Maha Shivaratri is an auspicious festival in India, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most religious festivals with various mythological undertones in its origin. Some people believe that the “Great Night of Shiva” celebrates the sacrifices of Lord Shiva for the common good. If you want to celebrate Maha Shivaratri with a spiritual experience, you should book family hotels in the top locations where the festival is celebrated gloriously. The historical significance of the festival in different regions adds uniqueness to the celebrations of Maha Shivaratri.
Here are the top five places you must visit to experience the biggest festival for Lord Shiva.
History of Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri falls in the Maagha month of the Hindu calendar, and people in India celebrate the festival. The festival is generally celebrated in February according to the Gregorian calendar. The beliefs around the origins of the festival are diverse. One of the common beliefs suggests that the festival commemorates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Another belief implies that Lord Shiva saved the world by drinking the blue poison from Samudra Manthan. The spiritual significance of the festival emphasises the penance of Lord Shiva for protecting the world.
Religious fervour is predominant in almost every corner of India during Maha Shivaratri festival. People celebrate the festival by fasting, visiting temples, and practising other austere rituals for worshipping Lord Shiva. You can witness the grand celebrations of Maha Shivaratri 2023 at destinations with top sightseeing in different parts of India. The grand scale of celebrations for Maha Shivaratri at popular religious places can offer a memorable festival experience.
Best Places to Visit for Maha Shivaratri in 2023
You may have participated in Maha Shivaratri celebrations at your home or nearby temple since childhood. Why don’t you try something different this year? Maha Shivaratri falls on February 18 this year. You can consider visiting the following places for a great religious experience.
One of the top places to visit for Maha Shivaratri in 2023 is Rishikesh. You can pay a visit to the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and participate in aarti. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple features exquisite construction, and the façade represents the mythological Samudra Manthan. You can also take a holy bath in the natural spring in the temple complex. You can extend your stay and enjoy Ganga aarti too. Prebook family hotels in Rishikesh to avoid end-minute hassles.
Another popular destination for the celebration of Maha Shivaratri 2023 is Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Matangeshwar temple at Khajuraho is a well-known place for devotees of Lord Shiva. It was developed in the early 10th century AD and named after the Hindu sage, Matang. The Matangeshwar temple is one of the oldest temples in Madhya Pradesh. You can find some of the largest Shiva Lingams in the temple. In addition, the grand celebrations of Maha Shivaratri also make it attractive for devotees during the festival.
If you want to experience Maha Shivaratri uniquely, you should try visiting Ujjain. The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is one of the twelve jyotirlingas and the holiest place for worshipping Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Lingam in the temple has manifested on its own in a subterranean chamber. One of the top darshan sights in the Mahakaleshwar Temple is the Bhasma-Arti, which involves smearing the Lingam in holy ash.
Mandi is a small town, and the biggest attraction for Maha Shivaratri here is the Bhootnath Temple. The folklore relating to the temple reflects the five centuries-old traditions of the famous Maha Shivaratri Fair. Indian devotees and international tourists wait in anticipation of the fair to enjoy the festival of Lord Shiva.
The next popular place to visit for Maha Shivaratri 2023 is the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore. Founded by the Indian yogi, Sadhguru, the Isha Yoga Center houses a 112 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva. You should visit the Isha Yoga Center for a unique and special celebration with dance and song performances. The celebrations for Maha Shivaratri go on throughout the night with meditation and Satsang that help you experience divinity.
Are You Ready to Celebrate Maha Shivaratri?
The list of top destinations to visit on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri have its different stories and significance. You can choose the best pick from these places according to your interests and plans for celebrating Maha Shivaratri. Plan a family trip to the holiest places dedicated to Lord Shiva and convey your prayers to the almighty. Make sure you check the accommodation facilities at your selected destination before starting the journey.
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