Maha Shivarathri is one of the major festivals celebrated only in honor of Lord Shiva. Fasting and prayers are the way devotees across the world celebrate this night. The religiosity of this festival is somewhat distinct compared to other holidays. For an extraordinary experience, it is tradition to visit a holy site.
This year, Maha Shivaratri 2025 falls on February 26. Hence, here is a list of some of the best places to celebrate Maha Shivaratri that will fulfill this divine wish. These places are famous for myriad social functions, saints’ worship, and enchanting spiritual feel.
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Mahashivratri 2025 Date, Time & Significance
Mahashivratri Date – Wednesday, 26th February 2025
Disciples also abstain from food and even spend an entire day in rituals and prayers to Lord Shiva. Some devotees also attend the “jaagran” held in various Shiva temples nationwide. This night is more common among celibates because Lord Shiva is deemed ascetic in nature and abstemious. Thandai, which includes bhang (cannabis), almonds, and milk, is mainly consumed by the devotees on the day, as bhang is believed to be of special liking to Lord Shiva.
Why is Maha Shivratri celebrated?
There are many myths regarding the occasions of Maha Shivratri which we find in society. However, there is widespread opinion about this festival, such as the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. People are also eager to know the difference between Shivratri and Maha Shivratri also.
Thus, it is not wrong to say that Shivratri and Maha Shivratri are celebrated for different reasons. Apparently, Seva also regards Shivratri as a festival because Lord Shiva swallows the world for blue poison during Samudra Manthan. This is why lord Shiva later became known as ‘Nil Kanth.’
List of The Top Places to Celebrate Maha Shivaratri 2025
1. Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi—The Holiest Shiva Temple
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in India. It is also the location of the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is associated with Shiva. For these reasons, this temple has earned its place in the top places to celebrate Maha Shivaratri list.
Why Visit Kashi Vishwanath?
- It is among the twelve Jyotirlingas, which is an aspect of Lord Shiva.
- People pray all night, chanting Har Har Mahadev.
- The Aarti of Ganga at Dashashwamedh Ghat is quite enchanting.
Things to Do:
- Offer bilva leaves and milk to Shiva.
- Take a holy dip in the Ganges.
- Witness the Shiva procession in the city.
- All the same, Varanasi is a city of holiness, the power of which is indisputable.
2. Kedarnath, Uttarakhand: A Divine Himalayan Retreat
Kedarnath is revered as one of the most important temples of Shiva. This temple is located in the Himalayas region with all the serenity one could wish for and the divine feeling inside.
Why Celebrate Maha Shivaratri Here?
- This is one among the twelve Jyotirlingas.
- This pilgrimage is considered to bring about the purification of sins.
- The majestic mountains surround the temple.
Things to Do:
- Go to the special Maha Shivaratri prayers.
- Meditate in a serene environment.
- Visit the nearby Vasuki Tal, which is a sacred lake.
But Kedarnath is closed in the winter season. Thus, it is advisable to check the opening dates before going there.
3. Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain: Witness the Bhasma Aarti
One of the most significant and renowned locations to celebrate Maha Shivaratri is the Mahakaleshwar Temple of Ujjain. This temple is well-known for its morning ritual, which is called the Bhasma Aarti.
Why Visit Mahakaleshwar?
- It is one of the Twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.
- The Bhasma Aarti is performed using ashes only.
- The Maha Shivaratri festival is celebrated throughout the city in a very big way.
Things to Do:
- Attend the Bhasma Aarti at 4 AM sharp.
- Take part in the Shiv Barat (Shiva’s procession).
- Look at the beauty of Ram Ghat and get a glimpse of Kumbh Mela.
Hence, Ujjain offers the best destination for a grand celebration, especially one related to spiritual significance.
4. Somnath, Gujarat—The First Jyotirlinga
Somnath is one of the twelve sacred temples of Shiva. This is also one of the Jyotirlingas in India and is considered to be the first one of all.
Why Visit Somnath?
- It has much religious significance.
- Maha Shivaratri is worshipped with bhajans that are sung at night.
- The temple is situated almost on the shore of the beautiful Arabian Sea.
Things to Do:
- The laser and sound show is held in the evening.
- Perform the puja rituals during the Holy Maha Shivaratri festival.
- Also visit Bhalka Tirth, which is located near Somnath.
In the same way, the spirituality reflected at the temple is admirable and can touch one’s soul.
5. Pashupatinath, Nepal: A Grand International Celebration
Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath Temple is identified as one of the top locations to celebrate Maha Shivaratri outside the country.
Why Visit Pashupatinath?
- It is one of the sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
- A large number of sadhus and devotees come here.
- The evening aarti at Bagmati River is truly breathtaking.
Things to Do:
- Engage in Holy discussions with other believers.
- Observe the unique Nepalese rituals.
- The oil lamps are lit in thousands.
- In the same way, the atmosphere of the temple is holy and wonderful to behold.
6. Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh—The Temple of the Wind God
The temple houses an idol of Vayu Lingam, which is well-known in the town of Srikalahasti.
Why Celebrate Here?
- It is known to be one of the Panchabhoota Lingam temples.
- Rudrabhishekam is performed on a large scale during Maha Shivaratri.
- The environment is quiet and serene.
Things to Do:
- Offer prayers for dosha removal.
- Visit the Swarnamukhi River.
- Experience the sacred night-long bhajans.
That is why this place is so suitable for immersing oneself in spirituality.
The Bottom Line
Maha Shivaratri is the most significant festival, celebrated on a night dedicated to devotion. Having the privilege to be at one of the top places to Celebrate Maha Shivaratri would definitely make the experience divine.
To sum up, any of the three – Varanasi, Ujjain, or Somnath – will bring transformation. Therefore, “Hurry up, decide your travel plan, welcome the divine frequencies, and go for the blessings of Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri.”
