13 Places To Celebrate Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri is just around the corner and the devotees of Lord Shiva cannot keep calm to celebrate the day of their Lord and are probably looking for some of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri.
What could be better than taking a trip to celebrate the auspicious occasion at places where the festival is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm?
For those of you who are not aware of the festival and its grandeur, let us back up a little and tell you the history and significance of Mahashivratri, so it becomes a little easier for you to understand why devotees give so much importance to this festival.
Why Do We Celebrate Mahashivratri?
Why do we celebrate Mahashivratri and what is the history of Mahashivratri?
Mahashivratri is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the Phalgun month, as per the Hindu Lunar calendar.
Now why do we celebrate Mahashivratri? Lord Shiva has millions of devotees all over the world, and this day, as the name suggests is the celebration of Lord Shiva.
As per legends, there are several stories that revolves around why we celebrate Mahashivratri. Some people are of the view that on the day of Mahashivratri Maa Parvati and Lord Shiva tied the knot, and the festival is celebrated annually to celebrate their holy union.
Others say that it is on this day, that Lord Shiva drank the poison from the ocean to save mankind from all negativities and evil energies, after which he came to be known as Nil Kanth. Similarly, there are more stories associated with its celebration. Whatever may be the reason, we are here to celebrate the very existence of Lord Shiva and everything that he has done for all mankind.
Mahashivratri 2024 Date
Mahashivratri is celebrated annually with great enthusiasm throughout the country. Mahaashivratri 2024 Date is 8th March, and there are a few places in India where the celebration is so grand that it is worth being a part of. So if you are a true Lord Shiva devotee, you would definitely not miss out on this year’s celebration.
You can also be a part of the Magh Mela which is going to be held in Prayagraj/Allahabad on the occasion of Mahashivratri Sahi Snan on 8th March for a unique and spiritual experience.
Best Places To Celebrate Mahashivratri
- Isha Yoga Center: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple: Veraval, Gujarat
- Lokanatha Temple: Puri, Odisha
- Nageshwar Jyotirlinga: Dwarka, Gujarat
- Tilbhandeshwar Temple: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Bhootnath Temple: Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
- Srisaila Mallikarjuna Temple: Andhra Pradesh
- Mahakaleshwar Temple: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Matangeshwar Temple: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
- Bhavnath Taleti: Junagadh, Gujarat
- Umananda Temple: Guwahati Assam
- Nilkanth Mahadev Temple: Haridwar, Uttarakhand
- Magh Mela Sangam: Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
1. Isha Yoga Center: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Are you aware of the Adi Yogi Statue? The Adi Yogi statue is a 112-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva made of steel and is considered to be the largest burst sculpture in the world at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
This Yoga Center is one of the best places in India to celebrate Mahashivratri, which includes music, dance performances, and all night-long satsang, with Sadhguru himself.
Lord Shiva’s devotees are seen fasting the entire day and they pray all night long asking for forgiveness and getting their wishes fulfilled. It is believed that the fasting of devotees makes Lord Shiva very happy.
2. Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple: Veraval, Gujarat
There are a total of 12 Jyotirlingas in India, one of which is the Somnath Temple, located in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
On the day of Mahashivratri, the Somnath Temple is decorated with LED lights and flowers, that will be a treat to the eyes.
A large crowd gathers here to celebrate the festival, and LED lights are used for live darshan, and Shiv Puja.
Priests of the Somnath Temple are seen doing abhishekas of the Shiv Ling with honey, sugar, milk, yoghurt, ghee and water. Enjoy the spiritual vibe all around you at the Somnath Temple, which makes it one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri.
3. Lokanatha Temple: Puri, Odisha
The Loknatha Temple in Puri Odisha is said to be one of the most important places among the devotees of Shiva because it is believed that Lord Shiva himself mounted the Linga in the Loknath Temple, which explains why the temple is so famous.
The most fascinating part about this place is that the Shiva Linga is kept under the water throughout the year, and is taken out of the water just 3 days before Mahashivratri. This water is removed for the linga’s divulgence, making it one of the best places in India for Mahashivratri.
4. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga: Dwarka, Gujarat
Head to one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri in India, located in Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gujarat, which attracts a huge crowd of devotees of Shiva.
The celebration of Mahashivratri includes prayers, devotion, chanting of mantras, and bhajans. You can feel the positive vibe all around you, and pretty views as the temple is decorated with lights and fresh flowers.
Priests perform the abhisheka of the Shiva Linga with honey, milk, yoghurt, water, sugar, and ghee, and devotees observe a day-long fast and spend the day praying and meditating.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga has great spiritual energy that fills the place with a positive atmosphere, no wonder it is one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri.
5. Tilbhandeshwar Temple: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi is a religious town where spirituality lies in the air, so you can imagine the level of grandeur of the festival.
The vibe in Varanasi is so cool that you are surely going to love the idea that you decided to celebrate Mahashivratri here. It is believed to re-ratify the holy union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Varanasi is among the very few places where you can see people drinking bhang and thandai and dancing in the procession.
6. Bhootnath Temple: Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
Another beautiful place to celebrate Mahashivratri amidst the mountains is the small town of Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, which is one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri in India.
Once you have reached Mandi, head to the Bhoothnath Temple which hosts the festival of Mahashivratri, and the most fascinating thing about this place is the story behind it.
According to legends. Almost 5 centuries back, an imperial family of Mandi started a week-long custom of organizing a fair on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, and till date the Fair is celebrated by the Indians, and foreign tourists are also seen enjoying the fair, which makes it one of the best places in India to celebrate Mahashivratri with some of the best Mahashivratri Events that take place here.
7. Srisaila Mallikarjuna Temple: Andhra Pradesh
Another temple on our list of best places to celebrate Mahashivratri is the Srisaila Mallikarjuna Temple, which is among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
It is said that the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place on the day of Mahashivratri, and it is also believed that Lord Shiva performed the Shiv Tandav on this day. No matter what the occasion, we are happy to celebrate the festival at one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri.
8. Mahakaleshwar Temple: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Another Jyotirlinga, Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri as the festival is celebrated on the banks of the River Kshipra.
As per the folk tales, there was a demon, called Dushana, who tortured the people of Avanti, and Lord Shiva appeared from the ground and defeated the demon. As a gesture of being grateful, the people of Avanti requested Lord Shiva to take up an enduring home in Avanti, and hence the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga came into existence.
Mahakaleshwar is among the best places in India for Mahashivratri because of the heroic story that lies behind it.
9. Matangeshwar Temple: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
If you wish to visit one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri, where a large crowd gathers and takes dips, then you can head to Matangeshwar Temple in Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho is the place that makes India one of the oldest countries in the world.
You can see a large number of people taking dips in the Sagar tank in a belief to wash away their sins. Take part in the 10-day long fair, which can be visited by people from all age groups, who come here to pray and seek forgiveness and blessings from their Lord, making it one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri.
10. Bhavnath Taleti: Junagadh, Gujarat
Bhavnath Taleti is said to be one of the best places in India for Mahashivratri because of its stunning Gir Forest Views from the top of Girnar Parvat.
During the time of Mahashivratri, Junagadh attracts hundreds of devotees of Lord Shiva, for the Shivratri Mela. Junagadh is home to several Sadhus who were seen here during the time of Mahashivratri.
The fair starts 5 days prior to the festival, with its last day on Mahashivratri, making it one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri amidst the Sadhus and to experience the unique culture. You can also enjoy mountain climbing here if adventure is what you like.
11. Umananda Temple: Guwahati Assam
If you wish to watch one of the leading Mahashivratri celebrations, then head straight to Umananda Temple in Guwahati Assam.
The Umananda Temple is situated on Peacock Island amidst a tranquil environment, attracting many devotees from all corners of the country to be a part of the outstanding fiesta.
12. Nilkanth Mahadev Temple: Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Haridwar and Rishikesh are said to be places where the holy spirit is there in the atmosphere, and during the time of Mahashivratri, the place has a completely different vibe.
Haridwar is one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri, known for its ghats and Ganga Aarti and prayers at Har Ki Pauri.
Devotees head to the Nilkanth Mahadev Temple during the time of Mahashivratri to seek blessings. Besides that, you can also indulge in adventure activities here including river rafting, bungee jumping, and other activities as well.
Suggested Read: How To Reach Mount Kailash?
13. Magh Mela Sangam: Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
Make the most of your Mahashivratri celebrations head to Allahabad/Prayagraj and participate in the Magh Mela to be held on 8th March this year.
Thousands of devotees head to Allahabad to take dips in the holy water of the Ganges to wash away their sins, and what could be a better time than the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri?
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Celebrate Mahashivratri
Are there any specific customs or traditions observed during Maha Shivratri celebrations?
One specific custom that is followed id the abhisheka of the Shiva Linga with milk, honey, sugar, water, yoghurt, and ghee.
What can visitors expect during Maha Shivratri celebrations at these places?
You can expect enthusiasm, festivity in the air, chanting of mantras and bhajans, all-night fasting and prayers, and celebrations on the occasion of Mahashivratri.
Where are some of the best places to celebrate Maha Shivratri?
Some of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri include Haridwar, Mandi, Mahakaleshwar Temple, and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga.
What is Maha Shivratri, and why is it celebrated?
Mahashivratri is celebrated by the devotees of Lord Shiva in order to honour Lord Shiva, and it is believed that on this day he tied the knot with Goddess Parvati the festival is celebrated for their holy union and also because Lord Shiva drank the poison from the ocean to protect mankind from evil energies.
