This Sunday, March 2nd, 2025, Toronto’s Hare Krishna Temple will be celebrating Siva Ratri. (Please note as per the Vaishnava calendar the actual day of Siva Ratri was on Feb. 26th)
Siva Ratri literally translates as, “the night of Lord Siva”. Devotees of Lord Krishna view Lord Shiva as the greatest Vaishnava (devotee of Vishnu). In the Brahma Samhita 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 pastimes of Lord Siva. A special feature of this program will be a dramatic presentation entitled “Shiv Sati Saga”. This is put together by ISKCON Toronto’s newly formed Drama Club under the guidance of HH Bhaktimarga Swami. We extend a special invitation to you and your family to join us for this special festival! Festivities will begin at 5:30pm and continue till 8:45pm; see the full schedule below:
