Top 10 shiv temples india shivratri dhaarmi

MahaShivratri is just around the corner. It is celebrated across India with a lot of devotion. Let’s see how is Mahashivratri celebrated across the Top Shiv temples in India

  1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi: In the spiritual capital of India, Maha Shivratri sees an influx of devotees from all corners of the country. The temple is adorned with flowers and lights, and the air is filled with the chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev.’ Devotees take a holy dip in the Ganges before offering milk, honey, and bael leaves to the Shiva Lingam. A special aarti is performed at midnight, and the celebrations continue till dawn.
  2. Somnath Temple, Gujarat: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Somnath Temple celebrates Maha Shivratri with great pomp. The temple is illuminated with lights, and devotees participate in the ‘Jalabhishek’ (water offering) to Lord Shiva. The sound of conch shells and bells adds to the spiritual ambiance, and a special aarti is conducted at midnight.
  3. Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain: This temple is known for its unique Bhasma Aarti, where fresh ash from a cremation ground is used for the ritual. On Maha Shivratri, the temple witnesses a large gathering of devotees who come to participate in the aarti and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The entire temple complex is decorated beautifully, and the festivities continue throughout the night.
  4. Amarnath Temple, Jammu and Kashmir: Although the Amarnath Yatra takes place in the months of July and August, Maha Shivratri is still celebrated with devotion at the base camps and nearby temples. Devotees offer prayers and chant hymns in honor of Lord Shiva.
  5. Bhimashankar Temple, Maharashtra: Situated in the Sahyadri hills, Bhimashankar is another significant Jyotirlinga. On Maha Shivratri, the temple is adorned with flowers and lights, and devotees come to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. Special rituals and aartis are performed, and the celebrations continue throughout the night.
  6. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram: This temple is associated with the epic Ramayana and is considered one of the holiest places in India. Maha Shivratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm, with devotees offering prayers, performing rituals, and participating in the grand aarti.
  7. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand: Situated in the Himalayas, Kedarnath Temple is one of the most sacred Shiva temples. Although the temple is closed during the winter months, Maha Shivratri is celebrated in the nearby towns and base camps with prayers and rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  8. Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar: The Lingaraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrates Maha Shivratri with great devotion. The temple is beautifully decorated, and devotees offer fruits, flowers, and milk to the deity. A special ‘Mahadeepa’ (great lamp) is lit on top of the temple, and the sight is mesmerizing.
  9. Grishneshwar Temple, Aurangabad: As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Grishneshwar Temple celebrates Maha Shivratri with traditional rituals and ceremonies. Devotees throng the temple to offer prayers and perform the ‘Abhishekam’ with milk and water.
  10. Nageshwar Temple, Dwarka: This temple is another important Jyotirlinga, and Maha Shivratri here is celebrated with great fervor. Devotees come from far and wide to offer prayers, and the temple is decorated with flowers and lights. Special aartis and bhajans are performed, adding to the spiritual atmosphere.