Mahashivrarti

This year, Mahashivratri was celebrated from 15th to 16th February. Unlike most Hindu festivals that are lively and held during the day, Mahashivratri is a night of quiet reflection, encouraging devotees to stay awake and meditate. In this article, we are going to explore the traditions and spiritual significance of this great night.

On Mahashivratri, many people fast, meditate, and quietly chant prayers. Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva are decorated with lamps and flowers, and the soft sound of mantras can be heard throughout the night. Instead of loud celebrations, the focus is on silence and introspection. People use this time to reflect on their lives, apologize for past mistakes, and make fresh decisions to grow spiritually.

Beyond these traditions, Mahashivratri also has a deep meaning. Many spiritual traditions say that on this night, the natural energies of the Earth support inner growth. Staying awake is not just a rule, but also a way to remain aware and alert to what is happening inside you. For those on a spiritual path, Mahashivratri is seen as a special opportunity to rise above old habits, let go of past mistakes and bad memories, and focus on becoming a better person.

Avish Sareen, 8th Grade

Dwadash Jyotirlinga

Jyotirlingas are sacred forms that symbolize Lord Shiva. The word jyoti means “light,” and linga means “mark” or “sign.” Together, Jyotirlinga refers to the “radiant manifestation of Lord Shiva.” There are a total of 12 Jyotirlingas in the country. Jyotirlingas are powerful because they were consecrated at specific, astrologically significant points using natural and cosmic forces. Ancient sages carefully calibrated these sites to align with celestial energies. Each Jyotirlinga has its own unique story about how it came into existence.

1. Somnath – Gujarat
The Somnath Jyotirlinga in Veraval, Gujarat, is linked to the legend of the moon god, who was freed from a curse by Lord Shiva. In gratitude, he established the Jyotirlinga, named Somnath, meaning “Lord of the Moon.”

2. Mallikarjuna – Andhra Pradesh
At Srisailam, Lord Karthikeya left Kailash upset; Shiva and Parvati followed. He later worshipped them and established the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga.

3. Mahakaleshwar – Madhya Pradesh
In Ujjain, Lord Shiva appeared as Mahakala to save King Chandrasen and later manifested as Mahakaleshwar, the Lord of Time.

4. Omkareshwar – Madhya Pradesh
On Mandhata Island in the Narmada River, Shiva appeared to King Mandhata. The island’s Om shape gave the name Omkareshwar.

5. Kedarnath – Uttarakhand
After the Mahabharata, the Pandavas sought Shiva, who hid as a bull. A Jyotirlinga was later established at Kedarnath.

6. Bhimashankar – Maharashtra
Shiva defeated the demon Bhima and manifested as the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga near Pune.

7. Vishwanath – Uttar Pradesh
In Kashi, Shiva revealed himself as an infinite pillar of light and became known as Vishwanath, Lord of the Universe.

8. Trimbakeshwar – Maharashtra
Near Nashik, Shiva brought the Ganga (Godavari) for Sage Gautama and manifested as Trimbakeshwar, the three-eyed Lord.

9. Vaidyanath – Jharkhand
Ravana received a Jyotirlinga from Shiva but placed it on the ground en route to Lanka; it became Vaidyanath at Deoghar.

10. Nageshwar – Gujarat
Shiva rescued his devotee Supriya from the demon Daruka and manifested as Nageshwar at Dwarka.

11. Rameshwaram – Tamil Nadu
Installed by Lord Rama before battling Ravana, this Jyotirlinga is at Rameshwaram.

12. Grishneshwar – Maharashtra
Moved by Kusuma’s deep devotion, Shiva restored her son to life and manifested as Grishneshwar.

One who recites these Jyotirlingas every evening and morning, gets relieved of all sins committed in the past seven births. One, who visits these jyotirlingas, gets all his wishes fulfilled by Shiva grace and one’s karma gets eliminated as Maheshwara (Shiva) gets satisfied with the worship.

Shree Dwadasha Jyotirlingam Stotram
श्री द्वादश ज्योतिर्लिङ्ग स्तोत्रम्:

Saurashtre Somanatham Cha Shrishaile Mallikarjunam |
Ujjaiyinyam Mahakaalam Omkarama-Maleshwaram |1||
सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथंच श्री शैले मल्लिकार्जुनम् | उज्जयिन्यां महाकालमोंकारममलेश्वरम् ||

Meaning – Somanath in Saurashtra and Mallikarjunam in Shri-Shailam; Mahakaal in Ujjain, Omkareshwar in Amleshwar. ………………………………………………………………………………………………

Paralyam Vaidyanatham Cha Dakinyam Bheemashankaram |
Setubandhe Tu Ramesham Nagesham Darukavane |2||
परल्यां वैद्यनाथं च डाकिन्यां भीम शंकरम् | सेतुबन्धे तु रामेशं नागेशं दारुका बने ||

Meaning – Vaidyanath in Paralya and Bhimashankaram in Dakinya; Ramesham (Rameshwaram) in Sethubandh, Nagesham (Nageshwar) in Darauka-Vana. ………………………………………………………………………………………………

Varanasyam Tu Vishvesham Tryambakam Gautamitate |
Himalaye Tu Kedaram Gushmesham Cha Shivalaye |3||
वाराणस्या तु वश्वेशं त्र्यम्बकं गौतमी तटे | हिमालये तु केदारं घुशमेशं च शिवालये ||

Meaning – Vishvanath in Vanarasi, Triambakam at bank of the river Gautami ,Kedarnath in Himalayas and Gushmeshwar in Shivalaya (Shiwar). ………………………………………………………………………………………………

Atani Jyotirlingani Sayam Pratah Pathennarah |
Saptajanma Kritam Papam Smaranena Vinashyati |4||
एतानि ज्योतिर्लिंगानि सायं प्रात: पठेन्नर:| सप्त जन्म कृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति ||

Team Sanskar

Seniors’ Meet – February 4th & 25th

Our Seniors’ Meet sessions on February 4th and 25th were filled with warmth, connection, and vibrant energy.

Graceful Living for Seniors, supported through the New Horizons funding, has been a true blessing for our community. With transportation assistance now used by more than 35 seniors from Waterdown and Burlington. There are 92 Senior members who have participated in the meets, creating an atmosphere of togetherness and renewed enthusiasm.

Each gathering begins on a peaceful and uplifting note with morning Yoga, gently guided by Mrs. Uma Bhalla from Vedic Spiritual Heritage Foundation. Her calm presence and thoughtful instruction help our seniors stretch, breathe, and center themselves -nurturing both body and mind.

The sessions are not just meetings; they are moments of companionship, wellness, and joyful living. Laughter, learning, and shared experiences continue to make these gatherings a beautiful highlight in the lives of our seniors.

Living with Sanskar in Canada Contest

Sanskar Canada is inviting children to demonstrate their cultural connections through this contest. All are asked to fill the google form to participate and then send a max. 3 min. video to Sanskarcanadamedia@gmail.com by March 20th.

All entries will be judged by our team and results will be announced on April 12th. All participants will receive a certificate of participation and a prize.

Google form – Click here for Google form

Follow the steps to participate: