Mahashivratri is just around the corner, and the devotees of Lord Shiva cannot keep calm as they prepare to celebrate the day of their beloved Lord. Many are eagerly looking for the best places to experience the divine energy and spiritual essence of this grand occasion.
What could be better than taking a trip to witness the grand celebrations at places where Mahashivratri is observed with immense devotion, fervor, and enthusiasm?
For those who may not be fully aware of the festival’s significance and the deep-rooted traditions associated with it, let’s take a step back and explore the history and meaning of Mahashivratri. This will help you understand why this festival holds such an important place in the hearts of Lord Shiva’s devotees.
Mahashivratri is celebrated in which state of India?
Mahashivratri is celebrated across various states of India with great devotion and enthusiasm. It falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the Phalgun month, as per the Hindu Lunar calendar.
Now, why do we celebrate Mahashivratri and what is the history of Mahashivratri?? Lord Shiva has millions of devotees all over the world, and as the name suggests, this day is dedicated to honoring and celebrating him.
According to legends, there are several stories behind the significance of Mahashivratri. Some believe that on this auspicious day, Maa Parvati and Lord Shiva tied the knot, and the festival marks their divine union. Others say that it was on this day that Lord Shiva consumed the poison that emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan to protect mankind from its deadly effects, earning him the name “Neelkanth.” Similarly, there are many other tales associated with the celebration of Mahashivratri. Regardless of the reason, devotees come together to celebrate the existence of Lord Shiva and express their gratitude for his divine blessings upon humanity.
Mahashivratri 2025 Date
Mahashivratri is celebrated annually with great enthusiasm throughout the country. Mahashivratri 2025 date is 26th February, and there are a few places in India where the celebration is so grand that it is truly worth experiencing. So, if you are a true devotee of Lord Shiva, you definitely wouldn’t want to miss out on this year’s celebration.
You can also be a part of the Magh Mela, which will be held in Prayagraj/Allahabad on the occasion of Mahashivratri Sahi Snan on 8th March for a unique and spiritually enriching experience.
Here are the top places to visit on Mahashivratri.
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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
Biggest Shiva Temple in The World
1. Isha Yoga Center: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Are you aware of the Adi Yogi Statue? The Adi Yogi statue is a 112-foot-tall steel sculpture of Lord Shiva, considered the largest bust sculpture in the world. It is located at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
This Yoga Center is one of the best places in India to celebrate Mahashivratri, where grand celebrations take place, including mesmerizing music and dance performances, along with an all-night satsang led by Sadhguru himself.
Devotees of Lord Shiva observe fasting throughout the day and spend the entire night in prayers, seeking forgiveness and blessings. It is believed that the sincere fasting of devotees pleases Lord Shiva and fulfills their wishes.
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 beautifully decorated with LED lights and flowers, creating a mesmerizing sight for devotees.
A large crowd gathers here to celebrate the festival, and LED screens are set up for live darshan and Shiv Puja, allowing everyone to witness the divine rituals.
The priests of the Somnath Temple perform the sacred abhisheka of the Shiv Ling with honey, sugar, milk, yogurt, ghee, and water. The entire temple is filled with a spiritual aura, making Somnath Temple one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri.
3. Lokanatha Temple: Puri, Odisha
The Loknath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is considered one of the most significant places for devotees of Lord Shiva, as it is believed that Lord Shiva himself mounted the Linga in this temple. This divine connection is what makes the temple so famous.
The most fascinating aspect of this temple is that the Shiva Linga remains submerged in water throughout the year and is taken out just three days before Mahashivratri. The water is then removed for the Linga’s revelation, making this ritual a truly unique experience. This sacred tradition, along with the temple’s spiritual significance, makes the Loknath Temple one of the best places in India to celebrate 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 Lord Shiva’s devotees.
The celebration of Mahashivratri here is filled with devotion, prayers, the chanting of mantras, and soulful bhajans. You can feel the divine energy all around you, enhanced by the mesmerizing decorations of lights and fresh flowers adorning the temple.
Priests perform the sacred abhisheka of the Shiva Linga with honey, milk, yogurt, water, sugar, and ghee, while devotees observe a day-long fast, immersing themselves in prayers and meditation.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is known for its powerful spiritual energy, creating a deeply positive atmosphere, making it one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri.
5. Tilbhandeshwar Temple: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi is a sacred town where spirituality fills the air, making the celebration of Mahashivratri truly grand and mesmerizing.
The vibe in Varanasi is so incredible that you will undoubtedly love your decision to celebrate Mahashivratri here. The festival is believed to reaffirm the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, adding to its spiritual significance.
Varanasi is among the very few places where you can witness devotees joyfully drinking bhang and thandai while dancing in vibrant processions, creating a unique and energetic atmosphere that makes the celebration even more special.
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 experience the festival in India.
Once you reach Mandi, head to the Bhoothnath Temple, where the grand Mahashivratri celebrations take place. The most fascinating aspect of this place is the legendary story behind its tradition.
According to legends, almost five centuries ago, the imperial family of Mandi started a week-long tradition of organizing a fair on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. This tradition continues to this day, attracting not just Indian devotees but also foreign tourists who come to witness and enjoy the grand festivities.
The vibrant fair and the spiritual energy surrounding the celebrations make Mandi one of the best places in India to celebrate Mahashivratri, offering some of the most remarkable Mahashivratri events in the country.
7. Srisaila Mallikarjuna Temple: Andhra Pradesh
Another temple on our list of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri is the Srisaila Mallikarjuna Temple, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
It is believed that the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place on the day of Mahashivratri, and some legends also state that Lord Shiva performed the powerful Shiv Tandav on this sacred day.
No matter which legend you believe in, the spiritual energy and devotion surrounding this festival make it truly special. And what better place to celebrate than at one of the best destinations for 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 observed with great devotion on the banks of the River Kshipra.
As per folk tales, there was a demon named Dushana who tormented the people of Avanti. To protect them, Lord Shiva emerged from the ground and defeated the demon. As a gesture of gratitude, the people of Avanti requested Lord Shiva to reside there permanently, and thus, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga came into existence.
Mahakaleshwar is one of the best places in India to celebrate Mahashivratri, not only because of its grandeur but also because of the legendary tale that adds to its spiritual significance.
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 holy dips, then head to the Matangeshwar Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho is a historic site that adds to India’s rich cultural heritage, making it one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
Here, you can witness a large number of devotees taking dips in the sacred Sagar tank, believing that it washes away their sins. The grand 10-day fair held during Mahashivratri attracts people of all age groups, who come to pray, seek forgiveness, and receive blessings from Lord Shiva.
With its deep spiritual significance and vibrant celebrations, Matangeshwar Temple in Khajuraho stands out as one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri.
10. Bhavnath Taleti: Junagadh, Gujarat
Bhavnath Taleti is considered one of the best places in India to celebrate Mahashivratri, offering breathtaking views of the Gir Forest from the top of Girnar Parvat.
During Mahashivratri, Junagadh becomes a hub for devotees of Lord Shiva, who gather here to attend the grand Shivratri Mela. Junagadh is also home to several sadhus, who can be seen in large numbers during the festival, adding to the spiritual atmosphere.
The fair begins five days before Mahashivratri and concludes on the festival day, making it a unique experience to celebrate amidst the sadhus and witness the rich cultural traditions. If you are an adventure lover, you can also enjoy mountain climbing, making Bhavnath Taleti an extraordinary destination for Mahashivratri celebrations.
11. Umananda Temple: Guwahati Assam
If you wish to witness one of the grandest Mahashivratri celebrations, then head straight to Umananda Temple in Guwahati, Assam.
Located on the serene Peacock Island, the Umananda Temple is surrounded by a tranquil environment, making it a unique and spiritually enriching place to celebrate Mahashivratri. The temple attracts countless devotees from all over the country who gather here to be a part of the grand festivities and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
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12. Nilkanth Mahadev Temple: Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Haridwar and Rishikesh are places where spirituality fills the air, and during Mahashivratri, the atmosphere becomes even more divine.
Haridwar is one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri, known for its sacred ghats, mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, and special prayers at Har Ki Pauri. The sight of thousands of devotees gathered in devotion creates an unforgettable experience.
Many devotees also visit the Nilkanth Mahadev Temple to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings on this auspicious occasion. Apart from the spiritual experience, you can also indulge in adventure activities like river rafting, bungee jumping, and more, making Haridwar and Rishikesh a perfect blend of devotion and adventure.
Best Mahashivratri Celebrations in India
Mahashivratri, the grand festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm across India. From grand temple rituals to vibrant fairs and processions, here are some of the best places to experience Mahashivratri celebrations in India
Famous Shiva Temple in North India
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Kedarnath Temple – Uttarakhand
- Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Baidyanath Jyotirlinga – Deoghar, Jharkhand
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Pashupatinath Temple – Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh
- Amarnath Cave Temple – Jammu and Kashmir
- Gauri Shankar Temple – Delhi
- Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple – Pathankot, Punjab
- Shiv Khori Temple – Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir
These temples hold immense religious significance and attract thousands of devotees, especially during Mahashivratri and Shravan Maas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Q: Which place is famous for Maha Shivratri?
A: Varanasi, Ujjain, Haridwar, and Kedarnath are famous for grand Maha Shivratri celebrations.
Q: Which temples to visit on Maha Shivratri?
A: Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi), Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain), Somnath (Gujarat), and Amarnath (J&K) are among the top temples to visit.
Q: What is Maha Shivratri, and why is it celebrated?
A: Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival honoring Lord Shiva. It marks his cosmic dance (Tandav) and his divine marriage to Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe fasts and offer prayers for spiritual growth and blessings.
Q: Which color to wear on Shivratri?
A: White is considered the most auspicious, but blue, red, and yellow are also worn to honor Lord Shiva.