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Bhavnath Mahadev Mela is held at the site/location where the famed Bhavnath Mahadev temple stands. The temple stands at the base of the Girnar hills in Gujarat’s Junagadh city. The temple has its roots in myths and the history of the fair held around the temple is as ancient as that of the temple. The fair has a frenzy and spiritual fervor about it and is held on the holy muhurat of the Mahashivratri festival.
Bhavnath Mahdeva Mela
The fair is held during the time of Bhavnath Mahdeva temple in Junagadh in the state of Gujarat at the foot of Girnar Maountain. Girnar is the holy residence of nine Gods or Nathas who are believed to be spiritually uplifted souls with eighty four Sidhas. According to the Hindu calendar, the puja at the temple takes place in the midnight of the Mahashivaratri in dark half of the month of Magh which occurs on 14th day and it occurs somewhere in the month of February. With the start of the puja the Naga Sadhus, start their march sitting on their elephants and a palanquin is decorated which carries the statue of Lord Dattatreya. Unlike the Kumbha Mela, only three groups of saints take part in the holy bath. And the very special thing about the temple is that, Lord Shiva himself is believed to visit the temple on the occasion of Mahashivaratri.
History
There are no historical documents that specify the exact date when the Bhavnath temple was established. Going by local legends and folklores, a phallus (the cylindrical stony structure with a rounded head known as Shiva lingam symbolizing Lord Shiva) sprang up on its own. It is alleged that the raiment worn by Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati came to rest on the water-tank near the temple lending to the premises a divinity that has been revered since times immemorial. Devotees and tourists thronging the place are served with meals free of cost during the two religious events.
Best Time to Visit
A trip to the Bhavnath Temple can be planned either in Feb-March or during Oct-Nov around the time when the occasions are held. Alternatively, one can visit the shrine anytime between October and March.
How to Reach
Junagadh can be reached by train from Ahmedabad, Veraval, Sasan Gir, Rajkot, Una, and Delwada. You can arrive at Ahmedabad by air (the nearest airport to Junagadh) and then proceed to Junagadh by train or bus. Bhavnath village can also be reached by state bus or private bus from the abovementioned cities.
Gujarat fairs and festivals are well known world wide. It is due to the celebration of numerous fairs and festivals in Gujarat that it is also called the 'Land of fairs and festivals' Around 3500 fairs and festivals at Gujarat are celebrated all the year around. The fairs and festivals of Gujarat can be celebrated for the change of season, at harvesting time of a green field, on some religious event. The significance of Gujarat fairs and festivals is that they take you closer to the rich cultural diversity of the people there. You get to see the customs, ethics, values and beliefs of the people of Gujarat. Moreover, you also get to know the regional cuisine, clothes, etc, during the fairs and festivals of Gujarat. All the fairs and festivals at Gujarat are governed by solar and lunar calendars and are mainly religious in nature. One striking feature of the fairs and festivals in Gujarat is that one can experience the cultural and religious diversity of the place. Some of the fairs and festivals which are celebrated in Gujarat throughout the year are International Kite Festival, Diwali, Holi, Janmashtami, Kutch Mahotsava, Navratri, Shamlaji Fair, Modhera Dance Festival, Tarnetar Fair, Bhadra Purnima and Vautha Fair.
