Bhavnath Fair

The evening leading up to the midnight ritual of Mahashivaratri, at the wrestling grounds, or akhada, next to the temple, the naga bavas gather for a ritual involving a blend of dance and martial arts.

The Bhavnath Mahadev temple is a shrine ensconced in myths and legends of the Puranic era. The Shiva linga here is said to have emerged of its own divine intention. Reportedly, when Shiva and Parvati were traveling over the Girnar Hills their divine garment fell over the present Mrigi Kund, making this place an auspicious site for Shiva worshippers. Even today, the naga bavas are known to bathe in the holy Mrigi Kund before joining the Mahashivaratri procession. The fair itself is so ancient that its precise origins are unknown.

The city of Junagadh is only a few kilometers from the fairgrounds at the foot of Mt. Girnar. From there, Gir National Park is only 60 km into the forest, and the city of Porbandar is 112 km away on the west coast. Also accessible is Veraval, where the rebuilt temple of Somnath stands proudly. Further along the coast is the former Portuguese colony of Diu.