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

I bow to Sambu the Lord of Uma and the teacher of the Deva’s. 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.

Siva is one of the three principal deities of the Hindu pantheon; the other two are Brahma and Vishnu. His name means ‘auspicious’. He has the power of annihilation or destruction of evil. Lord Siva is responsible for dissolution of the universe.

On 13 December 1998, the Sivalinga Prathishtapana was performed. The Sivalinga was brought from Kasi after performing all the rituals.

Though celebrated all over India as a major Hindu festival, Mahashivratri has a special attraction of its own at Sunkishala and is celebrated in grand style with Puja and bhajan’s throughout the night. Especially worth mentioning is the procession of Lord Shiva which is taken out.