March 8, 2024!
The feeling of attending the Jagrata for the first time!
They say, 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do'. This Maha Shivaratri was another instance when I needed to adapt to this new place.
In Odisha, we visit Lord Shiva temple both during the day and at night on Maha Shivaratri and worship the Lord. We keep fast the whole day and break it only after the Mahadeepa is raised atop the temple, which normally occurs between 9 pm to midnight, varying from temple to temple. Some people also light earthen lamps and sit vigil in the Shiva temples till the rise of Mahadeepa.
But this year, I visited the temple during the day and also at night. I poured the milk on the Shiva Linga myself and also offered Bel leaves, flowers and fruits, which was a very novel experience. Back home, this is usually done by priests and we just hand our offerings to them. Unless, you are performing a special ritual like Rudrabhishek, you don't get to pour the milk or water yourself.
After returning home, I saw the neighbours organising a Jagrata. I broke my fast and went to see the ritual. I sat there for some time, listened to the devotional songs and returned home. Previously, I had only seen Jagrata in serials. It was quite a feeling to experience it in person. The idols were beautiful and the enthusiasm in the atmosphere was contagious. I would definitely remember this for the rest of my life.
