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Today is Shiva-ratri. Vaishnavas generally do not celebrate Shiva-ratri, and to begin, I will explain why, with reference to the Bhagavad-gita. We read from Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Chapter 7: “Knowledge of the Absolute.”

TEXT 23

antavat tu phalam tesam
  tad bhavaty alpa-medhasam
devan deva-yajo yanti
  mad-bhakta yanti mam api

TRANSLATION

Men of small intelligence worship the demigods, and their fruits are limited and temporary. Those who worship the demigods go to the planets of the demigods,

PART ONE

It was in the Puranic era
When so much excitement was in the air
For a great event was underway
A sacrifice with so much on display
With ingredients–ghee, grain, and fire
Intent to please the Creator’s desire
Attendees were sages, brahmins, gods from above
And others who appreciate this kind of cosmic love
Also present was a very special bull
Who takes personal care of Shiva in full
Shiva is the master of the world’s dissolution
A great yogi aloof from politic pollution
At the ceremony

By Giriraj Swami

Today is Siva-ratri. Vaishnavas generally do not celebrate Siva-ratri, and to begin, I will explain why, with reference to the Bhagavad-gita. We read from Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Chapter 7, “Knowledge of the Absolute,” text
23.

antavat tu phalam tesam
  tad bhavaty alpa-medhasam
devan deva-yajo yanti
  mad-bhakta yanti mam api

TRANSLATION

Men of small intelligence worship the demigods, and their fruits are limited and temporary. Those who worship the demigods go to the planets