Bum, Bum Bhole!
Maha Shivratri is just around the corner, and guess what, it is a long weekend!
Maha Shivratri is one of the most prominent Hindu festivals with diverse celebrations across the country. This is undoubtedly the best time to visit Lord Shiva temples and destinations that host grand celebrations.
Planning a trip?
Book Trains TicketDates: 21st – 23rd February 2020
Here are 7 places that have spectacular Maha Shivratri celebrations and should definitely be on your list!
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi is home to some of the most famous Shiva temples. On Maha Shivratri, Hindu devotees from all over the world visit this place to perform rituals. Many temples organise a wedding procession of Shiva where locals dress up as different gods and goddesses.
How to reach:
> Varanasi is well-connected by air as well as rail from all the major cities in the country.
> Bus services are available from cities in Uttar Pradesh and other neighbouring states.
Haridwar, Uttrakhand
The Prajapati Daksha Mahadev temple in Haridwar is decked up for Maha Shivratri every year. Millions of devotees visit this temple and take a dip in the Har Ki Pauri. The entire city is full of spiritual vibe and celebrations are everywhere.
How to reach:
> The nearest airport to Haridwar is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
> Haridwar Railway Station is the main train station and there are trains from major cities such as Delhi, Shimla, Mumbai and more.
Rishikesh
The NeelKanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh is located on the top of mountains and is one of the best places to experience the festive vibes of Maha Shivratri. Lakhs of devotees visit Rishikesh to experience the grand celebrations and make an offering of bel leaves, milk, honey, coconut, flowers and water to Lord shiva.
How to reach:
> The Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is the closest airport to Rishikesh (35 km).
> Haridwar Railway Station is the nearest train station that has connectivity with all the main cities in India.
> Buses are available from nearby towns as well.
Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
The temple of Bhootnath in Mandi hosts the biggest Maha Shivratri celebrations in the country. A week-long International Maha Shivratri Fair is organised in Mandi that attracts tourists from all over the globe and has a truly euphoric vibe.
How to reach:
> The nearest airport to Mandi is the Bhuntar Airport, and the closest railway station is in Pathankot.
> Cabs are easily available from both the places to Mandi.
> There are also state-run buses from Delhi.
Srisailam Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Srisailam is a famous Shiva Temple which is home to Mallikarjuna, one of the 12 jyotirlingas. Maha Shivratri celebrations are organised with a lot of vigour here and represent the ancient Indian culture.
How to reach:
> The nearest railway station to Srisailam is Markapur railway station and is connected to all major cities.
> The closest airport to Srisailam is Begumpet Airport or Rajiv Gandhi International airport, Hyderabad.
Guwahati, Assam
Umananda Temple is located at the Peacock Island, in the middle of the river Brahmaputra. This temple is the hub of Maha Shivratri celebrations in the state of Assam. Thousands of Shiva devotees visit the temple on the occasion of Shivaratri.
How to reach:
> Guwahati is well-connected by both flight and rail.
> To reach Umananda Temple, ferries and steamers are easily available.
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Another one of the 12 jyotirlingas, the Mahakal Temple is one of the most sacred Shiva temples in Ujjain. The Maha Shivratri celebrations here go on till midnight. The entire temple is soaked in the festivities.
How to reach:
> Ujjain railway station is connected with all its neighbouring cities.
> Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore is the nearest airport.
> Cabs are easily available from the airport to Ujjain.
So are you ready to experience grand Maha Shivratri celebrations? Book your tickets today!
