Bhavnath Mahadev Temple – Gujarat

Address

Bhavnath Mahadev Temple – Bhavnath, Junagadh District, Gujarat 362004

Diety

Mahadev Amman: Parvati

Introduction

Mahadev Mandir is an ancient Shiva temple situated at Bhavnath village near Junagadh. At a distance of 5 km from Junagadh Junction, Bhavnath. Located at the foothills of Mount Girnar, it is one of the most popular temples in Gujarat and among the top places in Junagadh. Bhavnath Temple in Junagadh is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shivling here is said to have emerged of its own divine intention. The Bhavnath Mahadev temple existence dates back to the ancient era and its story is found in the Puranic era. According to myth, once a while Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati were crossing the Girnar hills and then their divine garment fell over the present Mrigi Kund, making this place an auspicious site for Shiva worshippers. Even today, the naga bavas are known to bathe in the holy Mrigi Kund before joining the Mahashivaratri procession.

Puranic Significance

The Bhavnath Mahadeva temple existence dates back to the ancient era and its story is found in the Puranic era. The temple is dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva and it is believed that the Shiva Lingam present here was born out of the divine intention of making this place, a place of worship of Lord Shiva. As per the story about the place as mentioned in many religion scriptures, Once a while Lord Shiva and his beloved Parvati were crossing the Girnar hills and then inadvertently their sacrosanct garment fell on the Mrigi Kund and from then this place became an auspicious location to worship Lord Shiva. To celebrate the purity of the place, even today, naked sadhus here take bath in the Mrigi Kund before the celebration of Mahashivaratri. The Bhavnath Mahadev temple itself is so ancient that the story of its origin is not known to people.

Special Features

There are two main annual festivals: Maha Shivaratri and Girnar Lili Parikrama The Bhavnath fair is a five-day occasion in Magha month of Hindu calendar, in the month of February-March, culminating with the most auspicious worship of God Shiva, at midnight of Maha Shivaratri, which is thronged by hundreds of Naga Sadhus [naked Sadhus] of Dashanami Sampradaya, taking dip at Mrgi kund and offering their prayers at the temple. People believe that God Shiva himself visits the shrine here on this holiest day. Devotees go around the holy hills of Girnar, before the fair. Lakhs of pilgrims from Mewar, Kutch and Gujarat visit the temple

Festivals

Two festivals are celebrated every year at the Bhavnath Temple. In the month of October-November on the full-moon day, “Parikrama” is held after hoisting of the Dhvaja on this temple. A strong belief is prevalent that on this day Lord Shiva himself visits the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple. The parikrama or circular travel goes on for five days, covering a distance of about 40 km around the Girnar Mountain. In the month of February-March, on the No-Moon-Day of Magha month, “Maha Shivratri” is celebrated at this temple.