655--Q&A WITH SWAMIJI- Shivaratri questions

[Guest guest]

Question from Surya:

What is the proper wording for the sankalpa for the Maha Shivaratri Vrat

for staying up all night? Thank you for your time.

 

Swamiji's response:

Shiva Ratri Vratam karishye means we are undertaking the sankalpa for

the performance of Shiva Ratri vows.

 

Question from Surya:

Are Bilva/Bael leaves always offered in groups of three or is it

okay/proper to offer single leaves instead/as well?

 

Swamiji's response:

It customary to offer the three leaves on one stem. However, when we

receive them in America they are often broken, so after we have

completed all the threes, we offer the remainder one at a time.

 

Question from Surya:

When consulting the panchang to see what day this holiday or any other

should fall, do we base it upon when the tirth for that "day" begins and

then use that calendar day for the event? For example, the panchang I

consulted said that Chaturdasi starts at 1:28 pm on 2/15 and ends at

10:50 AM on 2/16. So the only night time during Chatudasi is 2/15,

correct? I still see many people celebrating on 2/16 in California,

which is why I'm asking once again. Thanks and pranams

 

Swamiji's response:

People who are celebrating on the 16th in California are adjusting the

calendar so the puja will fall on a weekend. That way it will be much

more convenient for people to attend.

 

This has always been a dilemma for western temples. Do we maintain the

strict timings even though few may be able to attend? Or do we adjust

the timing for everyone's maximum convenience? Both ways are right.

 

Shiva Ratri is celebrated on Trayodasi nishi, that is the 13th night -

Thursday.

[Guest guest]

Perfect answers as always. Thank you Maharaj!

-

Nanda

Friday, February 09, 2007 7:04 AM

[www.ShreeMaa.org] 655--Q&A WITH SWAMIJI- Shivaratri questions

 

 

 

Question from Surya:

What is the proper wording for the sankalpa for the Maha Shivaratri Vrat for staying up all night? Thank you for your time.

 

Swamiji's response:

Shiva Ratri Vratam karishye means we are undertaking the sankalpa for the performance of Shiva Ratri vows.

 

Question from Surya:

Are Bilva/Bael leaves always offered in groups of three or is it okay/proper to offer single leaves instead/as well?

 

Swamiji's response:

It customary to offer the three leaves on one stem. However, when we receive them in America they are often broken, so after we have completed all the threes, we offer the remainder one at a time.

 

Question from Surya:

When consulting the panchang to see what day this holiday or any other should fall, do we base it upon when the tirth for that "day" begins and then use that calendar day for the event? For example, the panchang I consulted said that Chaturdasi starts at 1:28 pm on 2/15 and ends at 10:50 AM on 2/16. So the only night time during Chatudasi is 2/15, correct? I still see many people celebrating on 2/16 in California, which is why I'm asking once again. Thanks and pranams

 

Swamiji's response:

People who are celebrating on the 16th in California are adjusting the calendar so the puja will fall on a weekend. That way it will be much more convenient for people to attend.

 

This has always been a dilemma for western temples. Do we maintain the strict timings even though few may be able to attend? Or do we adjust the timing for everyone's maximum convenience? Both ways are right.

 

Shiva Ratri is celebrated on Trayodasi nishi, that is the 13th night - Thursday.