Rudra Abhishekam performed to celebrate Mahashivaratri

2026’s Mahashivaratri was on Sunday, February 15. This divine festival falls on the Chaturdashi tithi, or the fourteenth night, of the waning moon in the Hindu month Phalunga. This holy day, also known as “The Great Night of Shiva,” has deep spiritual and and religious symbolism for all of the Lord’s devotees. It marks the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, bringing harmony and balance to our world on Earth. However, this is not the only significance of this divine event. On this day, Lord Shiva became one with Mount Kailash, performed his cosmic dance called the Tandava, and took part in the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). Because of these great spiritual events, millions across the world spend this day in devotion to Lord Shiva, including Chinmaya Mission.

Our Chinmaya Mission Brea Bala Vihar community gathered together on Mahashivaratri to celebrate this glorious day and offer our utmost gratitude to the Lord. Often, devotees will fast, chant mantras, perform Abhishekam on the Shiva Linga, or meditate. At the Brea Bala Vihar, we performed Rudra Abhishekam with all students, children, and parents, using milk and Holy water from Lake Manasarovar. The Shiva Linga was adorned with beautiful flowers, and our families were offered fruits as Prasad. 

Participating in this communal event helped share the values taught at Chinmaya Mission of transforming an individual’s inner self through knowledge of the Vedanta, service to society, and engaging in spiritual practices such as this festival. The Vedanta is the universal science of life, containing knowledge of the nature of reality, existence, and the source of happiness. It is based on the writings in the sacred scriptures, the Vedas, upholding the timeless truths of the universe for people everywhere. Bala Vihar teaches children of all ages how to live by these great values, therefore revitalizing Indian culture through connection to their heritage. Not only do children obtain religious awareness from this event, but they also gain an understanding of the Vedantic spiritual and philosophical teachings for use in their everyday lives. 

I will forever remember this day as one that taught me the great importance of remaining culturally connected to my Indian roots. It truly goes to show how effectively Chinmaya Mission achieves its motto, “To give maximum happiness to the maximum number for the maximum time,” as joining this journey gives one a sense of blissful satisfaction in gaining more knowledge and becoming a positive contributor to society. Being able to experience this sacred ritual alongside my fellow Bala Vihar families for the first time was truly gratifying, and it was a great reminder to me and many others why we are so devoted to Lord Shiva on this day of Mahashivaratri.

Please see more pictures of the celebration here.

--Srividya Medavarapu