Maha Shivratri Celebrations all over Rajasthan!!
Hindus all around the nation celebrated the most fortunate festival of Maha Shivratri on Febraury 27th 2014. All devotees of Deity Shiva all over the nation had observed fasting and will visited Lord Shiva’s shrine to offer their unique prayers on his divine feet. Devotees also offered special offerings, like Bael leaves, fruits, flowers, coconut, honey, milk and water to Deity Shiva. All over the Hindu temples of India, the divine hymns of “Om Namah Shivaya!!” was heard on the gracious occasion of Maha Shivratri night.
Maha Shivratri in Royal Rajasthan:
At all times, the Royal state of Rajasthan has been a superb destination for tourists. Bright and vivid atmosphere of the state in conjunction with the diversity of places of interest makes Rajasthan into most adored tourist spots in the globe. An assortment of fairs & festivals that are rejoiced in Rajasthan also invigorate the attraction of the colorful state. Likewise, the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri is one of the most well liked festivals in Rajasthan. This festival includes additional implication as it is dedicated to Deity Shiva who is one of the principal Gods in the Hindu religion. This year, Maha Shivaratri fell on Febrauray 27th. Maha Shivaratri was rejoiced with plenty of trumpet blast in Rajasthan. A huge figures of devotees observed strict fasting on the Maha Shivaratri day. Devotees of Lord Shiva believe that an intense and sincere merriment Maha Shivaratri festival will get them a reprieve from all their sins.
Reverence of Maha Shivratri:
Generally, Maha Shivratri is celebrated by the women who belong to the Hindu religion while men will also observe the rituals and worshipping. After observing a fast for the whole day, both men and women offer their sincere prayers to the God. Usually, wedded women carry out these Maha Shivratri rituals for the happiness and health of their spouses. On the other hand, girls who are not married will perform the rituals and pray Lord Shiva for a good husband. On the day of Maha Shivratri, Lord Shiva is prayed by bathing him in honey and milk. Devotees also offer flowers and Bel leaves (also called s the wood apple or “Bengal quince”) by chanting the mantra “Om Namay Shivaya”. A few of the shrines of Lord Shiva temples also observe a ritual called “Jaagaran” throughout the entire Maha shivaratri night. After the next crack of dawn, a variety of foods offered to Lord Shiva and then the offered food varieties are consumed by devotees in the name of “Prasad”.
Emblematic Shrines of Lord Shiva in Rajasthan:
Even thought numerous festivals are celebrated throughout the year in Rajasthan, Maha Shivratri is celebrated with huge pageantry and jauntiness as well. In order to tribute the celebration of this Maha Shivratri festival, a quick journeying of legendary shrines of Rajasthan devoted to the Deity Shiva.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: The Neelkanth Mahadev is a very old temple situated at an elevation of about 1675 m, on a mount on top of the Swarg Ashram. The temple stands next to the mountain ranges of the “Nar-Narayan”, at an aloofness of about 20 km from the Rishikesh. Placed in close proximity to the famous Padmini’s fortress of the Chittorgarh Fort, Neelkanth Mahadev temple is worth visiting for admiring the amazing carvings of Deity Shiva and other Gods that are on the temple walls.
Eklingji Temple: Eklingji Temple is one of the most well known shrines of Rajasthan. Eklingji Temple is situated about 22 kms away from the city of Udaipur. This prehistoric “double-storied” shrine is an architectural spectacle. Placed in the Eklingji (Kailashpuri) town, the whole area became so popular due to the temple. The Eklingji temple is so quiet and serene inside. The temple has a massive ‘Mandap’ with exceptional carvings protected by the profound pyramidal covering. The temple has an outstanding 4-faced statue of Eklingji (Deity Shiva) that is created with rare black marble. Being engraved from the beautiful black marble, the 50 ft tall statue of 4-faced Eklingji represents the 4 forms of Deity Shiva and is the most prominent feature of the shrine.
Someshwar Mahadev Temple: The prehistoric Someshwar Mahadev Temple is also referred to as the Shivkoti temple. This temple is placed in the Naini village in close proximity to the Sangam on the banks of the “River Yamuna” that is in front of the Allahabad Fort. The Someshwar Mahadev temple is devoted to Deity Shiva. The construction of this gorgeous temple is simply superb. Placed in Bhangarh at a distance of about 80 kms from the Alwar region, the Someshwar Mahadev Temple is the major attraction to the voyagers who visit Bhangarh with lot of devotion. You can also participate in the divine festivity of the wedding of Lord Shiva with divinity Parvati and be pleased about the sacred event.
Manihara Mahadev Temple: The Manihara Mahadev Mandir is placed at a distance of about 3 km from the Baran town. This is a 600 year ancient temple and has the divine statues of Hanumanji and Mahadevji. It is bounded by a range of lush trees and quiet ponds. The temple is popular for a yearly Maha Shivaratri celebration. The “Sarvjanik Sanstha Dharmada” has been endorsed as the concierge of Manihara Mahadev Mandir temple by the regional administration.