Women wait in anticipation outside their homes with an aarti thali in hand to welcome the palki procession. The thali (plate) usually contains a diya (oil lamp), incense sticks, marigold flowers, and raw rice grains. A small bell is rung during aarti to invoke the divine and ward off negative energies.
Being part of a palki procession or witnessing it is considered spiritually uplifting. It symbolizes the elevation of the human spirit by being in close proximity to the divine.
The Nauvari saree, also known as the Kashta saree, is a traditional Maharashtrian attire worn by Koli women. The Nauvari saree is a nine-yard saree, as opposed to the regular six-yard saree. It is draped in a specific manner that allows for greater freedom of movement, making it practical for women engaged in the fishing business.
Devotees stand in line for hours to observe the darshan of the procession. Darshan is based on the philosophical concept of Advaita (non-duality), where the devotee and the divine are seen as one. Darshan is thus a realization of this oneness. It is believed that through darshan, devotees establish a direct connection with the divine, experiencing a sense of peace and spiritual fulfilment.
The palki stops in front of the household where the women perform aarti of the mukhalingam with a diya (lamp with wicks soaked in ghee or oil) or camphor, which burns without leaving a residue. Kumkum (vermilion) and chandan (sandalwood paste) are used for applying tilak (a mark) to the forehead of the deity as a sign of blessing and protection.
The lingam is a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva, who is regarded as formless. Devotees believe that the mukhalingam, with its anthropomorphic mukha, makes the divine more accessible, allowing a deeper personal connection. The anthropomorphic face allows worshippers to engage in darshan, enhancing their devotional experience.
As the procession makes its return journey, devotees perform a ritual called lotangan. Lotangan is a term in Marathi that refers to the act of prostration or bowing down in reverence. It is a gesture of respect and devotion, commonly performed in front of deities, elders, or revered individuals.
Singers assemble to perform kirtans and bhajans, devotional songs that praise and glorify the divine often recounting stories from Hindu mythology or expressing devotion and love for God. Kirtans are integral to Bhakti traditions and are seen as a powerful way to connect with the divine and experience a sense of oneness and unity with the universe.
During Maha Shivaratri, Nandi is worshipped along with Shiva. The Nandi statue is bathed with milk, water, bael leaves, and other sacred items in a ritual similar to the abhishekam performed for the lingam.
The mukhalingam is attached to the body of the coiled serpent (naga) Vasuki, which forms a protective hooded canopy. In the mythological story of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), Vasuki is used as the rope to churn the ocean of milk. The presence of Vasuki signifies Shiva's mastery over fear and death.