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Maha Shivratri 2025 Celebration: On Mahashivratri, these ten locations are certain to provide Mahadev’s divine blessings. Visit these temples and immerse yourself in their distinct cultural practices and traditions.
Maha Shivratri 2025: On the auspicious day of Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva is worshipped across the country. (Image: Shutterstock)
Maha Shivratri 2025: Maha Shivratri is one of the important festivals of Hindus, which is celebrated across the country in different towns and regions with great grandeur. Lord Shiva is worshipped on this auspicious day of Maha Shivratri.
In the South Indian calendar, Chaturdashi Tithi, which falls during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha, is called Maha Shivaratri. But in the North Indian calendar, Masik Shivaratri falls in the month of Phalguna, and is called Maha Shivaratri.
The lunar month is named differently in both calendars. Nonetheless, Maha Shivaratri is observed on the same day by both North and South Indians. This year, Maha Shivratri will be grandly observed on Wednesday, February 26.
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Maha Shivratri is a time when people honour Lord Shiva’s divine energy through devotion and introspection, strengthening the spiritual ties that bind people together.
India is full of amazing locations to celebrate Maha Shivratri, each with its distinct appeal, for those who want to be fully immersed in the spiritual essence of this celebration. Listed below are some of the best places to celebrate that are truly magical:
Maha Shivratri 2025 Celebrations: Best Places in India to Experience Grand Festivities
Varanasi
Kashi, another name for Varanasi, is a significant centre of Shaivism and one of the oldest cities still in existence. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the main attraction on Maha Shivratri when lakhs of pilgrims queue for hours to pray. The captivating Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, chanting, and bhajans fill the entire city.
In the exquisitely designed Kashi Vishwanath Temple, worshippers offer milk, honey, and bael leaves to perform Rudrabhishekam. People dress up as Lord Shiva, Parvati, and other deities and dance through the streets during the Shiv Baraat, or Shiva’s wedding procession, which is a unique attraction. Meditation, singing, and soaking up the heavenly spirit of the holy city keep devotees up all night.
Somnath
It is thought that the first Jyotirlinga on Earth was the Somnath Temple in Gujarat. Devotees travel from all over India to attend the lavish Maha Shivratri celebrations to ask Lord Shiva for his blessings. The temple hosts a special Maha Rudrabhishekam. A unique laser light and sound performance that tells the story of Somnath is organised by the temple every year. Before visiting the shrine, devotees bathe in the Arabian Sea.
Ujjain
One of Lord Shiva’s twelve holy Jyotirlingas, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, is located in Ujjain. The temple holds a magnificent Rudrabhishekam and the well-known Bhasma Aarti on Maha Shivratri, during which the Shivalinga is bathed in sacred ash.
Thousands of people attend the most famous ceremony, the Bhasma Aarti, which takes place at 4 AM. Throughout the night, devotees engage in constant meditation and chanting. The whole city is decked out in flowers and lights, creating a breathtaking sight.
Chidambaram
Lord Shiva is worshipped in his Ananda Tandava (cosmic dance) form in the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple in Tamil Nadu. Here, Maha Shivratri is a magnificent occasion.
Classical dancers from all across India perform in front of Lord Nataraja during the Natyanjali Dance Festival. Special poojas and all-night bhajans are held at the shrine. To see the big abhishekam and darshan, thousands of devotees assemble.
Isha Yoga Center
The centre hosts a special event in the presence of meditators to mark Maha Shivratri. It includes cultural performances, imaginative spiritual presentations, and a joyous atmosphere.
While this is a peaceful location, Dhyanalinga is a great spot for rituals and meditation. One of the greatest locations to celebrate Maha Shivratri is the Isha Yoga Centre, where thousands of devotees come for a more profound spiritual experience.
Haridwar And Rishikesh
On the banks of the sacred Ganga lie the spiritual powerhouses of Haridwar and Rishikesh, where Maha Shivratri is celebrated with great fervour. A popular destination for Shiva worshippers is the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, which is located close to Rishikesh. In addition to visiting temples like Har Ki Pauri, Daksheshwar Mahadev, and Neelkanth Mahadev, devotees take a sacred dip in the Ganga.
Special bhajans, kirtans, and Ganga Aarti are held all night long in Rishikesh. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is reached by thousands of pilgrims and sadhus who walk barefoot.
Srikalahasti
Vayu Lingam (Wind Linga) is the reason for the fame of Srikalahasti in Andhra Pradesh. Shiva followers place great importance on this temple, which is thought to be self-manifested.
Throughout the day and night, the Srikalahasti Temple holds grand pujas and abhishekams. There are special nivarana pujas for Rahu-Ketu dosha. In addition to chanting Shiva stotras, devotees undergo rigorous fasting.
Lokanatha Temple
The famous Jagannath temple is next to the Lokanatha temple in Puri, Odisha, which is devoted to Lord Shiva. During Maha Shivratri, the temple is particularly lovely as the faithful engage in rites and prayers that last all night. The naturally occurring Shiva Lingam, which is supposed to be self-manifested, is what makes this temple remarkable. One of the most revered locations in India to celebrate Maha Shivratri is this temple because of its long history.
Bhootnath Temple
The Bhootnath Temple in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, is the focal point of the International Shivratri Fair, which lasts for a full week and is one of the liveliest celebrations of Maha Shivratri in North India.
The festival is a fascinating cultural celebration because it features cultural programs in addition to customary ceremonies and processions. The town’s festive fervour and the old temple architecture combine to create an amazing blend of religious rituals and group celebration.
Amarnath Cave
Due to its natural Ice Lingam, the Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most revered locations to celebrate Maha Shivratri, and adventurers can find their ultimate religious experience there.
The naturally occurring Ice Shiva Lingam is a sign of heavenly power, and the journey to the cave requires both endurance testing and unwavering faith. Because of its unparalleled natural beauty and holy significance, Mount Kailash is a once-in-a-lifetime tourist destination.
