Shivratri Mela held in Junagadh Gujarat is one of its Kind. It starts with 5 Days Coutdown and Ends exactly on Midnight of Mahashivratri 🙌🏻 What makes it So Super Unique is the Presence of Naga Bawas in Huge Huge Numbers.
The First Divine Darshan of Naga Bawa -Mahashivratri Mela Junagadh 🙏🏻
Naga Bawajis are generally present in those 5 days of Shivatri No Melo in their Akhadaas. This Mela is one of those Divine Phenomena other than Kumbh Mela wherein – Bawaji come down to the Foothills of Girnar to be a Part of this Super Majestic Celebration “Mahashivratri Mela”
This is how their Akhadaas look like ✨- Mahashivratri Mela Junagadh
From where exactly do they come and where are they upto is quite a “Mystery ” in itself ! They are said to be Wandering and Meditating To and From Hills of Himalayas to Girnar ✨
Finally the Smoke 💨- Mahashivratri Mela Junagadh
Naga Bawajis belong to that Mystical Shiv Panth : whose only Aim in Life is Leading a Life which will impress : Reach out to Lord Shiva 🙌🏻 who is said to be the Ultimate truth of Creation – Survival – Death ✨
Lord Shiva ✨
Why and How did the Mahashivratri Mela start in Girnar –
The Mountain Ranges of Girnar is the Home to Lord Guru Datatre 🙏🏻
Guru Datatre
Lord Datatre is said to be the Principal of Mystical Aesthetic World : according to the Locals he is present in the Mahashivratri Mela for 5 long Days in the Form of Naga Bawaji.
The Celebration of the Naga Bawajis makes Shivaratri ka Mela so Unique!
Naga Bawaji’s : Being the Disciples of Lord Shiva : mark their presence Anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati And Are called as Shivji ke Baraati ✨
The Huge Procession of Naga Bawas – they are said to be Shivji ke Baraati 🙌🏻
As the Sun Sets on the Mahashivratri : the Procession (Baraat) held by Priests, Aesthetics and above Naga Sadhus start leaving their Akhadaas. While leaving the Akhadaas they do Entertain themselves
This Bawaji started shooting with the Bows and Arrows….
One of my Fav Click – Mahashivratri Mela Junagadh
and why not Officially it’s their Time to Shine And Officially join the Baraat !
Celebrations are Celebrated no matter by whom and How -Mahashivratri Mela Junagadh
While in Action – Mahashivratri Mela Junagadh
The Baraat heads towards the Bhavnath Temple wherein – there is Kund called as Mrugi Kund.
Mrugi Kund – Bhavnath Temple Junagadh
As in Kumbh Mela : the Holy Bath occupies a Special Importance of the Divine Experience ; in the Same Way Here the Holy Dip in the Mrugi Kund has to be exactly at 12 am. It is the Time for the Maha-Arti at Midnight which is supposed to the Beginning of the Shahi-Snan for the Yogis and the Bawajis.
the Divine Arti of Bhavnath at Midnight of Mahashivratri is an Experience in itself !
Yogis and Bawajis start gathering up for the Shahi Snan ✨
Chaos and the Holy Dip Mahashivratri Mela Junagadh
The Shahi Snan Mahashivratri Mela Junagadh
Before the Holy Dip of Yogis : Lord Guru Datatre is being Worshipped! Mahashivratri Mela Junagadh
The Holy Dip in Mrugi Kund . Mahashivratri Mela Junagadh
the Deep Mrugi Kund appeared to be a Swimming Pool – Mahashivratri Melancholy Junagadh
When I was about to plan for this Trip, I booked my tickets twice and cancelled as I was not sure whether “Will I able to click Pics of the Naga Bawaji’s as Ladies are generally not allowed ” but Somehow gathered all the Strength and went ahead with it 🙂 This trip would not have been without the Editorial team of http://www.divyabhaskar.co.in/ and my Biggest Supporters : My Family <3
I am happy you found the courage to go ahead and bring this detailed account for us. Lovely portraits!
I didnt even know Junagadh had its own version of Kumbh! Found this post really detailed 😀 Awesome job Pooja!
thanks a lot Vaishakhi 😀
How do you get them to pose for portraits? Amazing pictures Pooja!
thanks a lot Mam 😀 for the first Ganja Shot, Had requested ” Bapu ” the Sadhus are addressed as Bapu : When I wandered here and there for clicking, firstly everyone there were stunned and in shock as Not Many Girls or Ladies do come down and cover this Experience! I was accompanied by 3 of my brother so We would request Bapu I want to take your Click : especially with the Ganja Shot – I asked to blow the Ganja : And Bapu was like Posed Happily and also asked : Have you got it * after clicking that shot : I had tears rolling from my eyes 🙂
Great job. 🙂 Keep it up
thanks a lot Rushabh 🙂
Pooja , you have this rare talent of describing the event in captivating manner and with this Mini Kumbh Blogpost you have showed your true colors. You are a Brave girl , very few can manage to click Naga Sadhus so candidly.
thank you so much Sujata 🙂 Initially I planned and cancelled my plans 100 times bcoz of the Naga Sadhus but a Travelogue is above all that right, I need to capture the Essence of this Mystical Event 🙂 Also that is the reason : I was the only One Lady Blogger cum Photographer along with the Bunch of Print Media Journalist. This Blog post will always remain lose to my Heart 😀