Mahashivratri 2022 - Dates of Mahashivratri In India

Mahashivratri 2022 is approaching, and here is the blog regarding Mahashivratri, which covers various topics like as Significance of Mahashivratri, Beliefs related to Mahashivratri, How the Mahashivratri festival is celebrated at various shiva places, about fast, etc. Next year Mahashivratri falls on 1st March 2022, and it is the most significant festival in the Indian spiritual calendar. 

Maha Shivratri Festival

In Hindu tradition, Lord Shiva is known as the creator and destroyer of the universe. Maha Shivratri Festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is celebrated once a year. This marks various fascinating traditions, and it is celebrated across India.

The difference between Shivratri and Maha Shivratri is made up of two different worlds, "Shiva" and "Ratri," in which Shiva refers to the "Lord" whereas "ratri "refers to the "night." The word "Maha" in the "Mahashivratri" stands for "Grand/Great." Maha Shivratri is the "GREAT NIGHT OF SHIVA," which is celebrated and dedicated to the supreme deity. Shivratri occurs every month. The 14th day of every lunar month is Shivratri. So, out of a total of 12 Shivratri's in a Hindu calendar year that occurs a day prior to the new moon, this auspicious Maha Shivratri festival usually occurs in February or March according to the western calendar.

There is a powerful natural rise of energy by changing planetary positions on this night. It is said that staying awake (Jagaran) all the great nights of Shiva is highly beneficial for an individual's physical and spiritual wellbeing.

Beliefs Regarding Mahashivratri

Worshippers request lord shiva and celebrate the Mahashivratri to seek his blessings as he is the supreme divinity and known for his wisdom.

There are some beliefs regarding the festival Mahashivratri, such as this auspicious festival falls on the 14th day of the lunar moon of the (Marathi) month of Phalguna. Some also believe that on this day, Lord Shiva performed Tandava Nritya; according to worshippers, this saved the universe from destruction. On the day of Mahashivratri, some Hindu believers say Lord Shiva drank the poison (from Samudra Manthan) to protect this universe.

Whereas, the real belief about the Maha Shivratri festival is it marks the wedding day of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and that is the main reason why couples and singles worship Shiva on this day to pray for a happy married life.

How is Mahashivratri Celebrated?

This Mahashivratri festival is celebrated across India with zest, whereas it is a holiday in most states. This festival is also celebrated by the Hindu population of Nepal and Mauritius, Sri Lanka. This is celebrated by offering Bael (Bell leaves) to lord shiva by all-day fasting and chanting sacred shlokas and mantra (Om Namah Shivay) in various Shiva Temples. 

Some special Mahashivratri puja like Mahashivratri Abhisheka is also held across homes and temples throughout the state.

How to Observe a Fast on Mahashivratri?

Among many beliefs, the thing that remains constant is the love and dedication of worshippers for Lord shiva, the dedication with which all the believers celebrate this auspicious Mahashivratri festival across the country. 

Devotees observe a fast (Shivratri Vrat) on this day and worship the Shivlinga with Panchamrut (Panchamrut consists of water, milk, fruits, bael leaves ). This Shivratri Vrat is different from the one followed during other Hindu pujas where worshipper eats food after performing the deity. This Shivratri Vrat continues day and night.

Before you start, stay calm and meditate to relieve all the anxiety and stress.

There are a total of Five Types of Fast that you can take, which are:

• Without water and food (Nirjala Upwas)
• With water only.
• With liquid just like fruit juice and soups.
• With fruits only.
• With light food.

Drink maximum water to stay hydrated. People with some health issues like diabetes, digestive problems, or pregnancy should not opt for other than liquid or fruit-based fast. Fast helps in detoxification.

People who observe fast with light food can choose from Sabudana Khichdi ( Tapioca), buckwheat Puri (Kuttu Puri), water chestnut flour Halwa (singhara atta halwa), pumpkin soup /halwa with rock salt. The whole day of Mahashivratri spends by chanting the Panchakshari mantra (Om Namah Shivay) and Shlokas.

Mahashivratri Vrat Importance

• Setting the mental stage for deep meditation.
• Increasing the power of prayers.
• Frees the mind from negative emotions.

Mahashivratri at Various Shiva Places

For years and years, all the shiva temples on this day turn into significant pilgrims sites where no of the devotees come and offering prayers to the beloved Shiva. The festivity at major shiva temples In India makes for quite a delightful spectacle.

One of the major Shiva temples In India is Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, and it is one of the sacred jyotirlingas out of 12 jyotirlingas, such as 

• Somnath (Gujrat)
• Malikarjuna (Shrisailam in Andhra Pradesh)
• Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh)
• Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh)
• Kedarnath (Himalayas)
• Bhimashankar (Maharashtra)
• Vishwanath (Varanasi),
• Vaijyanath (Jharkhand)
• Nageshwar (Dwarka)
• Rameshwaram (Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu)
• Grishneshwar (Aurangabad, Maharashtra)
• Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra).

During the week, devotees came here from all over the state to worship Shiva and seek his blessings. There are no various temples dedicated to deities in this small town on the river Godavari bank.

In the state of Parvati, Himachal Pradesh celebrates this fest with zest. Also, in Ujjain, one of the prime destinations to celebrate this festival, devotees gather here and observe fast for two days. In south Indian states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, this auspicious day is celebrated as the sign of lord Shiva's Tandav Nritya. In Kerala's kadapra kainikkara temple celebrates this festival with decoration and folk music. There are so many ways of celebrating the great night of Shiva in various states in one country.

Significance of Mahashivratri

Mahashivratri is significant for all those people who are on the religious and spiritual path, people who are in family situations. It was the day when Shiva conquered all his enemies.

The day of Mahashivratri is considered as significant for the reasons which are given as below:

• Freedom from the Past deeds or bad karmas.
• Get salvation (Moksha) from the birth-death cycle.
• Married women get marital bliss and prosperous life.
• Unmarried women worship for being blessed with ideal husband life, Lord shiva.

Mahashivratri 2022 important dates and time

All the auspicious time and dates of Mahashivratri 2022 are listed here:

• Maha Shivratri Date: 1st March, Tuesday.
• Chaturdashi Tithi Begins - 1st March 2022 03:16 AM 
• Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – 2nd March 2022 Time: 01:00 AM 
• Ratri First Prahar Puja – 2nd March 2022 Time: 06:40 PM to 09:44 PM
• Ratri Second Prahar Puja – 2nd March 2022 Time: 09:44 PM to 12:47 AM
• Ratri Third Prahar Puja – 2nd March 2022 Time: 12:47 AM to 03:50 AM
• Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja – 2nd March 2022 Time: 03:50 AM to 06:53 AM
  

Top 10 Places to Visit near Trimbakeshwar

Trimbakeshwar is renowned for its religious identity, as there are so many old temples situated on the banks of the Godavari River in which you will see beautiful scriptural prints.

Here you will see the top 10 most attractive places in Trimbakeshwar, situated at a reasonable distance, where you can make a trip to explore more of Trimbakeshwar.

Also, please do not ignore the beautiful climate of Trimbakeshwar (Nasik), which makes it an ideal weekend place for people in Mumbai, Pune. So, in case you are planning a short trip to this beautiful ancient city, then start your journey with the beauty of ancient temples.

TRIMBAKESHWAR TEMPLE, NASIK

Word Trimbakeshwar is coming from "Tri Ambaka – Triambaka," which means Lord who has three eyes. Trimbakeshwar is a religious place having one of the twelve Jyotirlinga. The holy place of Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is situated 28 km far from the grape city Nasik. Trimbakeshwar is primarily known for Trimbakeshwar Temple, Bramhagiri Hill, Kushavarta Tirtha (Holy pond), Nil parvata, Shri swami Samarth Gurukul pith Kendra, Shri Gajanana Maharaj temple, and Panchavati Nasik. Trimbakeshwar Temple is a holy place known for Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga and is also known as one of Tirtha kshetra positioned in the town of Trimbak, Nasik. It is believed that Performing rituals, poojas, and other Vidhi's at Trimbakeshwar will be more beneficial and fruitful than performing Pooja at other places in Trimbakeshwar Nasik. 

Suppose you are new or visiting Trimbakeshwar Temple. In that case, there are also so many historical and other famous mythological places that are considered as the specialty of Trimbakeshwar and located near it where you can go and spend your entire day. Thus, below are brief of some famous places in Trimbakeshwar Temple.

The Trimbakeshwar Temple Is an ancient temple of shiv linga (Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga), which has three faces symbolizing Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva (lord Mahesh). All other Jyotirlinga has Lord Shiva as the supreme deity. Trimbakeshwar is famous for Jyotirlinga out of twelve Jyotirlinga situated in the Nashik district. Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshawe built this ancient facing west temple in 1755. Trimbakeshwar Temple is especially recognized for appealing scriptures and architecture. The temple's height is fifty-six ft, and Sabha mandap (hall) is built of 40*40 ft; Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is built with black basalt stone. The temple has four doors in all main directions, and the fifth one is to the Trimbakeshwar trust office side.

KUSHAVARTA TIRTHA (HOLY POND)

Kushavarta Tirtha exists at the center of Trimbakeshwar town. It has great religious and mythological significance. At Kusha Varta Gautam, Rishi caught sight of a flow of the Ganga Godavari River, and he obstructed the flow of the river with the help of a blade of grass. Thus it is called Kushavarta Tirtha. It is believed in Hindu tradition that takes a bath in Kushavarta Tirtha is freed from all types of sins and curses. The line "Jyahe karave kushavarti snan, tyache kailasi rahan," is said by Shri. Namdev Maharaj states that one who takes a bath in holy Kushavarta Kunda will live in Kailas (Lord Shankara and Goddess Parvati).

BRAHMAGIRI HILLS

Bramhagiri Hills are a famous mountain range in Maharashtra, situated in the Nashik district, where the holy river Ganga originated. It is a hill (Giri) of Lord Brahma, which appears in many mythological scriptures. According to them, it is said that Gautam rishi and his wife, Goddess Ahilya, resided here at the Bramhagiri hill. And Saint Gautama worshiped Lord Trimbakeshwar to bring the holy river Ganga in this Bramhagiri. Thus, the river is known as River Gautami in the Bramhagiri hills. Bramhagiri Mountain is considered a huge form of Lord Trimbakeshwar; therefore, climbing is believed to be a sin in olden times. The height of Bramhagiri hill is 4248 ft from sea level. It takes approximately five hours to climb the Bramhagiri Mountain by stone steps.

GANGADWAR

The great River Godavari is originated at the Bramhagiri hill. When Lord shiva hit hits, long grown hairs (called Jatt) on the rock and water came out as a never-ending source, and it also disappears. But then it is seen on Gangadwar hill again; thus, the place's name becomes "Gangadwar." It is a miracle to see water coming out from the rock in Brahma Giri hill. At Gangadwar, there is the temple of Goddess Shri. Kalambaka Mata and Shri. Gorkhnath and Shri. Macchindranath. To reach Gangadwar, 750 stone steps need to climb.

ANJANERI FORT AND WATERFALL

Anjaneri fort is known as the birthplace of the Lord. Hanuman. Anjaneri fort is located near Trimbakeshwar, 20 km far from Nashik. The name of Anjaneri fort is given after the name of Lord. Hanuman's mother, "Anjani," this place has a mythological significance. There is Anjani Mata temple at the hill summit.

This place happens to be a trekking spot with the trails which leads to the summit point of the mountain by caves, waterfalls, lakes and spectacular nature view.

NIVRUTTINATH MAHARAJ TEMPLE

Nivruttinath was a Marathi Bhakti saint, a yogi of Vaishnava Nath tradition. Shri. Nivruttinath was the elder brother of Saint Dnyaneshwar (who was the first varkari Saint). After Samadhi of Shri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, Nivruttinath Maharaj left the Alandigaon with his sister Muktabai for the pilgrimage (Yatra). Then Nivruttinath Maharaj attained Samadhi; thus resting place is located near Trimbakeshwar, where the temple of saint Nivruttinath Maharaj is built.

NILPARWAT (NILPARWAT HILL)

Nilparwat is a hill situated on the northern side of Trimbakeshwar. It takes 250 stone steps to climb the Nilparwat. At the Nilparwat hill, there is a temple of goddess Shri. Nilambika and other Lord such as Shri. Matamba Devi and Lord. Dattatreya temple is an attractive one.

SHRI SWAMI SAMARTH KENDRA

Another beautiful place to visit is Shri Swami Samarth Kendra is Dindori affiliated Kendra situated 2 to 3 km away from Trimbakeshwar and at the foothill of Brahma Giri hill. Akhil Bhartiya Shree Swami Samarth "Gurupeeth" Trimbakeshwar Temple of Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj is a beautiful example of Vastu shastra. Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj is widely considered the fourth form of Lord Dattatreya (Hindu deity) and Lord Narasimha Saraswati's reincarnation. A huge and beautiful statue of Shri swami Samartha is established at Gurupeeth along with a statue of four Hindu goddesses (i.e., Tuljabhavani Devi's statue Renukamata Devi, Mahalaxmi Devi, and Saptashrungi Devi). On the premises of Shri Swami Samarth Kendra, a hall of prayers, "Yadnyashala, hermitage (ashram, Sabhamandap for servers and banyan tree (Vatvrukshika) are an attractive place to see.

SHRI GAJANAN MAHARAJ TEMPLE

A huge temple of Shri. Gajanana Maharaj is built near Trimbakeshwar. A proven man Sage Gajanana Maharaj appeared in 1878 at shegaon in Buldhana district of Maharashtra. This Gajanana Maharaj Temple in Trimbakeshwar is a structural replica of the original temple in Shegaon. There is a lodging facility provided, along with dinner at reasonable for devotees. Shri. Gajanan Maharaj attained the "Sinhasta Kumbhmela" in Trimbakeshwar, as remarked in holy scripture, Gajanan Vijay.

NASHIK

Nashik is a sacred city where lord Shri Rama, Shri Laxmana, and goddess Sita stayed (At Tapovan) when they were dwelling in the forest. The city is situated at the bank of the holy river." Godavari." The temple-like Kapaleshwar here is the best example of sculpturing caves such as Seetagumpha, Pandavlenis, chambhar Leni, and falake memorial are attractive places to visit.

Nashik is also known as "Grape city."

So, this are the brief information of the 10 places to visit near Trimbakeshwar, where you can spend your weekend by exploring ancient temples and beautiful mountains.