Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on Monday 20th Feb 2012. It is mandatory to visit the temple and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during this day. In many customs they do fast on this day, but in our Madhwa tradition it is a festival and we do not fast. I remember visiting the Shiva Temple at Vijaya College in Bijapur which had 1001 Lingas along with my parents every year.
Attached below are prayers to say for Lord Shiva and seek his blessings.
Vandhe Sambhum Umaapathim Suragurum
Vandhe Jagath Kaaranam
Vandhe Pannaga Bhooshanam Mrigadharam
Vandhe Pasoonaam Pathim
Vandhe Soorya Sasaanga Vahnni Nayanam
Vandhe Mukundha Priyam
Vandhe Baktha Janaasryam Cha
Varadham Vandhe Sivam Sankaram
Meaning:
I bow to Sambu the Lord of Uma and the teacher of the Devas. I bow to the Lord Who is the root cause of the entire world. I bow to the Lord, Who has the serpent as His ornament, Who carries a deer. I bow to the Lord of all beings. I bow to the Lord Who has the Sun, the Moon and the Fire as His three eyes. I bow to Him Who is fond of Mukundha. I bow to Him, Who is the refuge of all devotees and Who grants boons to them. I bow to Siva, the creator of all auspicious things.
This blog also has the lyrics for Lingashtakam or Shiva Stuti as it is called.
1. lingashtakam-shiva-stuthi
Posted by Sathya on February 17, 2012 at 11:02 am
Good sloka. Thanks
Just a small typo : 20th Feb is a Monday.
Posted by meeraghu on February 17, 2012 at 11:09 am
Thanks, Sathya. Corrected.
Posted by Vidya on February 17, 2012 at 10:31 pm
please correct the Name of the day i,e Monday
Posted by meeraghu on February 18, 2012 at 9:16 am
It is corrected.
Posted by Murthy Kovur on February 20, 2012 at 3:25 am
Ee jagame eswaramayam