Maha Shivarathri celebration energizes the city with chants and prayer at Hanuman Mandir

Chicago, IL: Maha Shivarathri celebrations at Hanuman Mandir filled Chicagoland with divinity on February 24, 2017. The temple located at 3623 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL 60026 organized a beautiful Maha Shivarathri program under the guidance of Dr Khurana, where about 5000 plus devotees enjoyed this Utsav.

April 26, 2014 marked the historic day for the Hanuman Mandir of Greater Chicago, Glenview, IL, as a large number of devotees thronged to participate in the much awaited holy ceremony of Bhoomi Poojan (ground-breaking) for the upcoming Mandir. This Hanuman Ji is 22.5’ tall carved from 25’ one piece of best marble of Jaipur Curi. This unique art Dviva Shareera (double body) is exactly the same on both sides which makes it one of a kind in the whole world. Murti arrived in Chicago in July 2014 and was worshipped by his beloved devotee’s everyday with all love and devotion for 6 months while Hanuman Ji was resting in its original metal container. On December 12, 2014, the Sthapna procedure was done & devotees did Darshan. Finally, the day came and Mandir was opened and Pranpratishtha of 13 idols including original Namadashivalinga was done on the 15th, 16th, & 17th of April 2016 with the help of 7 priests and 5000 devotees. From April 17th to December 31st 2016, all religious events were performed at the temple. Many high profile saints visited and blessed the temple and the devotees. New Year of 2017 was celebrated by thousands of devotees.

The temple was decorated with fruits. Bhasam Alankar was performed and over 3000 devotees (men, women, & children) offered milk to Lord Shiva. The youngest child who performed this was 1&1/2 years old. This was witnessed by many devotees present at the ceremony and was applauded by everyone present.

Maha Shivaratri symbolizes "the great night of Shiva." There is a legend about the fight between Vishnu and Brahma about who is the greatest in the universe. Then Shiva manifested himself as a huge column of light without beginning nor ending. Vishnu and Brahma gave up their fight and recognized Shiva as the One. This manifestation of Shiva as an infinite light lingam took place on the day of Maha Shivaratri and from there this day has acquired its special significance.

This day fills our planet with incredible spiritual energy enabling many of us to easily experience oneness through meditation and connect with our own self. This palpable energy helps us purify our mind by helping us get rid of unwanted thoughts bringing peace to one’s mind. The repetition of the powerful Mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” benefits mind, body and soul.

Reghu Nair, Onni Nair, Raj Nair, Reji Nair, Jayraj Narayan, Mahesh Nair, Deepak Nair, Nitya Nair, Ashok Kumar from Omkaram Bhajans group Chanted Shiv Stotram

Asian Media Editor, Prachi Jaitly talked to devotees about their experiences. She asked kids about what they think about auspicious day and received some amazing response from them Kids related the Holy day with world peace and bringing community together. Per ancient scriptures, Lingam is the shape through which Lord Shiva is worshipped. The temple gave the opportunity to each devotee to offer milk to Lord Shiva the whole day. The program, started with Maha Sankalp followed by Ganapathi and Kumbh Puja. The chanting of prayers was followed by various Bhajans that kept the atmosphere thrilled with spirituality. The devotees were provided with the holy Prasad. The celebration concluded with Abhishek, Aarti and melodious Bhajans. At 12 midnight, Maha Arti was performed and devotees received Prasad and blessings from Lord Shiva.