Famous Temples in India

Architecture

Bhavnath Mahadev Temple has an entrance arch in Golden color. In the middle of temple there is a koneru and at the entrance of temple there is a big shiva linga which is beside of the shrine. Even today, the naga bavas are known to bathe in the holy Mrigi Kund before joining the Mahashivaratri procession. Visited by religious minded devotees all along the year, the shrine witnesses maximum footfalls on two religious occasions - during Maha Shivaratri and 'Girnar Lili Parikrama'. On the occasion of 'Maha Shivaratri' that is held sometime towards the end of February or beginning of March, Bhavnath fair is organized for 5 days. The fair starts with a procession of 'Naga Bavas' (naked sages) seated on elephants, holding flags and blowing conch shells move towards the temple to participate in the Mahapuja performed at the midnight of Shivaratri. The naga sages before proceeding towards the Bhavnath Mahadev temple take a ritualistic bath in the Mrigi kund. It is firmly believed that Lord Shiva himself visits the shrine on this occasion. In the month of October-November during the period of five days concluding on the full-moon day of Kartik Month 'Parikrama' is held after hoisting of Dhaja on this temple. The parikrama or circular travel goes on for five days, covering a distance of about 37 km around the Girnar Mountain. It has got very much importance and is compared to the Lili Parikrama of Govardhan mountain in Vraj. It is believed to be pious because Lord Dattatreya is believed to be staying on Mount Girnar for these five days and his devotees move around the Mount to pay their homage to Lord Dattatreya.