Gujarat celebrates Maha Shivratri
February 18, 2023
Gandhinagar/Rajkot/Vadodara/Surat:Millions of devotees thronged the Shivalayas (shiva temples) across Gujarat including the world-famous Somnath temple, the seat of first among 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, which is open continuously for 42 hours on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.
In the second Jyotirlinga temple of Gujarat the holy Nageshwar, situated in the Devbhumi Dwarka district, long queues of the devotees are also being witnessed.
Beelines of devotees were also visible at Bhavnath temple where the five day long Maha Shivratri fair will culminate today at midnight with a ritual when naga babas, or naked sages, seated on elephants and decked in ornaments, arrive holding flags and blowing conch shells, tungis, and turis, the sounds of which reverberate through the entire space.
In Ahmedabad, the commercial capital of the state and the largest city, devotees turned out in large numbers since early morning to perform special puja and abhishek in various shiva temples including Chakudia Mahadev Mandir, Neelkhanth and Kameshwar Mahadev Mandir.
Over 75,000 people visit Somnath Mandir on Maha Shivratri today by 7 pm: Shri Somnath Trust pic.twitter.com/tWiY0GJlrq
— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) February 18, 2023
Large crowds of Shiva-bhaktas were also seen at other temples across the state including Kashi Vishwanath temple and Nav Nath temples in Vadodara, Panchnath and Omkareshwar temples in Rajkot, Rudranath temples in Surat, Vasaniya Mahadev temple in Gandhinagar and various shiva temples of all the other cities including Jamnagar, Junagadh,Bhavnagar, Patan, Mahesana, Banaskantha, Sabarakantha Bharuch, Tapi, Narmada, Valsad, Navsari, districts and other towns and rural areas.
The Mangalaarti in Somnath temple, which will remain open continuously for 42 hours since 4 am on the occasion of Shivratri, situated on the coast of the Indian Ocean in Gir Somnath district was performed early morning amid the chants of Har Har Mahdev and Jai Somnath. The traditional Palkhi yatra of lord Someshwar was also taken out. The whole temple is decorated beautifully with LED lights and giant LED screens have also been installed. Four special Aartis and pujas are also being held in the temple today. A three day long Mahamritunjay Yagna has also been organized there.
In pictures: Gujarat celebrates Maha Shivaratri with joy. Huge number of people visit Shiv mandirs for Puja and Darshan. Millions visit Bhavnath Mela, Somnath, Nageshwar and other major and small Shiv mandirs. Shivji ki Savari procession takes place in Vadodara. pic.twitter.com/nkhaqFJjZE
— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) February 18, 2023
Among those visited Shri Somnath Mandir for darshan and puja on Maha Shivratri today were the richest Indian and CMD of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Mukesh Ambani and his son Akash Ambaji who leads Jio. Ambanis donated Rs. 1.51 crore to Shri Somnath Trust.
Mukesh and Akash Ambani visit Somnath Mahadev Mandir on Maha Shivratri ; Make donation of Rs. 1.51 crore after performing Puja https://t.co/7UTEi4Y4iT pic.twitter.com/QFhsA8ZGhF
— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) February 18, 2023
Meanwhile the largest gathering in the five day Bhavnath temple fair in Junagadh district is also being seen today the final day of the traditional annual mela held on the occasion of Shivratri at the base of Girnar hills in Junagadh district. The fair commences every year on the Hindu calendar date of Magh Vad 11. Attended by thousands of devotees and sages the fair culminates on Maha Shivratri when it is believed that in the moonless night Lord Shiva performed his Tandava, the cosmic dance of destruction, a mahapuja is performed. This ritual begins at midnight on Maha Shivaratri every year, when naga babas, or naked sages, seated on elephants and decked in ornaments, arrive holding flags and blowing conch shells, tungis, and turis, the sounds of which reverberate through the entire space. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva himself visits the shrine on this occasion. Girnar is said to be the abode of the nine immortal nathas, and eighty-four siddhas, all of whom also visit the temple in their invisible spirit forms during Maha Shivaratri. Offerings are made to the deities, and the festive energy is expressed through performances of dance, music and traditional bhavai theater.
On the other hand a large number of devotees are observing fast (Upvas) today.
The city of Vadodara witnessed Shivji ki Sawari procession of Shiva, Parvati, and Nandi and also witnessed the unveiling of the gold-plated murti of Sarveshwar Mahadev in Sursagar lake in the presence of the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. DeshGujarat
Related Stories
Mukesh and Akash Ambani visit Somnath; Make donation of Rs. 1.51 crore
Technology attached for protection of Sarveshwar Mahadev statue in Sursagar lake
Bhavnath fair of Maha Shivratri kicks off in Girnar foothills with Dhwjarohan custom
111 ft Golden idol of Shiv in Sursagar lake to be unveiled on upcoming Maha Shivratri
Recent Stories
- Rs. 25.68 lakh worth MD drugs recovered from Naranpura based house
- Bulldozer drive continues on second day in Vadodara
- Cheater steals a brand-new BMW car duping the truck driver in Ahmedabad
- Gujarat govt's 11th Chintan Shivir to be held in Somnath from Nov 21 to 23
- Expert team from Kochi to visit Surat to check feasibility of Water Metro
- One held at Ahmedabad Airport in Rs 100 crore Malegaon 'cash-for-votes' scam
- Shankersinh Vaghela likely to launch political party