Maha Shivarathri Messages

Rituals, praying help fulfill virtuous society - President

The rituals observe by Hindus at Maha Shivarathri festival and their praying for a better society will help create a virtuous society, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a Maha Shivarathri message yesterday.

The President said he is pleased to send his good wishes to Hindus in Sri Lanka who observe Maha Shivarathri, the festival in honour of Lord Shiva, which seeks to dispel all evil and enhance good in society.

"In the freedom that prevails in Sri Lanka, our common aspiration is for a virtuous society. It is my belief that the many rituals such as night long vigils at temples, fasting and chanting of devotional songs, observed by Hindus at this festival, and their praying for a better society, will help fulfill this aspiration," the resident said.

He said "Religious values are foremost in removing mistrust among ethnic and religious groups.

Therefore, all religions have a great responsibility to instill moral values among people, helping society to be rid of evil. "May every lamp lit by Hindus to Lord Shiva on this Maha Shivarathri help dispel the darkness of Ignorance and bring the light of stronger unity among all our peoples."

Uninterrupted brotherhood need of the hour - Premier

The Hindu devotees have passed the dark period which prevailed in the Northern Sri Lanka for 30 years and they are today happy to hold the main Maha Shivarathri day pooja at Than Thoru Easvaran Kovil at Oddusudan in the Mullaitivu district, Prime Minister D M Jayaratne said in a message to mark Maha Shivarathri.

The Premier said the fear and suspicion prevailed in the people's minds have completely been wiped out with the eradication of terrorism under the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

During the 30 years of darkness people could not even participate in a religious function in a Temple, Church, Kovil or a Mosque. That dark era is no more in the country today, the Prime Minister said. Prime Minister Jayaratne called for uninterrupted brotherhood among the people and stressed that the Hindu devotees have a duty and responsibility to maintain that brotherhood.