The Bhavnath Fair is a traditional fair held annually near Junagadh in Gujarat, India. It typically takes place at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and located at the foot of Mount Girnar. The fair is held at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, situated close to Junagadh in Gujarat. The temple itself is an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva. The Bhavnath Fair is a vibrant and significant cultural event held at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple in Junagadh, Gujarat, India. This fair takes place during the Hindu festival of Maha Shivaratri, typically in February or March, depending on the lunar calendar.
Key Highlights of Bhavnath Fair:
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Religious Significance: The Bhavnath Fair is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. It attracts thousands of devotees who come to pay their respects and seek blessings.
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Rituals and Processions: One of the main attractions of the fair is the procession of the Naga Sadhus (ascetic holy men) who arrive at the temple in a grand procession. They take a holy dip in the Mrigi Kund, a sacred pond near the temple, at midnight on Maha Shivaratri, which is considered an auspicious act.
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Cultural Activities: The fair also features various cultural performances, traditional music, dance, and folk art, providing a rich cultural experience to the visitors.
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Stalls and Handicrafts: Numerous stalls are set up during the fair, selling local handicrafts, traditional clothing, and other items. The fair is an excellent opportunity to experience the local culture and purchase unique souvenirs.
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Food: Local delicacies and traditional foods are available, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the fair.
The vibrancy and charm of the Bhavnath fair attract a multitude of tourists and devotees of Shiva and make Junagarh their second home in their will to become a part of mammoth experience. The ancient city of Junagarh is situated in the valley of Girnar Parvat & Datar hills. The fair is organized during the auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri, which usually falls in February or March according to the Hindu calendar. This festival marks the night of Lord Shiva's wedding anniversary and is celebrated with great fervor by his devotees.
Bhavnath Fair is held every year at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple near Damodar Kund, at the foot of Girnar Mountain. The fair falls on the same day as the extravagant and much-famed Maha Shivratri. Mahashivaratri is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. Devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and visit temples, particularly the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple during this time.
Bhavnath fair is dedicated to Lord Shiva and a lot of celebrations happen in the Shiva temples. Thousands of Naga Sadhus visit here and are the main attraction that makes this fair distinct from others. During the Bhavnath Fair, devotees and pilgrims gather in large numbers to participate in religious ceremonies, prayers, and rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva. Traditional folk music, dance performances, and other cultural activities also take place during the fair.
The scene there is amazing askydressed them is a new rather mysterious experience. The fair offers a vibrant cultural experience where visitors can witness Gujarat's rich traditions, including folk music, dance, and local cuisine. It's a significant event not only for its religious importance but also for its cultural heritage.
The Naga Sadhus are practically nude. They believe that the whole world is their home and the sky is like a cover so they do not need clothes to cover their bodies as they are sky-dressed. They have accepted it as part of their way of life.
All the Naga babas in the vicinity gathers at the time of maha puja on the fair site. They come seated on the elephants, holding flags in their hand and blowing conch shells, tennis, and turis; the environment is echoed with their sounds. The forward movement of the procession to the temple initiates an emotive religious ceremony.
The marching of Naga babas through the darkness of late evening (after 9 p.m.) of Mahashivratri is the grand attraction of this fair. The religious procession of Naked Sadhus features an exhibition of sword fight practices and other interesting activities. Only three akharas (groups of sadhus) participate in the display. The procession reaches its end finally at 12.00 in the midnig7-meter-long Bhavnath temple’s Mrugi kund (tank) where they take bath.
It is a five-day fair which concludes on the annual Mahashivclad day. Grandcolorof lord Shiva is conducted at midnight of Maha Shivratri.
Pilgrims take 7 meter long parikrama of the holy hills of Girnar, before going to the fair. About one lakh people, mainly from Gujarat and Marwad, claded in bright colour come here every year. Special temporarily set stalls sell idols, rosaries, and mospiritstering sweets.
Devotees believe that Lord Shiva himself visits the shrine on this auspicious occasion. The nine immortal Nathan and eighty-four Siddhas which is said to be homed at Girnar also visit the temple with colorful spirit during Mahashivaratri.
The organizers provide free meals to visitors. The atmosphere is rhythmic. The musical notes of local folk music in the air and the view of beautiful folk dances mealbhavai in colusdresses is awesome. The handicrafts & rituals belief worn by devotees and tribes that come to Bhavnath Fair capture the senses of every mankind.
Richness of our culture is on display during the whole mela as it meets ourself with our roots, customs, practices, ritual, belief. This fair is a really beautiful background, passionate, intense, and mystic.
Legends
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The Legend of Bhavnath Mahadev Temple: The temple itself is believed to be ancient, with its origins dating back to mythological times. According to local legends, it was built by Lord Krishna's son, Sambh, after he was cured of leprosy by Lord Shiva's blessings at this very spot.
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The Tale of Narsinh Mehta: Narsinh Mehta, a revered saint-poet of Gujarat, is associated with the Bhavnath Fair. It is said that he used to attend the fair and sing devotional songs dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva, captivating the hearts of all who heard him.
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The Mythical Aspects: There are stories of how during the fair, various mythological beings and celestial deities descend upon Mount Girnar to participate in the festivities. This adds a mystical aura to the entire event, making it not just a religious gathering but a cosmic celebration.
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The Spiritual Significance: Mahashivaratri, the main occasion of the fair, marks the night when Lord Shiva performs his cosmic dance, the Tandava. Devotees believe that observing rituals and prayers during this night can bring blessings, purification, and spiritual upliftment.
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Cultural Heritage: Over the centuries, the fair has become a melting pot of Gujarat's diverse cultural heritage. It showcases traditional music, dance forms like Garba and Bhavai, local arts and crafts, and delicious Gujarati cuisine. This cultural richness enhances the spiritual experience for pilgrims and visitors alike.
How to Reach
The Bhavnath Fair is held at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple near Damodar Kund, at Girnar Taleti, 8 km from Junagadh. The distance of Junagadh is just a few kilometers from the fair ground at the foot of Mt. Girnar.
Junagadh has a major railway station, and is also connected by ST buses to cities around the state. The nearest airport is in Rajkot which is 110 km away.
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