In a country like India, mixed in the diversity of culture and religious tolerance, Mahashivratri is one of the greatest celebrations. People travel from here to there to enjoy this lively occasion. Lord Shiva is an enlightened one and inspired the commoners in the power of how the cosmos functions. The way it is formed and the future are all beyond human comprehension.
Why is Mahashiratri so special?
Lord Shiva is recognized to be the destroyer and the creator of the universe as per Indian mythology. Mahashivratri refers to the ‘Maha’- Grand; ‘Shiv’- Lord Shiva and ‘Ratri’- Night.
Mahashivratri is a celebration of the entire night dedicated to the greatness of Lord Shiva. The 14th day of the lunar month is Shivratri and twelve Shivratris are witnessed in a year. Mahashivratri is the auspicious day when Lord Shiva married Parvati. His highness is measured in love, care, devotion, and dedication.
Women fasts for the entire day and in the night break the fasting with fruit and ‘Dudh snan’ of Lord Shiva (bathing the idol of Lord Shiva with milk). This is a must-witness occasion for any person on earth to see how devotion towards religion has such a strong impact.
Significance of Mahashivratri
This day is celebrated for few main reasons;
- The liberation of the human from the past sins or bad karma
- Attainment of the moksha or enlightenment from the cycle of birth and death
- Married women attain bliss and prosperous family life
- Unmarried women pray for an ideal husband like Lord Shiva
Places to visit during Mahashivratri Celebration on your Two-Wheeler
Reading these details about how and why Mahashivratri is celebrated won’t work. You need to visit the nearby destination where it is celebrated with grandeur. CredR suggests you to take your two-wheeler and ride it to the assorted destinations mentioned here;
1: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
This auspicious destination of Tamil Nadu is a must-visit on MahaShivratri. The Shore Temple is the main attraction. You will witness the reciting of prayers, sandalwood fragrance all over, Haldi and Kumkum tikka, and flowers decorated with love and faith. Tourists and travelers have a great time hymning these prayers and be a part of this fun-filled auspicious day.
2: Thanjavur Temple, Tamil Nadu
A must-visit destination Thanjavur looks grandeur during the Mahashivratri. It is the home of the largest Lord Shiva Statue Temple called the Brihadeshwara Temple. Visiting this destination will add to your bucket list as this is a part of a World Heritage Site.
3: Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh
Celebrating Mahashivratri in the Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar temple is one of the most cherishable experiences. Here’s situated the 12 Jyotirlingas (Dedicated to Lord Shiva). At this festival, the banks of the Madhya Pradesh Kshipranear Mahakal Forest floats with excessive crowds. The temple was mentioned in the Puranas and gets the name from the popular Mahakal forest.
4: SriSailam, Andhra Pradesh
This destination is popular for the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is the home of the 12 jyotirlingas. This is also the destination where Lord Shiva and Parvati got married on a Mahashivratri in the Srisailam Mahashivratri celebration. You will witness the dedicated followers performing the famous Lord Shiva’s Tandava here to greet and shower with devotion.
5: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
You must have heard of the Khajuraho festival on the Mahashivratri. It is celebrated with great favor and pomp. Visiting this destination, you’ll witness the devotees dipping in the Sagar tank before they enter the Matangeshwar temple for 10 days of the long fair. This is one of the most auspicious destinations where people believe to take the walks of life eradicating the sins and completely devoting to the prayers to Lord Shiva for Prosperity.
6: Shivsagar
If you are residing near to the North-East side, then visit this destination Shivsaga also known as Sivadagar in the Ahom Kingdom, Assam. The temple here is completely dedicated to Lord Shiva which is amazingly decked up during the Mahashivratri. This is a very ancient temple celebrated most traditionally. Thousands of devotees witness the celebration live during March every year.
7: Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
The hamlet of Himachal Pradesh, Mandi is popular for the celebration of Mahashivratri. The Bhootnath Temple holds the grandest celebration of Mahashivratri from 5 centuries earlier. The tradition starts with a Mandi Shivratri Fair and ends on The Day of Mahashivratri celebration. You will be completely blown away by the extravaganza and the devotee’s dedication.
8: Dharmasthala, Karnataka
The celebration of Mahashivratri at Dharmasthala at the Manjunatha Temple is mindblowing. The idol of Manjunatha, another name of Lord Shiva, decks up the idol with overflowing flowers and fragrance. Dudh Snan or Milk shower is a regular and most important ritual followed on this day. Once you visit here, you’ll witness a long queue of devotees standing for hours to see the idol once on this propitious day.
Celebrate Mahashivaratri with CredR
Making your Mahashivratri grand with a two-wheeler ride is likely this year. Visiting any of these must-visit destinations near to your location will make your Mahashivratri magnificent. CredR encourages you to travel and see the hidden gorgeousness of India. If you are new to the city, get in touch with us, grab your favorite used two-wheeler on a much favourable budget and just go for it!
Write to us how you have explored any of the destinations on Mahashivratri on a used two-wheeler from CredR. We would love to hear from you.
