Maha Shiva Rathri messages

Amity among all Sri Lankans - President

The Maha Shiva Rathri Day signifies devotion to Lord Shiva symbolizing the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvathi in the ancient Hindu tradition of the holy dance performed on creation and protection of the universe, President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated in his Maha Shiva Rathri Day message.

"This festival is held by devotees the world over who spend this holy night in prayer, fasting and lighting oil lamps and singing devotional songs. The meaning of these rites is to dispel the darkness of ignorance and being mindful of conquering lust, hatred and passion the sinful propensities.

Shiva pooja is also important for unity and peace. Hindus of our country have lived in peace and tolerance from ancient times, the message said.

"Therefore, Hindus who had to face threats to their lives over a long period of time now are free to hold their religious rites and rituals without any fear. All Hindus of our country could hold this important religious day in unity and brotherhood. It will also be an opportunity of creating amity among all groups of Sri Lankans and I wish the Hindus all the blessings of Maha Shiva Rathri Day and that all their prayers will make them realize their hopes", the message also said.

Important ritual performed by Hindus - PM

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka in a message to mark Maha Shiva Rathri day said the Tamil Community in the North which celebrated Maha Shiva Rathri day last year restricted to a tiny portion of land, are today able to celebrate the occasion as they please since they have been liberated from terrorism. This is a great victory achieved by us all.

The message said:

"Religion caters to the moral and spiritual development of mankind. Human lives devoid of moral and spiritual values lacks humanness. I believe that whatever religion people profess the guidance offered by it inspires them to lead a good life.

"The 'Maha Shiva Rathri' ceremony can be described as an important ritual performed by Hindus in honour of God Shiva.

"From ancient days Hindus have made it a custom to conduct poojas to God Shiva throughout the night and sing devotional songs and light up lamps according to religion.

"Tamils in the North were restricted to a small portion of land when they celebrated 'Maha Shiva Rathri' last year. The fact that they are able to observe Maha Shiva Rathri this year as they please after being liberated from terrorism is a victory gained by us.

"I am pleased to hear that arrangements have been made at ancient Hindu Kovils in the North and East such as the Koneswaran Kovil, Trincomalee, Thirukeswaran Kovil, Mannar and Elathu Sithambaram Kovil in Karainagar, Jaffna to celebrate this year's Maha Shiva Rathri day on a much more grand scale than last year. "While extending my sincere greetings to all Hindu devotees in Sri Lanka I wish all Sri Lankans peace, happiness and prosperity with the blessings of God Shiva."