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The Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, situated at the
foot of Mount Girnar in the city of Junagadh
is the site of the Bhavnath Mahadev fair held for five days in February,
during the festival of Mahashivratri.
OBEISANCE TO LORD SHIVA: THE DESTROYER
The worship of Lord Shiva takes place at midnight in this temple on the
14th day of the dark half of the month of Magh, corresponding with the
month of February. When the 'puja' (prayer ceremony) starts, 'Naga Babas'
(naked sages) living nearby, move towards the fair seated on elephants,
holding flags and blowing conch shells. It is firmly believed that Lord
Shiva himself visits the shrine on this occasion.
Girnar is said to be the abode of the nine 'Nathas' (lord and protector),
who are immortal and eighty-four 'Siddhas' (spiritually elevated souls),
all of whom also visit the temple in their invisible spiritual bodies.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS:
Visitors are served free meals by the organizers. Special stalls sell
idols, rosaries or holy beads brought by vendors from Ayodhya and Mathura,
utensils of brass and copper, sweets and fruits. The Bhavnath Mahadev
Temple is surrounded by many equally ancient and holy places.