This Sunday, February 23, 2020, Toronto’s Hare Krishna Temple will be celebrating Siva Ratri.*
Siva Ratri literally translates as, “the night of Lord Siva”. Devotees of Lord Krishna view Lord Shiva as the greatest Vaishnava (devotee of Vishnu). Every week we recite the Brahma Samhita at the Temple where Lord Siva’s position is very beautiful explained (Verse 10), that he derives his power from Lord Vishnu. The Vedic texts like Padma Purana and Srimad Bhagavatam also glorify his contribution in the creation and for his unalloyed devotion to Lord Vishnu. For example, in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, 12.13.16 states: vaishnavanam yatha shambhu, “Amongst all Vaishnavas, Lord Shiva is the best.”
On this special Sunday, we will learn more about the great qualities and pastimes of Lord Siva. We extend a special invitation to you and your family to join us for this special festival! Festivities will begin at 4:30pm and continue till till 6:30pm.
*Please note that the actual day of Siva Ratri is on Wednesday, February 21st, but the festival will be celebrated at the temple on Sunday, February 23rd.