"Mahashivratri" is one of the most important Hindu festivals in India. It is the day to recognize the Shiva Tattva and go deep within. The darkest night of the year - celebrates the Grace of Shiva. The planetary positions on the night are such that there is a powerful natural upsurge of energy in the Human System. Here are the best places or land of hope and glory to celebrate Mahashivratri:
1. VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH Varanasi is considered the city of Lord Shiva. "Tilbhandeshwar temple" organizes the five-hour long wedding procession of Shiva and Parvati in a grand manner. This is among the few places in India where people dance in processions after drinking bhang and thandaai.
2. MANDI, HIMACHAL PRADESH The temple of "Bhootnath" is situated at Mandi, also known as "Bhiuli temple", it organizes the biggest Mahashivratri Mela in the country. It is not only attended by Indian's but also by intercontinental tourists as well.
3. UJJAIN, MADHYA PRADESH Mahashivratri is celebrated largely in Ujjain's "Mahakaleshwar Temple" which is one of the 12 worlds famous Jyotirlinga. The festival is celebrated on the banks of River Kshipra.
4. PURI, ORRISA It is said that Lord Rama himself mounted the LINGA in the "Lokanath Temple" in Puri. The Shiva Linga is situated in the inner chamber of the temple which is visible to devotees only once in a year.
5. KHAJURAHO TEMPLE, MADHYA PRADESH Mahashivratri is celebrated with great splendor and dedication, people here take a dip in the Sagar tank along with a large number of people visiting the "Matangeshwar Temple" for the 10 days long fair.
6. HARIDWAR & RISHIKESH, UTTARAKHAND The "Neelkanth Mahadev Temple" is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated at the height of 1330 meters in Rishikesh. Haridwar, known for it's "Ghats" is visited by people who offers prayers at "HAR KI PAURI."
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Worship of 'maha jyotirlinga' in 'shubh mahurat' will make your prayer fruitful on this Shivratri