of the Universe, and the third force in the Hindu pantheon of the Godhead. Hindus are expected to keep an all night vigil.
Lord Shiva is the redeemer as well as the destructive Force which is manifested in all aspects of creation. He embodies the positive ideals of renunciation, asceticism, serenity and all negative human values as untruthfulness, vanity, ignorance, impurity, deceit and deception. Hindus consider Shiva Raatri as one of its most noble and monumental observances.
The 300-odd temples across the country would be holding vigil, including Edinburgh Hindu Temple, Chaguanas Mandir, Longdenville Temple, Caparo Shiva Mandir, the Seva Sangh of Caparo, Felicity Hindu Mandir, Gasparillo Hindu Mandir, Blue Star of Bandoo Trace, Claxton Bay.
For some, Shiva Raatri celebrates the night when Lord Shiva is said to have performed the tandava or cosmic dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. The dance itself and the encircling of fire symbolise a recognition that, within the cycle of destruction, exists the seeds of regeneration and rebirth.Maha Shiva Raatri is the most auspicious night dedicated to Lord Shiva who is the third member of the Hindu trinity of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
Observances would be held in all temples not only on the night of Shiva Raatri, but also on the days leading to the celebration itself where Lord Shiva yagnas would be organised, requiring devotees and followers to abstain, fast and observe strict spiritual disciplines.The devotee is thus engrossed in purified thoughts and actions that should keep him or her from unwelcome distraction.