Shivaratri Observance 2025
JOIN US TO CELEBRATE
You are invited to join us in celebrating Shivaratri, an auspicious time for purification and reconnecting with the Divine.Â
In observance of Shivaratri this year, we will begin our ceremonies on Tuesday, February 25, with a Parthiv Puja during which we will make 1008 clay lingams (an abstract or iconic representation) consecrated with mantra (sacred chanting).
Following the Parthiv Puja we will commence at sunset an all-night vigil including Ganesh Puja, kirtan (devotional singing), meditation, storytelling, and a midnight mantra yajna (ancient Vedic ritual). In the early morning of Wednesday, February 26, a Maha Shivaratri Puja will conclude with submerging the 1008 lingams in the lake accompanied by prayers for Peace.
There are a number of ways in which you may choose to participate:
- Parthiv Puja + Shivaratri & Wednesday Breakfast:
Arrive anytime after 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25 to join in the Parthiv Puja and preparations and attend the Shivaratri observance. You may stay all night and for Wednesday breakfast (free of charge). Option to purchase lunch and/or dinner on Tuesday. NO OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS.
Cost: FREE + Cost of meal(s) as chosen.
- Parthiv Puja + Shivaratri & Wednesday Breakfast with Overnight Accommodations:
Arrive anytime after 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25 to join in the Parthiv Puja and preparations and attend the Shivaratri observance all night. Includes Tuesday lunch and dinner, overnight accommodations on Tuesday night, and Wednesday breakfast.
Additional overnight(s): You may also choose to stay overnight on Monday, February 24 and/or Wednesday, February 26.
Cost: Based on night(s) and lodging selection.
- Join us ONLINE: View the Temple Livestream during the following dates and times on the Temple YouTube Channel.
February 25, 7:15 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. – Ganesh Puja, Kirtan & Meditation
February 26, 12:00 to 2:00 a.m. – Shiva Puja & Mantra Yajna
February 26, 5:00 to 6:30 a.m. – Maha Shivaratri Puja
Cost: FREE
BACKGROUND
Shivaratri is a night that celebrates the Hindu deity Shiva on the lunar fortnight, when the moon is waning, in the lunar month Phalguna (twelfth month of the Hindu calendar and corresponds to February or March in the Gregorian calendar). This particular night is considered a time for consecration, dedication, and ultimately surrender of the mind to the Divine Presence in the form of Lord Shiva. This cold and dark time of year can be challenging for some and therefore it is considered one of the most important and auspicious times for spiritual aspirants to intensively pursue their practice. For millennia, Shivaratri rituals have provided a beautiful opportunity for millions of people throughout the world to reconnect with their spiritual aspirations.
The god Shiva has many symbolic names and forms, one of which is the Shiva lingam, a symbol of the formless universal divine principle. Through ritual, prayer, chanting, meditation and other austerities (such as fasting and staying up through the night) we purify the mind and offer our ignorance to Shiva, the aspect of God who is the remover or the destroyer. What is removed or destroyed is our erroneous identification as the individual self so that we may recognize our true identity, the Universal Self.
For more information about Shivaratri, please watch this talk that Janardan gave during Shivaratri in 2022.
Basic Schedule
| Tuesday, February 25 | |
| 9:30am | Parthiv Puja & creation of 1008 lingams | 12:30pm | Lunch | 5:15pm | Dinner (reservations & payment required) | 6:00 - 7:00pm | Arati | 7:15pm | Ganesh Puja | 8:00pm - 12:00am | Kirtan, meditation, storytelling |
| Wednesday, February 26 | 12:00am | Shiva puja and Mantra Yajna | 2:00 - 5:00am | Asana & Kirtan | 5:00am | Maha Shivaratri Puja | 6:30am | Parade to carry lingams to the Temple | 7:00am | Arati | 8:00am | Procession and immersion of lingams | 8:30 - 9:30am | Breakfast | 10:00am | Shivaratri Program concludes |
Rates & What's Included
Details & Useful Information
SHIVARATRI PERSONAL RETREAT RATES
Adults
Tuition FREE + accommodations & meals. Rates are per person, per night. Rates stated here apply to this program only; other retreat and program accommodations pricing may differ. Please note: no unaccompanied minors.
Rates: Retreat rates depend on your choice of accommodations and include meals, registration fees, and access to the Mount Madonna campus.
Arrival & Departure: Plan to arrive and check-in between 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm. Check out is at noon; however, you may stay for lunch following the program closing.
Reservations: Retreats must be booked a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
Meals: Two vegetarian meals are served during retreats, including brunch and dinner. Breads, spreads, and a tea bar are also available between meals.
Accommodations & Meals
Make the Mountain Home
Ram Cottages
Two and Three Rooms
The Ram Cottages have easy access to the Wellness Center and many hiking trails. Ram Cottage #1 sleeps four and offers two bedrooms, a small kitchen, one shared full bathroom, and shared living space with an outdoor deck. Ram Cottage #2 sleeps six in three rooms and offers a kitchenette and one shared full bathroom. All beds are singles. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Guest Rooms
Single, Double, or Triple
These tasteful hotel style rooms, some with ensuite bathrooms, are located in our Conference Center, where there is wifi, two lovely courtyards with expansive views in which you may read and relax, and a full tea bar available at all times in the conference wing of the building. Rooms that don’t have en-suite bathrooms have access to nearby shared bathrooms and showers (private while in use). All beds are singles. There are no phones or TVs in any of our rooms. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Rustic Cabins
Single or Double
Our simple rustic cabins are located in the Oaks Campground. They are a short 10-minute walk uphill from the Conference Center, but have a feeling of being more remote. Cabins sleep two people and feature electricity and heat but no wi-fi or indoor plumbing. All beds are singles. A separate shower house is nearby, containing private showers and dressing rooms, and flush toilets. If this sounds a bit rustic, please consider booking a room in the Conference Center. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Yurts
Single or Double
Located in the Oaks Campground, a 10-minute walk up the hill from the Conference Center, our yurts sleep 2 people and have electricity and heat, but no plumbing and no wi-fi. A yurt is a cozy, circular space provided by a wood structure and canvas walls. Each yurt is situated on a wooden platform, and is outfitted with a comfortable queen- or twin-size beds, linens, towels, warm comforters and blankets. A separate bathhouse with private flush toilets and shower rooms is nearby. The yurts are a short distance from the associated parking area. Note that high levels of rainfall November – April may affect yurt accessibility (walking path is available year-around).
Own Vehicle
Parking Space
Regular size parking spaces are available for your van, camper or other vehicle. There is no access to electricity. Showers and restrooms are available in campgrounds and Center buildings. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Commuting
Drive yourself
Commute from off-campus each day and attend the full program, including all meals and activities.
