Mahashivratri In Varanasi

Mahashivratri In Varanasi

India is a country where festivals are celebrated with great mirth and vigour. There are several festivals which are observed throughout the country such as Holi, Diwali etc. But Varanasi being one of the oldest cities in the world celebrates certain special festivals such as Mahashivratri etc. Mahashivratri in Varanasi is celebrated in the month of February or March. Mahashivratri in Varanasi has great importance in Varanasi.

HISTORY OF MAHASHIVRATRI IN VARANASI:

The origin of Mahashivratri in Varanasi traces its origin long back in the Hindu mythology. According to mythology, in the ancient days there had been an occasion of churning of the Ocean Milk conducted by the Devas or Gods and Asuras or Demons. They were churning the Ocean Milk in order to get the “amrita” or the water of divine life. During the process of churning, along with many other unnatural substances lethal poison came out. As any one tried to touch the poison it tended to burst out. This frightened the Devas. They approached Lord Brahma and Vishnu in order to seek a solution. But they could not solve the problem. Then it was Lord Shiva who saved the universe from the destined ruin. He gulped the entire venom. As a result a blue mark was left on his throat.

CELEBRATION OF MAHASHIVRATRI IN VARANASI:

Although the entire country celebrates Mahashivratri festival, it is in Varanasi that the celebration takes a different shape in terms of massiveness. Tourists can catch a glimpse of the procession which occurs during the Mahashivratri festival from Maha-Mritunjaya temple to kashi Viswanath Temple.
Varanasi is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati. This is the reason why Mahashivratri in Varanasi is celebrated with great mirth and vigour. It is on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Phalguna that Mahashivratri in Varanasi is observed. This particular day of the month of February or March is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. All Hindus celebrate the festival.

In Varanasi on this particular day all Shiv Temples are decorated with great care. On that day one can see a marriage procession of Lord Shiva being set out from Mahamritunjaya Temple to Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

OFFERINGS BY DEVOTEES:

Large number of people flocks at the Shiv Temples on that particular night. Offerings by the devotees include milk, Dhatura, flowers, coconut, fruits etc. Devotees observe fasting thought the day before offering puja to Lord Shiva.

Book Varanasi hotels now