Mahashivaratri that will fall on February 17, 2015 is celebrated with great fervor in Rajasthan. A large number of devotees observe strict fast on the day. They also believe that an earnest and honest celebration of the festival will give them a respite from all their sins. This festival is mostly celebrated by women of the Hindu community. After fasting for the whole day, they devotedly pray to the God. Married women perform these rituals for the well being of their husbands. Unmarried girls perform these rituals to get the best husband like Lord Shiva.
The entire country is bathed in the spirit of celebrating auspicious festival of Maha Shivratri today. The enthusiastic devotees of Lord Shiva will perform special prayers and make an offering of bael leaves, coconut, flowers, milk, honey, fruits and water to the Lord Shiva. And the chants of “Om Namah Shivaya!” will be heard throughout this Maha Shivratri night in temples. Here’s a list of prominent temples which you can visit today to experience the real essence of Maha Shivratri !
Devotees making offering on Shivling (Image via Google)
In Rajasthan, where numerous festivals are celebrated throughout the year, Maha Shivratri is also commemorated with great pomp and gaiety. To mark the celebration of this festival, we take you on exploration of iconic temples of Rajasthan dedicated to the Lord Shiva. Here we go-
Eklingji Temple
Image via Google
Located about 22 kms from Udaipur, this ancient double-storeyed temple is an architectural marvel. Very peaceful and quiet inside, the temple has a huge ‘mandap’ with unique carvings shelterd by the heavy pyramidal roof. Carved from black marble, the 50 ft high idol of four-faced Eklingji depicting the four forms of Lord Shiva is the most striking feature of the temple.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Image Courtesy : Chittorgarh Tourism
Situated near Padmini’s Palace of the Chittorgarh Fort, this temple is worth visiting atleast once for remarkable carvings of Lord Shiva and other deities on the walls of the temple. On the day of Maha Shivratri, you’re sure to find a great crowd here.
Manihara Mahadev Temple
Image via Google
This 600 years old temple is nestled in peaceful surrounding at around 3 kms from the main town of Baran. The temple is surrounded by various ponds and green trees. For an annual Shivratri celebration, a fair is also held here.
Someshwar Mahadev Temple
Image via Google
The architecture of this beautiful temple is nothing short of exquisite. Located in Bhangarh at a distance of around 80 kms from Alwar district, the temple is main attraction to tourists visiting Bhangarh with spiritual bend of mind.
Let’s take part in the celebration of the marriage of the Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati and rejoice the occasion.
Happy Maha Shivratri !
Rajasthan Tourism Beat 