Devotees across India are gearing up for the grand celebration of Mahashivratri, which falls on February 26, 2025. This auspicious festival, dedicated to Lord Shiva, honors his sacred union with Goddess Parvati. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as thousands of worshippers plan to flock to various temples to offer their prayers and seek blessings.
Among the prime locations for this year’s celebrations is the iconic Babulnath temple, known for its rich history and deep-rooted significance. The temple trustees, acknowledging the influx of devotees, are preparing to welcome the faithful, but with certain restrictions to protect the shrine. "Only (water) jal abhishek is permitted," stated Nitin Thakker, the temple trustee. This decision follows concerns about Shivling erosion, which means offerings like milk, sandalwood, and rough substances will not be accepted this year.
Meanwhile, devotees have noted the rising prices of traditional offerings, with bilva leaves costing around Rs 2,500 per kilogram and mogra flowers at Rs 1,500 per kilogram, making it challenging for many to adhere to ritualistic practices. Religious fervor resonates throughout the city as chants of "Om Namah Shivaya" echo in temples across Mumbai, amplifying the day’s spirituality.
According to Mukesh Kanojia, the manager of the Babulnath temple, the jal abhishek of the Shiv Linga will commence at midnight and continue until 11:00 AM, allowing ample opportunity for devotees to engage with the sacred rituals throughout the day. The temple’s practices will see visitors come for darshan, hoping to imbibe divine energies believed to be more potent on this auspicious night.
At another important temple located at Sri Sankara Mattham, the festivities kicked off early with traditional rituals including Mahanyasam and Ekadasa rudra Japam on Tuesday. Throughout the night leading up to Mahashivratri, devotees participated in rigorous prayer sessions and rituals which included bathing the Shivling with milk, honey, and sacred waters — characteristics of vibrant worship expected during this holy period.
Chinmaya Jagadeeshwara temple also marked its celebrations early, with religious programs set to commence at 5:00 AM on Mahashivratri, allowing devotees to engage for over 19 continuous hours of worship, singing, and meditation. Volunteers at the temple are gearing up to facilitate darshan and kirtan events, creating nurturing spaces for reflection and fellowship among worshippers.
At the historic Balrajeshwar Mahadev temple, established over 125 years ago, the celebration started with a shobha yatra late on Tuesday night, symbolizing the vibrancy and tradition of the festival. Devotee Vishal Khatri expressed excitement, stating, "Darshan to all devotees will start from 2:00 AM onwards. Prasad will be available to all devotees on Maha Shivratri day." This inclusive spirit showcases the communal aspect of the festival as families and individuals unite to celebrate their faith.
Security measures are also heightened across Mumbai to manage the anticipated large crowds. The Thane police have deployed 350 officers, including two assistant commissioners and several inspectors, to control the influx of worshippers, particularly at the ancient Shiva temple at Ambernath where lakhs of devotees arrive. The police encourage worshippers to limit their vehicle use until designated parking areas and to continue their journeys on foot, ensuring smoother access to the temples.
Communities are also encouraged to come together, rejecting any sense of inconvenience. Local authorities have made arrangements to maintain travel routes to Ambernath and other temples, creating fair-like atmospheres featuring stalls with offerings and services for the weary devotees.
Further extending beyond Mumbai, the celebrations of Mahashivratri mark the culmination of various events such as the Maha Kumbh Mela taking place at Prayagraj, where attendees also engage deeply with the cultural and religious significance of this time.
This year’s Mahashivratri promises deep collective engagement as worshipers seek connection with the divine, reflecting on the themes of creation, preservation, and destruction embodied by Lord Shiva. The festival serves as not only a religious observance but also as a cultural landmark uniting communities and celebrating the resilience of faith.