Maha Shivaratri, one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated with immense devotion across India. It is a night of fasting, prayers, and spiritual awakening. Many devotees visit significant Shiva temples to seek blessings, participate in special events, and witness grand celebrations. If you’re planning a spiritual trip for Maha Shivaratri, here are some of the best places to visit in India.
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
Special Events:
- The temple remains open all night with special Maha Rudrabhishekam pujas.
- Devotees perform Ganga Snan (holy bath in the Ganges) before visiting the temple.
- The grand Shobha Yatra (procession) takes place, attracting thousands of devotees.
Timings:
- Temple remains open throughout the night on Maha Shivaratri.
- Main puja timings: 3:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 7:00 PM, and midnight.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport – Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (25 km)
- By Train: Varanasi Junction is well-connected to major cities.
- By Road: Well-connected via NH2 with regular buses and taxis.
2. Kedarnath Temple (Uttarakhand)
Special Events:
- Special Maha Shivaratri pujas are conducted in the winter abode of Kedarnath (Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath) since the Kedarnath temple is closed during winter.
- Bhajans and night-long prayers by sadhus and devotees.
Timings:
- Omkareshwar Temple remains open from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport – Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (190 km)
- By Train: Nearest railway station – Rishikesh (170 km)
- By Road: Buses available from Haridwar and Rishikesh to Ukhimath.
3. Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)
Special Events:
- The famous Bhasma Aarti (performed using sacred ash) is the main attraction.
- Night-long chanting of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and Rudrabhishek.
Timings:
- Temple remains open all night on Maha Shivaratri.
- Special puja starts at 3:00 AM with Bhasma Aarti.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore (55 km)
- By Train: Ujjain Junction is well-connected.
- By Road: Direct buses from Indore, Bhopal, and other major cities.
4. Srikalahasti Temple (Andhra Pradesh)
Special Events:
- Special Rahu-Ketu Pooja performed on Maha Shivaratri to remove planetary doshas.
- The temple conducts grand abhishekam ceremonies with milk, ghee, and honey.
Timings:
- Maha Shivaratri celebrations start early in the morning and continue overnight.
- Special Rahu-Ketu Pooja timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport – Tirupati Airport (25 km)
- By Train: Srikalahasti Railway Station is well-connected.
- By Road: Buses available from Tirupati, Chennai, and Bangalore.
5. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu)
Special Events:
- Special Shiva Tandava dance performances and night-long bhajans.
- Abhishekam performed using thousands of liters of milk and curd.
Timings:
- Temple remains open throughout the night with Maha Shivaratri celebrations.
- Special darshan from 5:30 PM – 6:00 AM.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport – Trichy Airport (55 km)
- By Train: Thanjavur Railway Station is well-connected.
- By Road: Buses available from Trichy, Madurai, and Chennai.
6. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu)
Special Events:
- Devotees take a holy bath in the 22 sacred wells before visiting the temple.
- Maha Rudrabhishekam and special evening pujas.
Timings:
- Temple remains open till late at night on Maha Shivaratri.
- Special darshan and abhishekam from 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport – Madurai Airport (170 km)
- By Train: Rameswaram Railway Station is well-connected.
- By Road: Buses available from Madurai, Chennai, and Trichy.
7. Murudeshwar Temple (Karnataka)
Special Events:
- The Murudeshwar Gopuram is illuminated with grand lighting and decorations.
- Devotees witness the Maha Shivaratri Abhishekam and cultural programs.
Timings:
- Temple remains open from 6:00 AM to midnight.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport – Mangalore International Airport (140 km)
- By Train: Murudeshwar Railway Station is well-connected.
- By Road: Buses available from Mangalore, Udupi, and Bangalore.
8. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (Uttarakhand)
Special Events:
- Pilgrims trek to the temple early morning and perform sacred rituals.
- Night-long Shiv bhajans and aarti.
Timings:
- Temple remains open from 5:00 AM to midnight on Maha Shivaratri.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport – Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (49 km)
- By Train: Nearest railway station – Rishikesh (32 km)
- By Road: Buses and taxis available from Haridwar and Rishikesh.
9. Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu)
Special Events:
- The Adiyogi Shiva Statue hosts a grand night-long Maha Shivaratri event.
- Special meditation sessions, musical performances, and spiritual discourses.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (40 km)
- By Train: Coimbatore Railway Station is well-connected.
- By Road: Regular buses and taxis available.
10. Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple (Karnataka)
Special Events:
- Devotees perform special Rudrabhishek and seek blessings at this ancient temple.
- The town witnesses cultural festivities and traditional rituals.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Goa International Airport (140 km)
- By Train: Gokarna Road Railway Station (10 km)
- By Road: Well-connected by buses from Goa, Bangalore, and Mangalore.
Conclusion
Maha Shivaratri is the perfect occasion to embark on a spiritual journey and visit some of the most revered Shiva temples in India. Plan your trip in advance and immerse yourself in devotion this Maha Shivaratri!