Hindus worldwide urged to help needy on Mahashivratri

Nevada (US), Feb 19 (ANI): Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, sending early Mahashivratri greetings to one billion Hindus of the world, has appealed them each to take a vow of adopting at least one charitable project on this auspicious occasion for less fortunate members of the community.

Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism, in a release in Nevada (USA) today, wished that "all prayers of devotees be answered on the blessed Mahashivratri", festival celebrated in honor of Lord Shiv, one of the divine trio of the Hindus-Brahma-Vishnu-Shiv, which falls on March three.

Quoting scriptures, Rajan Zed said that charity was a duty, which should be undertaken with sympathy and modesty. He suggested Hindus: focus on inner search, stay pure, explore the vast wisdom of scriptures, make spirituality more attractive to youth and children, stay away from the greed, and always keep God in your life.

Stressing renunciation, Zed pointed out that three opening words of ancient scripture Isha Upanishad: "tena tyaktena bhunjita" said it all-"By renouncing it {the world}, enjoy it." Bhagavad-Gita, another ancient scripture, also promised "freedom through renunciation".

Consumerism had resulted in neglecting spiritual values, Rajan Zed argued and quoted Bhagavad-Gita, which says: there are three gates to self-destructive hell-greed, anger, and desire. Abandon these three. A person freed from these three gates of darkness, seeks what is best and attains life's highest goal.

Mahashivratri falls during the dark half of the month of Magh. A day of strict fasting accompanied by Lord Shiv worship and vigil precedes the festival which is celebrated with great rejoicing and feasting and it is regarded as extremely auspicious. Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. (ANI)