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Bhavnath fair: A holy event of Mahadeva in Junagarh, Gujarat
The Junagarh District of Gujarat is home to the quaint town of Bhavnath. However, during the Shivaratri holiday, this quaint village transforms into a site of enormous spiritual pleasure combined with plenty of secular parties and revelry. Part of the hamlet is the Mahadeva temple, an important meeting site for sages and spiritual leaders. In the meantime, the five-day Bhavnath Fair seeks to amuse visitors while giving locals an opportunity to earn some cash. You should definitely visit the Bhavnath fair in Gujarat for a number of reasons.
When translated, “Shivaratri” often refers to the festival observed on the Night of Lord Shiva. Every year, on the fourteenth night following the full moon in the Magh or Falgun month, there is a Hindu festival. There is a legend that says Lord Shiva and his beloved Devi Parvati were married on this same night. Some traditions state that on this night Lord Shiva began his Tandava dance, which was claimed to have almost destroyed the universe. Some think that the Lord took the poison that had been thrown into the atmosphere on this day, protecting creation while the sea was being churned for Amrit.
Procession
The Naga Sadhus, also known as naked sages, travel to the ceremony on elephants that are garlanded with ornate gems. Traditionally, the big puja begins with the blowing of conch shells and the holding of flags. The congregation is filled with newfound joy as this song reverberates around the room.
Beliefs
They believe that on the night of Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva pays a personal visit to the Girnar shrine. As a result, the temple at Girnar is regarded as one of the nine eternal Naths and 84 Siddhas, or learned masters.
Activities and Rituals
A significant number of pilgrims and devotees circumambulate the Girnar hills as part of the parikrama that occurs prior to the fair. They carry out this ceremony in this manner because they view it as sacred. This about 36-kilometer parikrama is performed by devotees who hope to get the Lord’s blessings. For those who enjoy the outdoors and trekking, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience as the parikrama brings participants face to face with the hidden gem of the hills’ natural beauty.
A Naga Sadhus ceremony is held the night before the puja, which includes martial arts and dancing. This ceremony is held at the wrestling grounds, Achada. It’s all the more fascinating because it combines martial arts and dancing. Before participating in the rites or the procession, they make care to bathe in the hallowed Mrigi kund, which is located on the grounds of the Bhavnath Mahadev temple.
Every year, more than one million tourists from all around the world come to the Bhavnath fair. In addition, an astounding number of tourists from abroad also swarm the fair. Members of the Ahir and Mer tribes of the Junagadhi are the most notable of these travelers. During this festival, Lord Shiva’s followers from all walks of life unite in an unequaled exhibition of ethnic diversity to experience the divine energy and be in awe of the wonderful rituals and pujas carried out in his honor.
The five days of the fair are filled with religious and festive feelings on each of the five days, and the number of attendees is increasing every day. By browsing the numerous booths offering exquisite handicrafts, artwork, and accessories, visitors may get a firsthand look at the local way of life and even take a small piece of it home with them.
Date of the Bhavnath Fair
The Bhavnath Fair Gujarat is held in conjunction with the Maha Shivratri event. This ceremony takes place in February and lasts for three days. This fair is well-known. Thanks to this significant event, the fair, the state welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world, both domestically and internationally. The magnificent atmosphere the fair produces makes it clear how important religion and ethnicity are to it.
How to reach to Bhavnath Fair
To go to Bhavnath, you have to travel to Junagarh, which is eight kilometers from the town centre. The fairground opens much earlier, though. Nevertheless, you are more than welcome to stay the night in Junagarh before traveling to the event. However, you could choose to stay at one of the many dharamshalas in the vicinity. The pilgrims now have the option to stay in tents, which the authorities have set up as a temporary housing option.
Observe the Naga Babas at Work:
Whenever the clock strikes twelve in the evening, groups of Naga Babas frequently head to the fairground. They live in a mountain retreat all year round, and they only come down from it for the Bhavnath Fair. They have given up all material possessions and are nearly naked from lack of clothes. They are known by the term Naga Babas, which translates to “naked Babas.” You may generally see them using classic weapons like swords and tridents, even if they are covered in burning ash.
You can go swimming in the Mrigi Kund
You are welcome to visit the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple’s Mrigi Kund, a sacred tank. It is very likely that the tank water contains sulfur. On the other hand, devotees maintain that this reservoir was created by accident when Shiva and Parvati’s clothing dropped here. There is also a widespread belief among the populace that Lord Shiva himself dipped here. Moreover, a lot of people say that underneath this tank is a hidden passageway that goes somewhere that nobody knows about; evidently, only the most progressive people are aware of it. If you dare, dive in! Although it’s entirely up to you, a lot of people do it here.
Winning the Goodwill of the Eternal Sages
Girnar Mountain is the site of the Bhavnath festival and is also home to Lord Shiva’s avatar, Dattatreya. This mountain is located exactly at its base. A lot of people also think that he is the only god who truly represents the trinity of Maheshwar, Vishnu, and Brahma. In addition, it is stated that nine Nathas, also known as Navnaths, reside on the mountain and guard the devotees from harm. This mountain is home to numerous sidhdhha, or enlightened souls, in their subtle forms. Even though their devotees are unable to see them, they bestow favor upon those who seek them.
Conclusion
Some people think that during the Shivaratri festival, the gods change into extraordinarily kind creatures and bless everyone who attends the fair. Therefore, everyone interested in spirituality must attend the Bhavnath market during Shivaratri holiday.
FAQs
Q 1. Could you inform me the location of the Bhavnath fair?
A. There are other names for the Girnar Maha Shivratri Mela (Fair) besides “Bhavnath fair.” The annual celebration of Maha Shivratri is held at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple in Junagarh, Gujarat, which is close to Damodar Kund. At the base of Girnar Mountain, there is a holy temple.
A 2. By whom was the Bhavnath Fair celebrated?
A. The main attraction of Shivaratri celebrations is the Bhavnath Fair. At the “Mela,” or fair, traditional Hindu rites and customs are on exhibit. Hindu customs that date back five millennia are among the many cultures and traditions that are on display at the Gujarat exhibition. The wise men and women and the believers have come up with a plan to create the most amazing party possible.
Q 3. In what year was the Bhavnath Mela first established?
A. Skanda Purana describes the festivities surrounding Bhavnath. According to legend, Shiva-Parvati’s precious gems dropped from her neck as she drove a chariot through the skies and landed close to the Bhavnath temple. It is called Vastra Putakshetra as a result.
