On Sunday, February 14, 2010, Toronto’s Hare Krishna Temple celebrated Siva Ratri. Siva Ratri literally translates as “the Night of Lord Siva.” Lord Siva is described as “the greatest Vaishnava (devotee of Lord Krishna). ” In honour of this occasion the Sunday “Love” Feast was dedicated to Lord Siva.
The celebrations began with an inspiring class. Speaking about the glories of Lord Siva, Rupanuga das had the assembled devotees hanging off his every word! This was followed by an abhisheka (bathing ceremony) which was performed to a deity of Lord Siva in the form of Gopeshvara Mahadev. Arati was also performed to the beautiul altar for Lord Siva which had been created in the temple room. Following the arati devotees were given the opportunity to offer flowers and bilva leaves to Lord Siva.
The evening was capped of with an sublime 8pm arati and a sumptuous vegetarian feast. As a special treat the festivities fell on Valentines Day and Their Lordship Sri Sri Radha Ksira–Chora Gopinatha were beautifully decorated with hearts!
Click here for simple gallery or view a slideshow of the celebrations below (photos courtesy of Manish Thorat and Tarun Kandala):
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