The celebration of Shivaratri festival in India varies
depending on the region and tradition. However, some common ways of celebrating
the festival include:
Fasting: Devotees observe fasts on this day as a form of
penance and to seek blessings of Lord Shiva.
Worship: Devotees visit Shiva temples, offer prayers, and
perform various rituals to honor Lord Shiva.
Vigil: Many people stay awake all night, engaged in singing
devotional songs and performing religious rituals.
Abhishek: The 'abhishek' ceremony, which involves pouring
milk, honey, and other offerings on the Shiva Linga, is an essential part of Shivaratri
celebrations.
Holi bonfire: In some parts of India, people light a bonfire
on the eve of Shivaratri, which is also known as the Holika Dahan. The bonfire
symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
Overall, Shivaratri is celebrated with great devotion and
enthusiasm throughout India, with people seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva
for good health, wealth, and prosperity.
Why do Shiv Ratri celebrate in India ?
Shivaratri is celebrated in India to honor Lord Shiva, one
of the principal deities in Hinduism. It is believed that on this day, Lord
Shiva performed the divine dance of creation, preservation, and destruction.
According to Hindu mythology, Shivaratri is also the night when Lord Shiva got
married to Goddess Parvati, who represents Shakti or divine feminine power.
Therefore, the festival is considered an auspicious occasion to seek blessings
from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for health, wealth, and prosperity.
The celebration of Shivaratri is also associated with the legend
of the churning of the cosmic ocean, as described in Hindu mythology. According
to the legend, Lord Shiva consumed the poison that emerged during the churning
of the ocean to save the universe from destruction. Therefore, Shivaratri is
also observed as a day of thanksgiving to Lord Shiva for his divine grace and
protection.
Famous shiv temples in India
There are several famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in
India. Some of the most well-known ones are:
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Somnath Temple, Gujarat
- Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
- Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Baidyanath Temple, Deoghar, Jharkhand
- Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
- Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Omkareshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
- Bhimashankar Temple, Maharashtra
- Amarnath Temple, Jammu and Kashmir
These temples are not only popular among devotees of Lord
Shiva but also attract a large number of tourists from all over the world. Many
of these temples have significant historical, cultural, and architectural
importance and are considered to be some of the holiest sites in Hinduism.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most revered and
ancient temples in India, located in the holy city of Varanasi in Uttar
Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the 12
Jyotirlingas, which are believed to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
The history of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple dates back to
ancient times, and the temple has undergone several renovations and
restorations over the centuries. It is believed that the original temple was
built in the 11th century by the Maratha monarch, Ahilyabai Holkar, on the site
of an earlier temple that was destroyed by invaders. The present structure of
the temple was built in 1780 by the Maratha queen, Rani Ahilyabai, and is
considered a masterpiece of North Indian temple architecture.
The temple has great religious and spiritual significance,
and millions of devotees visit it every year to seek the blessings of Lord
Shiva. It is believed that a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple can wash away
one's sins and grant liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The temple
is also an important center of learning, with scholars and saints from all over
India coming to Varanasi to study and teach Hindu philosophy, theology, and
culture.
Overall, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is an iconic symbol of
India's ancient spiritual and cultural heritage and is considered a must-visit
destination for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of India's rich religious
and cultural traditions.
Somnath Temple, Gujarat
The Somnath Temple is an ancient and revered temple located
in the town of Veraval in Gujarat, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is
one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred abodes
of Lord Shiva.
The temple has a long and fascinating history, dating back
to ancient times. It is believed that the original temple was built by the Moon
God, Som, as a tribute to Lord Shiva. Over the centuries, the temple has been
destroyed and rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating back to
1951.
The Somnath Temple has witnessed several important
historical events, including attacks and invasions by foreign powers. It is
said that the temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times by various
invaders, including Mahmud of Ghazni, who is said to have plundered and
destroyed the temple in the 11th century.
Despite these challenges, the temple has remained a symbol
of India's ancient spiritual and cultural heritage and is considered an
important pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple's beautiful architecture,
intricate carvings, and spiritual significance attract millions of devotees
every year.
Overall, the Somnath Temple is an important historical and
cultural landmark in India and a testament to the resilience and perseverance
of India's rich religious and cultural traditions.
Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
Kedarnath Temple is an ancient and highly revered temple
located in the town of Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, India. The temple is dedicated
to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are believed
to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
The history of the Kedarnath Temple dates back to ancient
times, and the temple has undergone several renovations and restorations over
the centuries. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas, the heroes of the
ancient Indian epic, Mahabharata, are said to have built the original temple at
the site where the present temple stands.
Over the centuries, the temple has faced several challenges,
including natural disasters and invasions by foreign powers. In 2013, the
temple was severely damaged in a devastating flood that hit the region, and it
took several years to rebuild and restore the temple to its former glory.
Despite these challenges, the Kedarnath Temple remains a
symbol of India's rich spiritual and cultural heritage, attracting millions of
devotees every year. The temple's stunning location in the midst of the
Himalayas and its deep spiritual significance make it a must-visit destination
for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of India's ancient religious
traditions.
Overall, the Kedarnath Temple is an iconic symbol of India's
rich cultural and spiritual heritage and a testament to the resilience and
perseverance of India's ancient religious traditions in the face of adversity.
Mahakaleshwar Temple,
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar Temple is an ancient and highly revered temple
located in the city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated
to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are believed
to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
The history of the Mahakaleshwar Temple dates back to
ancient times, and the temple has undergone several renovations and
restorations over the centuries. The present structure of the temple is said to
have been built in the 18th century by the Maratha monarch, Ranoji Scindia.
The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and
intricate carvings, as well as its deep spiritual and religious significance.
It is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India,
attracting millions of devotees every year.
The Mahakaleshwar Temple is also associated with several
important legends and mythological stories. According to one legend, the demon
king, Tripurasura, had gained immense power and was causing havoc in the
universe. Lord Shiva appeared as Mahakaleshwar and destroyed Tripurasura,
thereby restoring peace to the universe.
Overall, the Mahakaleshwar Temple is an important historical
and cultural landmark in India and a testament to the country's rich spiritual
and religious traditions. The temple's stunning architecture, deep spiritual
significance, and association with important legends and stories make it a
must-visit destination for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of India's
ancient religious traditions.
Baidyanath Temple, Deoghar, Jharkhand
Baidyanath Temple is an ancient and highly revered temple
located in the town of Deoghar in Jharkhand, India. The temple is dedicated to
Lord Shiva and is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are believed to
be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
The history of the Baidyanath Temple dates back to ancient
times, and the temple has undergone several renovations and restorations over
the centuries. According to Hindu mythology, the demon king, Ravana, is said to
have worshipped Lord Shiva at the site where the temple stands.
The present structure of the temple is said to have been built
in the 17th century by a local king, Puran Mal. The temple is known for its
stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and deep spiritual and religious
significance.
The Baidyanath Temple is also associated with several
important legends and mythological stories. According to one legend, Lord Shiva
appeared as Baidyanath, the lord of physicians, and healed Ravana's wounds
after the demon king's failed attempt to abduct Sita, the wife of Lord Rama.
Overall, the Baidyanath Temple is an important historical
and cultural landmark in India and a testament to the country's rich spiritual
and religious traditions. The temple's stunning architecture, deep spiritual
significance, and association with important legends and stories make it a
must-visit destination for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of India's
ancient religious traditions.
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Ramanathaswamy Temple is an ancient and highly revered
temple located in the town of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are believed
to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
The history of the Ramanathaswamy Temple dates back to
ancient times, and the temple has undergone several renovations and
restorations over the centuries. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama, the
hero of the ancient Indian epic, Ramayana, is said to have worshipped Lord
Shiva at the site where the temple stands.
The present structure of the temple is said to have been
built in the 17th century by the rulers of the Sethupathy dynasty. The temple
is known for its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and deep spiritual
and religious significance.
The Ramanathaswamy Temple is also associated with several
important legends and mythological stories. According to one legend, Lord Rama
is said to have built a bridge, known as Ram Setu, from Rameswaram to Sri Lanka
to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king, Ravana.
Overall, the Ramanathaswamy Temple is an important
historical and cultural landmark in India and a testament to the country's rich
spiritual and religious traditions. The temple's stunning architecture, deep
spiritual significance, and association with important legends and stories make
it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of
India's ancient religious traditions.
Omkareshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
Omkareshwar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of
Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one
of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines in India, which are considered
particularly sacred by Hindus.
The historical significance of Omkareshwar Temple dates back
to ancient times. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva once resided in the
form of a Jyotirlinga at the site where the temple now stands. The temple is
believed to have been built by the Maratha Queen Ahilyabai Holkar in the 18th
century, although there is evidence of earlier temple structures on the site.
The temple is located on an island in the Narmada River,
surrounded by the hills of the Vindhya Range. The river is considered to be
sacred by Hindus, and the temple is considered to be one of the most important
pilgrimage sites in central India.
In addition to its religious significance, Omkareshwar
Temple is also known for its architectural beauty. The temple complex features
intricately carved stone structures, including a tall spire (shikhar) and a
large hall (mandap) for worship. The walls of the temple are decorated with
sculptures and reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
Overall, Omkareshwar Temple is a historic and religious site
that holds great significance for Hindus, attracting thousands of pilgrims and
tourists each year. Its beautiful architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and
spiritual significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested
in the rich cultural heritage of India.
Bhimashankar Temple, Maharashtra
Bhimashankar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the
Bhimashankar village of Maharashtra, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and
is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines in India, which are considered
particularly sacred by Hindus.
The historical significance of Bhimashankar Temple dates
back to ancient times. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva once resided in
the form of a Jyotirlinga at the site where the temple now stands. It is
believed that the temple was built in the 13th century by the Maratha King
Bhima, who named the temple after himself.
The temple is located in the Western Ghats, surrounded by
scenic hills and forests, and is considered to be one of the most important
pilgrimage sites in western India. The temple is also associated with the Hindu
sage Gautama, who is said to have performed penance at the site, and with Lord
Rama, who is said to have visited the temple during his 14-year exile.
In addition to its religious significance, Bhimashankar
Temple is also known for its architectural beauty. The temple complex features
intricate carvings and sculptures, as well as a large hall (mandap) for
worship. The temple's main shrine houses a black stone image of Lord Shiva,
which is considered to be very powerful.
Overall, Bhimashankar Temple is a historic and religious
site that holds great significance for Hindus, attracting thousands of pilgrims
and tourists each year. Its beautiful architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and
spiritual significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested
in the rich cultural heritage of India.
Amarnath Temple, Jammu and Kashmir
Amarnath Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Indian
state of Jammu and Kashmir, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is considered one of
the most revered shrines in Hinduism, and is particularly sacred to the
followers of Shaivism, the sect of Hinduism that worships Lord Shiva as the
supreme deity.
The historical significance of Amarnath Temple dates back to
ancient times, with references to the temple appearing in Hindu texts and
legends. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva once revealed the secrets of
immortality and eternal life to his consort, Parvati, at the site where the
temple now stands.
The temple is located in a cave in the Himalayas, surrounded
by scenic glaciers, meadows, and forests. The cave houses a naturally formed
ice lingam (a symbol of Lord Shiva), which is believed to grow and shrink with
the phases of the moon. The lingam is considered to be a representation of Lord
Shiva, and is worshipped by thousands of pilgrims each year during the annual
Amarnath Yatra.
In addition to its religious significance, Amarnath Temple
is also known for its scenic beauty and its unique location in the midst of the
Himalayas. The journey to the temple, which involves a trek through rugged
terrain and high altitudes, is considered to be a challenging and rewarding
experience for many pilgrims.
Overall, Amarnath Temple is a historic and religious site
that holds great significance for Hindus, attracting thousands of pilgrims and
tourists each year. Its unique location, natural beauty, and spiritual
significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich
cultural heritage of India.