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Shiv Navratri is celebrated in Ujjain at the Mahakaleshwar Temple, starting nine days before Mahashivratri. Lord Mahakal is uniquely adorned as a groom, symbolising Shiva’s marriage to Parvati
On the ninth day, Lord Mahakal is bedecked as a groom. (Local18)
Mahakal Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India, is located on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It is the only place in India where Shiv Navratri is celebrated.
“There is a belief related to the Mahashivratri festival, that on this day Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati. Shiv Navratri is the festival before this divine marriage,” Mahakal Temple priest Pandit Mahesh Sharma said.
This festival is celebrated only in the Mahakaleshwar Temple of Ujjain, starting nine days before Mahashivratri. During these nine days, Lord Mahakal is smeared with sandalwood paste and mehndi. Along with this, Lord Mahakal is adorned with attractive makeup for nine days and the daily rituals are performed.
On the eve of Shiva-Parvati marriage, celebration takes place in the Avantika region. Lord Mahakal gives darshan to his devotees in different forms for nine days and on the last day, the sehra is decorated and Mahakal is bedecked as a groom.
Navratri Celebrated Five Times In Avantika
Avantika city also has a temple of Mata Harsiddhi, which is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, hence, recognition of this city increases as Shakti resides with Shiva in Avantika. Here, the festival of Navratri is celebrated with great pomp. Along with that, Shivnavratri is celebrated in the Mahakal temple.
Darshan During Shiv Navratri
Devotees visit Mahakal temple in these nine days. Many people fast on Shivratri or perform special worship of Lord Shiva. These days are considered auspicious as it is widely believed that devotees who worship Lord Mahakal during Shivnavratri get the blessings of Lord Shiva.
- Location :
Ujjain, India, India
