Devotees of Lord Shiva may now rejoice in one of his most important festivals. Maha Shivratri, also known as the Great Night of Lord Shiva, is observed between February and March during the Phalguna month of the Hindu calendar. In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is given the highest honour among all other deities on this day. Maha Shivratri is a celebration that is fervently and enthusiastically observed throughout the nation. The narrative behind this day is that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati wedded on this day, therefore people celebrate their marriage.
There are many temples dedicated to Lord Shiva located all throughout the nation, but the 12 Jyotirlingas are the most important and must be visited if you consider yourself to be a sincere disciple of the great lord. Jyotirlingas are symbolic representations of the Lord Shiva shrines that pilgrims travel great distances to see. It is regarded as the most holy location to worship the Almighty. So make sure you witness some of these Jyotirlingas on Maha Shivratri 2023. The location is said to give spiritual fulfilment and peace of mind.
When is Maha Shivrratri 2023?
This year, Maha Shivratri falls on February 18, the 14th day of the Hindu calendar’s Phalguna month, on the 13th night of the waning moon.
Check out the 16 MAGNIFICENT SHIVA TEMPLES IN INDIA THAT ARE A MUST-VISIT FOR EVERY SHIVA DEVOTEE
Celebrate Maha Shivratri 2023 at the 12 famous Jyotirlingas in India
1. Somnath Temple, Gujarat
Somnath Temple, located in the country’s west, is considered one of the most revered Hindu temples. It is the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Its significance draws visitors and worshippers from all over the world.
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Maha Shivratri is a festival that is actively observed here. Devotees here, as at other Shiva temples, worship the linga by pouring milk and laying bael leaves on it. A stage is also built up beside the shrine for cultural events. Witness all of this by visiting the temple with your friends and family.
2. Mallikarjuna Temple, Andra Pradesh
This temple in Andhra Pradesh, India’s southernmost state, is also known as Srisailam Temple. Lord Shiva was given the name Mallikarjun because he is worshipped with jasmine flowers here. This temple, like many others, rises tall with magnificent sculptures.
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Maha Shivratri, also known as Brahmotsavam, is celebrated for 7 days in this region. It is one of the most prominent events at the temple and a must-see for visitors from far away areas. The residents make offerings to the linga, or Lord Shiva deity. Goddess Bhramaramba Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Shakti, is also present in this temple and is Lord Shiva’s or God Mallikarjuna’s consort.
3. Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is one of the most revered temples in the city and is located in the central part of the nation. The linga here is considered to be pre-existing, which has been called a miracle, whereas the other lingas were built using mantras; hence, it is also known as Swayambhu.
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The Shipra River runs beside the temple, providing a religious backdrop to the entire region. Maha Shivratri is a prominent event that is celebrated with tremendous passion and devotion. On Mahashivratri, a fair is held that is attended by both locals and tourists.
4. Omkareshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
The temple is located on an island in Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district and is a popular destination in the city devoted to Lord Shiva. It is one among the most prominent of 12 jyotirlingas in India. The shrine also has idols of Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. The Narmada River flows around the island, meeting the holy river Kaveri.
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The myth focuses on this location since it was the site of a fight between the Devas and the Danavas, which the Danavas won. The Devas prayed to Lord Shiva, and he appeared as Omkareshwar Lingam to fight the Danavas. The temple is packed with worshippers during Maha Shivratri, and the entire site is decked to commemorate the night of Shiva.
5. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
The Kedarnath trek is one of India’s most famous religious trips, surrounded by the high snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas. Due to poor weather conditions in other months, the Kedarnath temple, one of the jyotirlingas in India, is only available for worship six months of the year.
The temple is also one of the country’s Char Dhams. Though the temple is closed during Maha Shivratri, travellers can visit it from May to June, and from September to November. It has been reported that when a devotee worships the linga in Kedarnath, his or her wishes may be granted.
6. Bhimashankar Temple, Maharashtra
On Maha Shivratri 2023, go to the Bhimashankar Temple in Pune to see the magnificence of Lord Shiva. The river Bhima is thought to have its source here. The locals can tell you a lot of legends about this temple. The temple is surrounded by lush flora and fauna, offering a stunning view of the surrounding area.
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In this wildlife sanctuary, visitors to the temple can witness several rare species. The temple is well-known for having one of the jyotirlingas in India.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Pradesh
The Kashi Viswanath temple is regarded as the Golden Temple of Varanasi among Hindus worldwide. The temple was built in the 18th century and is considered one of the country’s jyotirlingas.
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During Maha Shivratri, worshippers gather here to shower their offerings on the linga. Because the city is already recognised for its many temples, the Vishwanath Temple is on the list of must-sees. The nearby Ganga River is also where worshippers perform their rituals after paying their reverence here.
8. Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Maharashtra
Nashik is also recognised for having a jyotirlinga, which is respected by people all over the world. Trimbakeshwara, near the Brahmagiri mountain, is also the source of the Godavari river. These jyotirlingas in India provide a serene setting for contemplative sessions due to their natural surroundings.
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The sacred river of South India, the Godavari, is also known as the Gautami Ganga here. During Maha Shivratri, a fair is held here, and the entire neighbourhood comes alive in celebration of Lord Shiva’s grand night.
9. Vaidyanath Temple, Jharkhand
Given that it is one of the nation’s jyotirlingas, the temple of Vaidyanath is regarded as being the most significant Hindu temple in Deogarh. Pilgrims who come here to worship the linga are supposed to be alleviated of their troubles. During Maha Shivratri, the temple is decked, and devotees travel long distances to adore the Lord.
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According to legend, Ravana was supposed to transport the linga straight to Sri Lanka, but owing to Lord Vishnu’s interference, the linga became rooted in this location. Huge groups of worshippers go to the temple during the Hindu calendar month of Shrawan to worship Lord Shiva.
10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Gujarat
You’ve arrived to the Nageshwar Temple if you notice a tall idol of Lord Shiva on the coast of Saurashtra, Gujarat. Known as one of the jyotirlingas in India, the temple attracts people from all over the world during Maha Shivratri and the Hindu month of Shrawan.
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The temple is claimed to guard against all poisons. It is also known as the Nagnath Temple and is located near the Arabian Sea, providing a beautiful view of the blue waves.
11. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu
You can atone for all of your sins by visiting Rameshwaram, the southernmost Jyotirlinga in India. The temple is located on the island and offers a spectacular view of the entire region. People visit the adjacent beaches because of the temple’s impressive architecture.
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Lord Rama is claimed to have built the Jyotirlinga after defeating Ravana. He then worshipped it, and it has since been listed as one of 12 jyotirlingas in India. This temple is also known as the Ramanathaswamy Temple or the Varanasi of the South.
12. Ghrishneshwar Temple, Maharashtra
The magnificence of the temple is attributed to the red rocks with elaborate sculptures of Gods and Goddesses. It is located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are also sculptures of animals here, particularly the Nandi Bull.
Grishneshwar is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India that are venerated by Lord Shiva’s fervent followers. It is also feasible to visit the nearby Ajanta and Ellora caves as well while visiting the temple. On Maha Shivratri 2023, head to the temple to see the grandest festival of the year.
Maha Shivratri is observed throughout the country, with people fasting and chanting bhajans all night. It is believed that those who visit Shiva temples during Maha Shivratri would have their desires granted and may find salvation. So make plans to visit one of 12 jyotirlingas in India on the festival.
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