Mahashivratri 2024: Best Places To Celebrate Mahashivratri For A Unique Experience

Mahashivratri 2024: Mahashivratri is a big festival in the Hindu calendar that celebrates Lord Shiva. It happens on the 14th day of Phalguna (February-March). This year, it's on March 8, 2024, which is a Friday. People all over the world pray and do special things to get Lord Shiva's blessings on this day.

If you want to visit some of the most important Shiva temples in Mahashivratri, India has many options. Some of the best ones are the Somnath Temple in Gujarat and the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Why is Maha Shivratri Celebrated?

There are several beliefs among people regarding the Maha Shivratri celebration. One common belief is that it is the celebration of Shiva and Parvati¡¯s marriage. People also enthusiastic to know about what is the difference between Shivratri and Maha Shivratri.

It is correct that Shivratri and Maha Shivratri are celebrated for their own reason. Shivratri is celebrated because Lord Shiva saves the world by keeping blue poison in their throat, which emerged during Samudra Manthan. After this incident lord, Shiva became ¡®Nil Kanth.¡¯

11 Best Places To Celebrate Mahashivratri 2024

Here, we will talk about some of the top Shiva temples to visit in Mahashivratri. We will talk about what makes them special, what they mean, and what happens during the festival. Whether you are a big fan of Lord Shiva or just curious about India's culture, these temples will give you a great experience that you will remember forever.

1. Adiyogi - The Source of Yoga, Tamil Nadu

Adiyogi has been recognised as the ¡°Largest Bust Structure¡± in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records, and stands 112 feet tall. This iconic image of the first yogi is 150 feet long, 25 feet wide, and made from around 500 tons of steel.

Every year, thousands of individuals gather at the Isha Foundation of Sadhguru to observe Maha Shivratri. This is attributed to Sadhguru's personal reverence for Lord Shiva, as he leads prayers and worship during the festivities. The event includes group meditation, dancing, and music, with various dance groups, music bands, and musicians showcasing a diverse range of dance styles at the Isha Yoga Center on this particular day.

2. Haridwar & Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

This is an ideal time for a trip to Haridwar and Rishikesh with your friends or family as the weather starts to get warm with sunny days and pleasant temperatures. It is the land of temples and ghats frequented by devotees to purify themselves of sins.

Take a dip in Haridwar¡¯s Har ki Pauri, visit the Prajapati Daksha Mahadev Temple ¨C a shakti-sthal located in old Kankhal area and see throngs of devotees during Mahashivratri. You can also head to the Neel Kanth Mahadev Temple perched on top of a forested mountain in Rishikesh to experience the festive euphoria of Mahashivratri.

3. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu

Ramanathaswamy Temple is a revered Hindu temple located in the town of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples. The temple's history dates back to the 12th century, but it has undergone many renovations over the years. The temple's most prominent feature is its long corridor with intricately carved pillars, which stretches for over 1,200 meters. The temple also has 22 wells within its complex, and which are believed that taking holy baths in these wells will help them to get rid of doshas and saabham. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and attracts devotees from all over India.

These are just a few of the many famous Shiva temples in India. Each temple has its own unique history and spiritual significance, and all are considered to be powerful places of pilgrimage for devotees of Lord Shiva. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or simply a lover of history and architecture, these temples are well worth a visit.

4. Baidyanath Temple, Jharkhand

Baidyanath Temple is a significant Hindu temple located in the Deoghar city of Jharkhand, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The temple complex is spread over a vast area and comprises several smaller shrines and ponds. The main temple is constructed in an intricate style of architecture and is adorned with numerous carvings and sculptures. Devotees from all over the country visit this temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The temple's annual festival, Shravani Mela, is a major attraction and draws millions of devotees every year.

5. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

Located in Varanasi in India, Kashi Vishwanath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is among the most famous Hindu temples that has a rich history and cultural significance where millions of devotees across the world visit to take a blessing of Shiva, especially on the occasion of Mahashivratri and Shivratri. is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.

6. Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

One of the most significant and ancient temples, The Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is popularly known for its unique architecture and the presence of the cosmic dancer, Nataraja, in its sanctum sanctorum. The temple's main deity is the Akasha Lingam, which represents the element of space. The temple complex also includes various other shrines and structures, including the Kanaka Sabha or the Golden Hall, which is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple is revered by devotees for its spiritual significance and cultural heritage and is a popular tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. It is believed to be 1,000 years old and is also one of the five holiest shrines in South India. The temple is known for its beautiful carvings, intricate architecture, and spiritual significance, and is considered a masterpiece of Chola art and architecture.

7. Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Mahakaleshwar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Ujjain in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the banks of the Shipra River and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.

The temple is believed to have been built in the 5th century CE, but it has undergone several renovations over the years. The current structure is believed to have been built in the 18th century by the Maratha ruler, Ranoji Shinde. The lingam in the temple is said to be self-manifested or swayambhu, which means that it was not constructed by human hands. The temple also has images of several other Hindu deities, including Ganesh, Parvati, and Kartikeya.

The temple has a unique feature in the form of a bhasm aarti, which is a ritual where ash is used to worship the deity. This aarti takes place early in the morning, and it is considered to be one of the most important rituals in the temple. The temple is also famous for its elaborate evening aarti, which is a grand spectacle that attracts a large number of devotees. The temple is known for its grand architecture and rich cultural heritage and is visited by millions of devotees every year, especially on Mahashivratri and Shivratri.

8. Somnath Temple, Gujarat

Thousands of devotees visit Somnath Temple in Gujarat every year on Mahashivaratri to celebrate this special day. Located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, Somnath is believed to be the first among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. Also known for its intricate carvings and grand architecture the temple is also one of the most popular tourist destinations among travellers around the world. According to legends the shore temple of Somnath have been built in 4 phases - the first phase was completed in Gold by Lord Soma, the second phase was completed in silver by Ravi, the third phase was completed in wood by Lord Krishna, and the fourth phase was completed in stone by king Bhimadeva

9. Sri Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Brihadeeshwara Temple also known as Periya Kovil, RajaRajeswara Temple, and Rajarajesvaram is one of the largest temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. The magnificent temple was built during the Chola period by King Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century and is considered a masterpiece of Chola architecture. The temple features a massive tower that stands over 60 meters tall and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple is among the World Heritage sites where thousands of people around the world come to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva.

10. Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal

Crossing borders into Nepal, the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu beckons devotees with its ancient charm and spiritual aura. Maha Shivratri is celebrated here with great pomp and fervor, as thousands of pilgrims gather to pay homage to Lord Pashupatinath, the patron deity of Nepal. The rhythmic chants of 'Om Namah Shivaya' fill the air, creating an atmosphere of transcendence and devotion.

11. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh

Shri Omkareshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Its 140 kms from Shri Mahakaleshwar which is in Ujjain and 77 kms from Indore. Its situated on a beautiful island called Mandhata on river Narmada. The Sangam of the holy rivers Kaveri and Narmada is also an attraction of this island.

Maha Shivratri Dos:

• Wake up early (preferably during Brahma Muhurat - two hours before sunrise).
• Do Dhyana (meditation) followed by Sankalpa (take a pledge that you will observe the vrat sincerely and with true devotion).
• Take a bath. Wear clean clothes. Go for white-colored clothes if possible.
• Maintain celibacy (follow Brahmacharya).
• Observe a vrat. Assess your health before fasting. Spending a day without your regular diet plan may affect your health. Therefore, consult your doctor, especially if you are under medication or undergoing treatment.
• Chant OM Namah Shivaya as many times as possible.
• Perform Abhishek (by offering water or raw milk to the Shiva Linga at home or in a temple). You may even offer ghee, curd, and honey.
• Offer Datura flowers and fruits, white crown flowers, and Vilva (Bel Patra).
• Offer Chandan instead of turmeric.
• Offer your prayers and perform the puja during Nishita Kaal or all four prahars. Check out the timings here.
• Consume fruits, milk, and recipes with vrat-compliant ingredients.

Maha Shivratri Don'ts:

• Consumption of wheat, rice, and pulses in any form is strictly prohibited. Avoid spices and oily foods.
• Do not consume meat, onions, and garlic.
• Do not consume tobacco or alcohol.
• Do not offer coconut water to Shiva Linga.
• Do not offer vermillion (sindoor/kumkum) to the Shiva Linga.
• Avoid offering Ketaki flowers.
• Avoid steel containers for puja. Use Brass, copper, or silver instead.
• Avoid black-colored clothes.
• Do not offer Tulsi leaves to Lord Shiva.
• Do not do a full parikrama of the Shiva Linga.

Maha Shivratri 2024 FAQs

When is Maha Shivratri?

In 2024, Mahashivratri or Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on March 8, 2024 (Friday).

Why is Maha Shivratri celebrated?

Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually to honor Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance, which symbolizes creation, preservation, and destruction. The festival is celebrated on the 14th night of the Hindu month of Phalguna or Maagha, which usually falls in February or March. It is observed by fasting, performing puja (worship) of Lord Shiva, and chanting his mantras.

Can we sleep during the Day on Shivaratri?

Shivaratri is traditionally observed as a night of fasting and vigil, during which devotees stay awake and engage in prayers, meditation, and other spiritual practices. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to sleep on Shivaratri night.

What is the favourite foods of Lord Shiva?

As per Mythology Lord Shiva's favourite food is Kand-Mool and he also likes bhang, dhatura, milk, thandai, and sweets white in colour.

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