Celebrated on the 14th new moon day in the month of Phalgun or February according to the Hindu calendar, Mahashivratri (literally translates to ‘great night of Shiva’) is an auspicious and important festival of the Hindus. On this auspicious day, thousands are seen thronging Shiva temples making oblations of milk, water, flowers and Bael or golden apple at the shivlings.
This year the festival of Mahashivratri will be celebrated all over the world, particularly in India and Nepal on the 27th of February. But there are chances of rain at all major locations of religious importance. Here’s a look:
Kedarnath/Badrinath – Since the most unpleasant and unforgettable incident of heavy rain and floods in Kedarnath last year, the rain gods seem to be something of a constant fear. Tomorrow too, the weather in North India, particularly in Kedarnath which nestles the most important jyotirlingas will be rainy due a Western Disturbance which is currently moving across the region. Rain is expected to be light in Kedarnath, Badrinath, Amarnath and Joshimath, but heavier in Uttarkashi.
Ujjain – Mahakaleshwar Temple is situated in the ancient and historic town of Ujjain or Avanti in Madhya Pradesh, on the river Kshipra which is one of the four locations where the Kumbha Mela takes place. Ujjain, where Mahakala or the ‘great destroyer in the form of time’ resides, has already received 24 mm of rain in the last 24 hours. And with the weather in Central India turning out to be the rainiest in the month of February, rain is expected to occur tomorrow and continue for another day with lighter intensity.
Varanasi – Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh hosts thousands of tourists every year at the Vishvanatha temple (situated on the banks of river Ganga). Vishvanatha is undoubtedly among the oldest and most famous temples of Lord Shiva. Varanasi is expected to receive good amounts of rain tomorrow which is likely to for about a day. This will bring down the maximums to about 20 to 22⁰C.
Deoghar – Another important town of Shiva is Deoghar in Jharkahnd were lies Baidyanath Jyotirlinga temple, also known as Baba dham and Baidyanath dham. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Shiva. During Shravani Mela saffron-clad Shiv devotees or Kawads cover a distance of 105 kilometres on foot up to the temple. Other than Deoghar, other cities in Jharkand to receive rain for 24 hours will be Chatra, Garhwa, Ranchi and Daltongunj.
While for women, Mahashivratri is an auspicious festival to observe fast and offer prayers both to Lord Shiva and Parvati for a peaceful and blissful married life, for many others it is a celebration of bhang and thandai.
Photo by incredibleindiatravels.
