Indian Festival

MAHA SHIVA RATRI 

Shiv Ratri, also known as Maha Shivaratri, is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. It typically falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually occurs in February or March. On this day, devotees offer prayers, perform rituals, and observe fasts to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is considered one of the most important and auspicious festivals in the Hindu calendar.

 

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.