Brahmrishi Aashram with deities of Ganeshji, Panchmukhi Hanuman, Ramji, Sita Maa, Durga Ma, Shri Krishna and Shivling
Krimpen, Netherlands
In spite of heavy snowfall and rains, Hindus in large numbers gathered at Brahmrishi Aashram to celebrate the holy night of Maha Shivratri. Rudra Maha Abhishekam took place at the Brahmrishi Ashram, featuring the largest Panchmukhi Shivalingam in Europe. Abhishekam is a Hindu ritual involving the ceremonial bathing of a deity’s idol or Linga with sacred liquids like milk, water, honey, ghee, and yogurt while chanting Vedic mantras. The program which started from evening 6pm, continued until 6am morning in various phases (Prahar) covering all aspects of Mahashivratri—Shri Rudra Maha Puja& Abhishek, Bhajan & Kirtans, Shiv Stuti, Shiv Ashtakam, Rudrahtakam, Shiv Archana with 1008 names of Shiv ji , Katha,Mahamantra Jaap and meditation and Havan. Prasadi was given to participants post pooja conclusion.
This powerful ceremony was intended for anyone who yearns for love, connection, and harmony. The puja is known for its blessings for a speedy marriage, attracting a suitable life partner, and deepening a happy married life.
In addition, Beej mantras were recited by Swami (Dr.) Dineshvaranandji Maharaj. Beej Mantras are aimed at supporting physical health and energetic well-being. The energy of Maha Shivratri, combined with these rare rituals, made this a special opportunity to set intentions for happiness, prosperity, and inner growth.
The mode of communication during the Mahashivratri rituals was in Dutch, English and Hindi. Every participating family was provided a unique place in the Ashram main hall with individual Shivling and pooja samgri (religious rituals material —Belpatra, flowers, milk, Diya, Chandan and other items for offering), few had briought their own Shivlings from home for the Abhishek.
Hindus queing up to offer Belpatra leaves and perform Jal Abhishekam to Lord Shiva Shivling
Swami (Dr.) Dineshvaranandji Maharaj, of Brahmrishi Ashram Netherland said that Mahashivratri is a festival of spiritual purification, connection with nature, and spreading positivity. He emphasised that Hindus (followers of Sanatan Dharma) should awaken the divine consciousness within themselves, leading to the path of selfless love, humility, and unwavering faith in Lord Shiva. He lead, facilitated & supported participants Hindu families in performing Vedic rituals on this sacred day and blessed the participants.
The event started with sacred Vedic mantras, followed by prayers to Lord Ganesha , Panchmukhi Hanuman, Lord Ram, Maa Shakti and Shri Krishna , Vedic citations to invoke invitation to Shiv Ganas like Lord Nandi and other Lord Shiv family members were spoken, later followed by 108 Samuhik Shri Rudra Maha Abhishek, where participating Hindu families offered milk and other offerings to individual Shivlings and to the main Aashram Shivling.
Volunteers from the community and Aashram assisted the participating families with care, love and compassion in replenishment of ritual materials, translating ritual acts, supporting additional rituals activities. The entire program was structured & managed very well by the Ashram with snacks & refreshments rooms for the participants. Ashram hall was big, well ventilated and comfortable.
Rahul Chandra Sharma getting blessed by Swami (Dr.) Dineshvaranandji Maharaj ji of Brahmrishi Ashram Netherland
Majority of the participants were Surinaamse Hindus, having ancestral roots in Bharat (India). Holland has very large population of SurinaamseHindus. Surinaam was a Dutch colony and during the colonial period, thousands of Indians, majority Hindus from central Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan were taken to Dutch colony Surinam (now an independent nation) in ships , later many of these Surinaamse Hindus moved to Netherlands and are Dutch citizens. Inspite of millennia of Dutch colonialism and living thousands of miles away from India (Surinam – a small country on the northeastern coast of South America country) with ancestry links difficult to trace, Surinami Hindus continued to practice Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism) as their religion (Dharma) and follow its culture, traditions and social practices. They are also very supportive, helpful and friendly to fellow Indians who have moved in Netherlands and speak English, Hindi and Dutch with Bhojpuri and Bihari accent. Many have overseas Indian visas and do visit India frequently in search of their roots and visit Hindu religious sites and general tourism.
Ashram hall with adequate sitting arrangement with Puja samagri for participating families
Source: World Hindu News