“Masiba, call us when you come to a picture page in your Ramayan.”
My brother and I said this every night to our aunt, who sat and devotedly read the ancient book while we played nearby. She would call us when there was an illustrative page, and told us the story about it.
My Masiba’s nightly routine became my introduction to one of the world’s largest epic and the most beloved book of Hindus, Ramayan. My experience is not unique. Most Hindu children grow up knowing Ram, Sita, Hanuman and their stories. They get lovingly woven with childhood memories and somehow never lose their affectionate hold on millions of Hindus.
Shiva is a deity worshiped unanimously by Hindus around the world. Every year, Hindus celebrate a special day for Shiva called “Shivratri,” the night of Shiva, which is coming up soon.
On this special day, Hindus gather and worship Shiva at night in a temple. Many families worship at home by fasting and performing Abhishek, the continuous pouring of water or milk on a stone symbol while chanting a prayer or repeating the sound of OM. I find this particular practice beautifully meditative and peaceful.
Shiva is part of the Hindu trinity known as Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, another name for Shiva.The trinity works in unison. However, the role of each deity is unique.