The Bhavnath Maha Shivratri Mela is a famous religious festival held at Bhavnath Mahadev Temple near Girnar Hill in Junagadh. It is celebrated every year during Mahashivratri and attracts many devotees and saints from all over India.
People come here to offer prayers to Lord Shiva, take a snan and attend special rituals and aarti. The mela also includes cultural programs and creates a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
In 2026, the Bhavnath Mela will start from 11 February to 15 February. The main and important night is Mahashivratri night. This is not just a normal temple festival. It is a big religious fair.
Quick Summary of Mahashivratri 2026
Here is a quick overview of the key details for Mahashivratri 2026 at Bhavnath Mahadev Temple.
- Festival: 11–15 Feb 2026
- Venue: Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, Girnar Taleti, Junagadh, Gujarat
- Peak: 15 Feb Mahashivratri Night + Midnight & early morning rituals
- Rituals: Damru Yatra, Ravedis, Naga Sadhu Procession, Shahi Snan, Midnight Aarti
- Access: Train + Local Transport / GSRTC Buses Available
- Accommodation: Dharamshala, tents, dormitory and hotels around Junagadh
Bhavnath Temple Location & Significance
| Location | Mangnath Road, Bhavnath Village, Girnar Taleti, Junagadh |
Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, near Damodar Kund in Girnar Taleti (Junagadh, Gujarat), hosts this annual fair. Many people believe that Lord Shiva blesses this place on the night of Mahashivratri. That is why this festival is very special.
Mahashivratri Mela at Bhavnath 2026 Dates
The Bhavnath Mela runs for five days from 11th to 15th February 2026. Get all details of the Maha Shivratri 2026 Date and Time at Girnar’s Bhavnath Temple.
| Date | Day | Key Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 11 Feb 2026 | Wed | Flag hoisting & official fair start |
| 12 Feb – 14 Feb 2026 | Thu-Sat | Cultural programs, bhajans, rituals |
| 15 Feb 2026 | Sun | Mahashivratri Night – Main festival |
| 15 Feb Midnight | Mon (early 16th) | Shahi Snan with Naga Sadhus |
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 5:04 PM on February 15, 2026
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 5:34 PM on February 16, 2026
- Nishita Kaal (Main Midnight Puja): 12:09 AM to 1:01 AM on February 16, 2026
Bhavnath Temple Timings During Mahashivratri
During the Mahashivratri, the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple often remains open 24 hours.
Major Puja Timings & Panchang Notes
| Puja/ Event | Time & Details |
|---|---|
| Ravedi Yatra | From 10:00 PM onwards — Naga sadhus gather and begin the sacred Ravedi procession |
| First Prahar Puja | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Second Prahar Puja | 9:30 PM – 12:30 AM |
| Third Prahar Puja | 12:30 AM – 3:30 AM |
| Fourth Prahar Puja | 3:30 AM – 6:30 AM (next day) |
| Shahi Snan | After midnight worship (12:00 AM) — Naga sadhus take a sacred dip at Mrigi Kund |
| Midnight Maha Aarti | A profound worship ceremony with burning diyas and continuous Shiva mantra chanting |
Daily Schedule
During Mahashivratri, the following rituals and daily schedule are observed at Bhavnath Mahadev Temple.
11 Feb 2026 – Opening Day
- Flag Hoisting Ceremony: Marks the start of the festival with ritual chants and devotional music. A grand Damru Yatra begins at 7:00 PM from the Bhavnath temple entrance. Grand entry under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Harshbhai Sanghvi and saints from different arenas across the country.
- Evening Maha Aarti: Followed after the procession at the temple.
- Cultural programs & initial devotional sessions continue late into the night.
12 – 14 Feb 2026 – Festival Days
- Cultural Programs: Folk music, bhajans, performances by artists. (Maithili Thakur, Suresh Wadekar).
- Spiritual Discussions & Chanting: Daily evening and morning sessions for chanting Shiva mantras (Om Namah Shivaya).
- Pilgrim Activities: Annakshetra, bazaars and social services for devotees.
A special evening of bhajans and cultural programmes will be held at Bhavnath Mela.
- As per the schedule, performances will be by:
- Nanavati Brothers
- Vipulbhai Trivedi
- Darpit Dave
A concert by modern hip-hop Gujarati artists Aghori Muzik will also take place.
- Visitors can enjoy:
- Lokgeet (folk songs)
- Folk Dayro
- Light & Sound show
- Many devotees attend these programmes after the Bhavnath temple darshan.
15 Feb 2026 – Mahashivratri Night (Main Festival)
This is the night of Mahashivratri, a time when Lord Shiva is worshipped with special rituals, chants and midnight puja.
Ravedi Route & Timing Bhavnath Mahashivratri Fair
The biggest highlight of the mela is the Ravedi, a grand procession of Naga Sadhus.
For 2026, the government has extended the Ravedi route because of the large crowd.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 2026 |
| Reason for Route Extension | Large crowd expected |
| Total Distance | 2 km |
| Earlier Distance | 1.5 km |
| Starting Point | Bhavnath Taleti area |
| Route Path | Passes through different Akhara camps of Naga Sadhus |
| End Point | Mrugi Kund, inside Bhavnath Mahadev Temple |
Ravedi Route Timeline
- Old Akhada Site – Starting Point
- Mangalnath Ashram Road
- Vanand Samaj Road
- Shernath Bapu Ashram Road
- Khodiyar Ashram
- Anand Ashram Road
- Lal Bapu Ashram Road
- Toraniya Utaro Road
- Panch Agni Akhada Marg
- Bhavnath Temple (Mrugikund) – Ending Point
Ravedi Timings 2026
The 2026 Bhavnath Mela Ravedi will take place on the night of Maha Shivratri and continue into the early hours of February 15, 2026.
| Time | Ritual |
| 6:00 PM | Sadhus start gathering at akhadas. |
| 8:30 – 9:30 PM | Naga Babas begin procession |
| 10:00 – 11:30 PM | Ravedi reaches the Bhavnath Temple area |
| 12:00 Midnight | Shahi Snan at Mrugi Kund (Main Event) |
| After Midnight | Maha Aarti & Darshan |
The procession traditionally starts after 9 PM and ends at midnight when sadhus take a snan in Mrigi Kund.
How to Reach Girnar (Junagadh)
Here are complete and easy details to reach Girnar from anywhere in India.
How to Reach Girnar By Air
The nearest airport to Girnar is Rajkot Airport, while a new international airport at Hirasar (Rajkot International Airport) also connects major cities.
Approximate Distance from Airports
| Airport Name | Distance to Girnar (Junagadh) |
|---|---|
| Rajkot Airport | 106 km |
| Porbandar Airport | 102 km |
| Ahmedabad Airport | 324 km |
From the Airport to Girnar
After reaching the airport:
- Take a taxi (3–5 hrs depending on the airport).
- GSRTC buses are available from Rajkot/Ahmedabad to Junagadh
Best Option: Rajkot Airport → Taxi/Bus → Junagadh → Auto to Girnar Taleti
How to Reach Girnar By Train
The nearest railway station is Junagadh Junction (JND), just 5 km from Girnar.
Major Direct Train
- Ahmedabad → Junagadh
- Rajkot → Junagadh
- Surat → Junagadh
- Mumbai → Junagadh
- Somnath → Junagadh
After reaching Junagadh station, you can take a taxi/auto/bus to Girnar.
- Auto rickshaw: 15 minutes
- Taxi: 10 minutes
- Bus: Available during festivals
This is the most convenient and budget-friendly option. It’s the best alternative to buses/roads if you’re travelling far.
How to Reach Girnar by Road
Junagadh is well-connected by highways across Gujarat.
Distance from Major Cities
The table below shows the distance from major cities to Junagadh to help you plan your travel easily.
| City | Distance | Travel Time |
| Rajkot | 103 km | 2–2.5 hrs |
| Somnath | 93 km | 2 hrs |
| Dwarka | 206 km | 5 hrs |
| Ahmedabad | 317 km | 7–8 hrs |
| Surat | 505 km | 11–12 hrs |
Bus Services for Bhavnath Mela
Planning for Bhavnath Fair: 195 Additional ST Buses and 7,800 Trips Arranged, Facilities for 370,000 Devotees.
Bus Routes – Mahashivratri Bhavnath
Specially organised bus routes will help devotees easily reach the Mahashivratri Bhavnath Fair venue during the festival period.
| Route No. | From | To | Fare | Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Junagadh ST Bus Stand | Near Vagheshwari Temple | Rs. 25 | 24 Hours | Every 5 Minutes |
| 2 | Near Vagheshwari Temple | Junagadh ST Bus Stand | Rs. 25 | 24 Hours | Every 5 Minutes |
For the Bhavnath Fair, authorities have arranged 195 additional buses and 7,800 extra trips, ensuring convenient travel facilities for around 370,000 devotees.
Buses Schedule – Junagadh Bus Stand to Bhavnath Temple
- The first bus of the day starts from 6:00 AM
- Buses depart every 15 minutes to reach Bhavnath Mandir
- Shri Rajput Seva Samaj – Junagadh, the buses are parked here
- Bus parking is near this property
- From the bus parking stand, Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is 3.2 Km
- Per person bus rate is: Rs. 25
- GOvt. Allocate 80 additional buses for this Mahashivratri Mela
- GSRTC buses (regular & sleeper)
- Private Volvo buses from Ahmedabad, Surat and Rajkot
- You will reach Junagadh Bus Stand, which is 4 km from Girnar.
Local Transport (Junagadh to Girnar)
Girnar is located about 7–10 km from Junagadh city and is easy to reach using local transport. Visitors can travel from Junagadh to the Bhavnath Taleti by auto-rickshaw, taxi, local bus, or shared jeep. These options are affordable, easily available and convenient for pilgrims and tourists.
| Transport Mode | Approx. Fare (One Way) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Rickshaw | Rs. 80 – Rs. 150 | Easily available |
| Shared Auto | Rs. 20 – Rs. 30 | Very common |
| Taxi | Rs. 300 – Rs. 500 | On request |
| City Bus | Low cost | Available in peak season |
| Travel Time | 10 – 20 minutes | — |
Girnar Ropeway Access
The Girnar Ropeway provides a fast and comfortable way to reach the Girnar hills, especially for visitors who want to avoid climbing 10,000 steps. You can use the Girnar Ropeway.
- Starting Point: Girnar Taleti
- Reaches near Ambaji Temple
- Saves 5–6 hours of climbing time
- Tickets available offline & online
Best Route From Major Cities
Below are the best routes to reach Girnar from major cities.
| Starting City | Route to Girnar |
|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad → Rajkot → Junagadh → Girnar |
| Somnath | Somnath → Veraval → Junagadh → Girnar |
| Dwarka | Dwarka → Porbandar → Keshod → Junagadh → Girnar |
Accommodation & Facilities
Here are accommodation options during Mahashivratri near Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, including dharamshala, guest houses and hotels in Junagadh, Gujarat.
Parab Yatrik Bhavan Bhavnath
450 meters from Girnar Taleti
Room Type
- 2 Bed AC Room
- 2 Bed Non-AC Room
- Community Hall
- Check-In: 12:00 PM
- Check-Out: 10:00 AM
Facilities
- CCTV
- Parking
- Hot Water
- Drinking Water
- Extra Mattress
Price
Starting Price
Rs. 250
Dolatram Bapu Ashram
1.3 km from Bhavnath Temple
Room Type
- 2 Bed AC Room
- 2 Bed Non-AC Room
- Non-AC Common Hall
- Check-In: 10:00 AM
- Check-Out: 09:00 AM
Facilities
- CCTV
- Food Facility
- Parking
- Hot Water
- Drinking Water
- Extra Mattress
Price
Starting Price
Rs. 650
Mangalam Yatrik Bhavan
210 meters from Bhavnath Mahadev Temple
Room Type
- 2 Bed AC Room
- 3 Bed AC Room
- 4 Bed AC Room
- Check-In: 1:00 PM
- Check-Out: 12:00 PM
Facilities
- Parking
- Meals
- CCTV
- Hot Water
- Drinking Water
Price
Starting Price
Rs. 1350
Samast Prajapati Ekta Bhavan
200 meters from Bhavnath Mahadev Temple
Room Type
- 2 Bed AC Room
- 2 Bed non-AC Room
- 3 Bed AC Room
- 3 Bed non-AC Room
- 4 Bed AC Room
- 4 Bed non-AC Room
- Check-In: 3:00 PM
- Check-Out: 3:00 PM
Facilities
- Parking
- CCTV
- Hot Water
- Drinking Water
- Extra mattresses
Price
Starting Price
Rs. 525
Tirthankar Neminath Bhavan
1.1 km from Bhavnath Mahadev Temple
Room Type
- 2 Bed AC Room
- Check-In: 24 hours
- Check-Out: 24 hours
Facilities
- Parking
- Meals
- CCTV
- Hot Water
- Drinking Water
- Lift
Price
Starting Price
Rs. 1575
Shri Vanza Gnati Dharamshala (Near Girnar Taleti)
100 meters from Bhavnath Mahadev Temple – (Opposite side of this Dharamshala)
Room Type
- 2 Bed non-AC Room
- Non AC Hall
- Check-In: 12:00 PM
- Check-Out: 12:00 PM
Facilities
- CCTV
- Hot Water
- Drinking Water
- Extra Mattress
Price
Starting Price
Rs. 1200
Machhoya Ahir Seva Samaj Dharamshala
200 meters from Bhavnath Temple
Room Type
- 2 Bed Non-AC Room
- 3 Bed AC Room
- 3 Bed Non-AC Room
- 4 Bed Non-AC Room
- 8 Mattress Room
- Check-In: 10:00 AM
- Check-Out: 10:00 AM
Facilities
- CCTV
- Parking
- Hot Water
- Drinking Water
- Extra Mattress
Price
Starting Price
Rs. 900
Shree Sanatan Hindu Dharmshala
450 meters from Bhavnath Mahadev Temple
Room Type
- 2 Bed AC Room
- 2 Bed Non-AC Room
- 8 Bed AC Room
- 8 Bed Non-AC Room
- Check-In: 24 hours
- Check-Out: 24 hours
Facilities
- CCTV
- Parking
- Hot Water
- Drinking Water
- Garden
- Pay At Check-In
Price
Starting Price
Rs. 300
There are many other popular accommodation options available in Junagadh, check it and book a comfortable and memorable stay in Junagadh through YatraDham.org.
Facilities & Visitor Information
- Special arrangements by the Gujarat Government
- Extra bus services to Junagadh
- Medical and security facilities
- Food stalls and shops are available near the temple
Lakhs of devotees visit every year, so planning in advance is recommended.
Mahashivratri Mela 2026 Traffic & Parking Route Map
This route and traffic map is made to help devotees visit the mela easily and safely.
The map clearly shows:
- Which roads are open and which are closed
- Traffic diversion routes
- Parking areas for vehicles
- Emergency services locations
- Entry and exit routes to the mela ground
Parking Information
Free Parking Spaces and Facilities for Mahashivratri Fair
Four-Wheeler Parking
| Parking Location | Address | 4-Wheelers | Toilets | Water Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dolarbhai Kotecha ni Jagya | Dolarbai Kotecha ni jagya | 4 | 10 | 1 |
| Hotel Toran | Near Mela Ground | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Kalubhai ni Vadi / Jamal Vadi | Kalubhai ni Vadi | 4 | 10 | 3 |
| Mahasagar Workshop Side | Mahasagar Workshop ni Baju | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Nichla Datar Ground | Nichla Datar Ground | 4 | 8 | 2 |
| Panjrapol | Panjrapol | 4 | 10 | 3 |
| Sasikantbhai Dave ni Vadi | Sasikantbhai Dave ni Vadi | 4 | 10 | 2 |
| Uparkot Demolition ni Jagya | Uparkot Demolition ni Jagya | 4 | 10 | 1 |
Two-Wheeler Parking
| Parking Location | Address | 2-Wheelers | Toilets | Water Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batukbhai ni Vadi | Batukbhai ni Vadi | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Keshubhai ni Vadi | Keshubhai ni Vadi | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Mangalya Party Plot | Mangalya Parti Plot | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Gurukripa Ashram Side | Near Mela Ground | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Virjibhai ni Vadi | Near Mela Ground | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Auto and ST Bus Authorized Vehicle
| Parking Location | Address | 3-Wheelers / Buses) | Toilets | Water Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bharadavaw Demolition Site | Near Mela Ground | 3 | 10 | 3 |
| Near Fire Station | Near Mela Ground | 3 | 10 | 2 |
| Near Vagheshwari Mandir | Near Mela Ground | Bus | 10 | 3 |
Important Instructions
Please read the following important instructions to ensure safe and smooth parking.
Emergency Contact Number – Junagadh Area
These numbers are to be used only in emergency situations. For general information, visitors are advised to use regular helpline numbers.
| # | Service / Department | Type | Landline | Mobile / Other Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District Emergency Management Center, Disaster Branch, Junagadh | ⚠️ | 0285‑2633446 | 0285‑2633447, 0285‑2633448 |
| 2 | Centralized Control Room – Bhavnath Police Station, Zonal Office, Data Chowk Info Center, Press & Media Stall | 🚨 | 0285‑2622500 | 0285‑2622501, 0285‑2622502, 0285‑2622503 |
| 3 | Police Department, Junagadh | 🚔 | 100 | 0285‑2630603, 0285‑2632373 |
| 4 | Fire Emergency & Disaster Branch – Mr. Vishal Timbadiya, Program Officer, Municipal Disaster Branch | 🚒 | 101 | 0285‑2620841, 0285‑2654101, 89800‑15469, 73833‑98337, 94274‑33979 |
| 5 | EMRI / 108 Ambulance Service | 🚑 | 108 | 80006‑14552, 74055‑18813 |
| 6 | Civil Hospital Emergency – Dr. Alpesh Salvi (Chief District Health Officer) & Dr. Pala Lakhanotra (Civil Surgeon) | 🚑 | 0285‑2960121 | 99099‑81895, 98252‑37200 |
| 7 | Help / Assistance Center – Central Bus Stand, Junagadh | 🚌 | 0285‑2630303 | – |
| 8 | City Traffic Police, Junagadh | 🚔 | 0285‑2655880 | 98242‑68229, 98253‑87517 |
| 9 | Forest Control Room | 🚨 | 0285‑2633700 | – |
| 10 | ST Bus Traffic | 🚌 | 63599‑18554 | – |
| 11 | PO Shri and POSI Shri, Bhavnath | 🚔 | 0285‑2653277 | 97272‑40151, 63596‑26783, 95866‑59487 |
| 12 | Railway Control Room | 🚌 | 0285‑2627150 | 97240‑97929 |
| 13 | PGVCL Control Room (Electricity) | 🚨 | 0285‑26212510, 0285‑2612516 | – |
Tourist Places in Junagadh
Junagadh is a historic city in Gujarat. It is famous for forts, temples, hills, lakes and old monuments. Information about the Historical and sightseeing places of Junagadh is listed below.
| Uparkot Fort | Girnar Hill |
| Bhavnath Temple | Ashoka Rock Edicts |
| Damodar Kund | Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden |
| Darbar Hall Museum | Adi Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuvo |
| Narsinh Mehta Lake | Willingdon Dam |
Mahashivratri Mela 2026 Bhavnath Photo Gallery (Naga Sadhu)
A photo story of spirituality and celebration at Mahashivratri Mela 2026.
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