Maha Shivaratri 2023
Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated in India. It is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva consummated his marriage. Mahashivratri is celebrated with devotion and great enthusiasm all over the country in India. It usually falls on the new moon day of the month of “Maghaa.” This year, Mahashivaratri falls on the 18th of February, 2023. There are around 12 Jyotirlingas in India which are considered to be the different manifestations of Lord Shiva. Make your Shivaratri 2023 memorable by visiting all or some of these Jyotirlingas during the Mahashivratri festival.
Somnath Temple, Gujarat
One of the most revered amongst the 12 Jyotirlinga, Somnath Shiv Temple is India's most visited pilgrimage site. The temple architecture speaks volumes about the Chalukya period. It was destroyed and rebuilt 16 times and has withstood the passage of time. Located in Gujarat, Kathiawad region, it is open every day from 6 am to 9 pm.
The aarti takes place greatly during the day at 7 am, 12 noon, and 7 pm. Don’t miss the “Joy Somnath” light and sound show that takes place between 8 to 9 pm every evening. Spend your Shivratri 2023 at this famous temple. You can take a train to the nearest station, Veraval, which is 5kms away from Somnath. You can take a bus to Somnath from Veraval railway station by booking them on the redBus app for a comfortable and safe commute.
Nageshwar Daarukavanam, Gujarat
If you are planning to visit Gujarat during the Mahashivratri festival, don’t miss out on this famous temple located on the coast of Saurashtra Kutch between Bait Dwarka and Gomati Dwarka. The holy shrine is situated in a sacred underground sanctum, and the 25-m tall Shiva statue overlooks a large and beautiful garden with unobstructed views of the pristine waters of the Arabian sea. Believed to be the destroyer of all types of poisons, this temple is visited by thousands of Lord Shiva devotees. The temple is open from 5 am to 9 pm on all days. You can participate in the darshan between 6 am to 12:30 pm and again in the evening between 5 pm to 9 pm.
Book your bus tickets on redBus for Shivratri 2023 from Jamnagar, which is the nearest airport to reach Dwarka to reach Nageshwar temple. You can even travel by rail to Dwarka or Veraval.
Bhimashankar, Pune
This beautiful temple is built on the banks of the famous river Bhima. Here the manifestation of Lord Shiva is structured in the form of a black rock depicting the Nagara architectural design. This temple is believed to have been built by the son of Kumbhakaran, Bhima. On Shivratri, there is a flood of devotees who visit this temple to pay their respects and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
Book a package to Bhimashankar through redBus in advance and visit this temple of Shiva for a memorable Mahashivratri 2023. The temple is open between 4:30 am to 12 noon and then again in the evening from 4 pm to 9:30 pm. It starts at 5 am and continues until 9:30 pm. During the Madhyan aarti, the darshan is closed for a brief period of 45 mins.
Kashi Vishwanath, Uttar Pradesh
In Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath is known as the golden temple and is one of the most sought-after JyotiMadhya among all the others. Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar built this temple in the 1780s; he was a Maratha monarch. Devotees believe this is where Lord Shiva resided and offered happiness and liberation to all.
The temple opens daily at 2:30 am and remains open till 11 pm. There are a lot of aartis and darshans that take place throughout the day. Note the timings in advance if you wish to be a part of any specific aarti or darshan during Shivratri 2023. Book your bus tickets on redBus and plan to visit Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi during the Shivratri festival. redBus has a lot of bus options on the route from Delhi to Banaras that suits everyone’s budget.
Rameshwar Temple, Tamilnadu
Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple is a beautiful Jyotirlinga temple dedicated to the god Shiva. Located in the picturesque backdrop of the sea on the thsuithu coast, it is famous for its decorated corridors, eye-catching architecture and 36 Theerthams. Known as one of the Char Dhams that devotees visit, it is believed to be where Lord Rama built a bridge to reach Lanka and rescue Sita from Ravana. The temple is open from 5 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 9 pm. You can do the darshan from 08 pm to 3 am. This Mahashivratri 2023, book a pilgrimage package to Rameshwaram using the user-friendly app or visit the official website of redBus. redBus offers transport to specific pilgrimage destinations in and around Rameshwaram temple at a nominal cost.
Mahashivratri finds a special mention in the list of Hindu festivals. redBus has tailor-made pilgrimage packages that offer a hassle-free experience for visiting these Jyotirlingam. You can choose your seat and book bus trips on the redBus app using your debit or credit card from the comfort of your home.