(the big) Shiva Mala Puja

Headmaster and Spiritual Master

Our Headmaster Raja is not only Headmaster, he is also a Spiritual Master and has around 500 Devotees (followers), men from Mudigubba and surrounding areas.

Their aim, in short, is to experience the knowledge of the Self and the essence of reality, particularly through the practice of mental and physical discipline.

The fifty Days "Mala"

Once a year they perform a “Shiva Mala”. For fifty days they follow special rules such as wearing a Swami robe, walking barefoot and following a special diet. In this time they are often invited to do a puja, a traditional Indian ceremony.

What's a "Shiva Mala Puja"?

God Shiva is considered the first yogi. Human and cosmic nature is to be understood through yoga. In the popular sense, Shiva is seen as the deity of destruction and new beginnings.

Mala is a prayer bead with 108 beads, each bead symbolizing a deity. The term Mala is also often used for a spiritual practice.

A Puja is a spiritual and often very opulent Hindu ritual. Mantras and prayers are recited, flowers, fruits, fire as divine light, sweets and/or milk are offered to the deity. The puja serves to show gratitude, asking for Divine Blessings and purification.

This year, specifically on January 29, 2025, they were invited to hold a Shiva Mala Puja at the Shanti Ananda School. Around 300 Shiva Devotees followed the call and supported the big Shiva Mala Puja!

The purpose of the puja was to give the Shanti Ananda School a solid spiritual foundation for a good, better future in our challenging times.

Ecstatic dancing in the puja is an expression of devotion and worship. It not only strengthens spiritual energy and Divine connection, but as a collective expression of faith it also strengthens community and togetherness.

One of the many names (1008) of Shiva is Nataraja, King of the Dance. As Nataraja he performs a cosmic dance symbolizing creation, destruction and renewal of the universe.

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Prashadam - Blessed Food

After the puja there is always Prashadam, blessed food, which lies on the altar during the ceremony. It is spiritually pure food and the puja energy is absorbed more sustainably.

It reminds me of the German proverb "The way to a person's heart is through their stomach".

Lived Human Values

Eating together is an important part of Indian culture and tradition. When Shiva Devotees and students sit together on equal terms it promotes a feeling of unity and peace.

Everyone is of equal value and respects one another.

Lived human values, the ideal goal of our school.

The Shanti Ananda Restaurant :-)

Our Shiva Mala Puja was also published in local media! Of course in Telugu, the native language here in Andhra Pradesh.