NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Atlanta, GA, March 12, 2025: On Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, the devotees of Shree Sadhana Mandir gathered at the Impact Conference Center in Global Mall, Norcross, Georgia, to celebrate Mahashivratri with deep devotion and traditional fervor.
The preparations for the grand event began days in advance, as volunteers worked tirelessly to collect essential puja items, decorate the hall, and set up 150 platforms (small altars) for families and friends to perform the sacred rituals together. On the night of the celebration, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and reverence as people arrived in large numbers, ready to immerse themselves in devotion.
At 6:30 PM, Acharya Ved P. Joshiji, the temple priest, led hundreds of devotees through the intricate Shiv Puja, guiding them through each step with clarity and devotion. The ceremony included Ganapati Pooja, Shiv Parivar Pooja, Rudrabhishek, Bilvashtakam, and the recitation of the 108 Names of Lord Shiva, all performed with synchronized chanting and offerings of Panchamrit, milk, and water to the Shiva Lingam. Each chant of “Om Namah Shivaya” resonated through the hall, creating a profound sense of spiritual unity among participants.
Following the puja, a delicious Mahaprasad (vegetarian meal) was served to about 600 devotees, with a separate offering prepared for those observing a fast. The warm meal, shared in the spirit of devotion and gratitude, was a moment of togetherness for the community. Meanwhile, thousands of devotees visited the temple throughout the day to offer their prayers, ensuring that the blessings of Lord Shiva reached as many as possible.
Recognizing the dedication of the volunteers, Joshiji conducted another puja from 10:00 PM to midnight, allowing those who had spent the evening serving others to also participate in the sacred rituals. Several young and adult devotees actively assisted in replenishing puja samagri for the families performing the rituals, ensuring that everyone had what they needed to fully engage in their prayers. The night concluded with bhajans and Aarti, as the entire gathering stood in devotion, singing praises to Mahadev with hands folded in reverence.
As the final echoes of “Har Har Mahadev!” filled the hall, a sense of fulfillment and spiritual peace settled over the devotees. More than just a religious event, Mahashivratri 2025 at Shree Sadhana Mandir was a celebration of faith, selfless service, and the timeless connection between the devotees and Lord Shiva.
