Mahashivratri, one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, will be celebrated with grandeur in Varanasi on February 26, 2025. The city will witness a spectacular royal procession (Peshwai) as seven Akharas take to the streets and rivers, making their way to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This majestic event, marked by the presence of thousands of Naga Sadhus, ascetics, and devotees, will start from five key ghats of Varanasi, culminating in a divine spectacle at the temple.
The Grand Peshwai Procession
The Peshwai, a traditional royal journey symbolizing the arrival of the Akharas, will include majestic horses, elephants, chariots (bagghis), and boats, making it a unique spiritual and visual treat. Thousands of Naga Sadhus and saints from across India will take part in this grand procession, exuding the deep-rooted traditions of Shaivism and the ascetic way of life.
Starting Points of the Peshwai
The seven Akharas will begin their journey from five different ghats in Varanasi:
- Rajghat – Departure point for Agni Akhara.
- Adi Keshav Ghat – Departure point for Anand Akhara.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat – Starting point for Avahan Akhara.
- Shivala Ghat – Starting point for Mahanirvani and Atal Akharas.
- Hanuman Ghat – Departure point for Juna, Niranjani, and Anand Akharas.
The royal processions will follow different routes, eventually converging at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where they will pay homage to Lord Shiva.
Timings and Participation of Akharas
- The Juna Akhara, the largest and most prominent among all, will lead the procession, accompanied by Niranjani, Anand, Agni, and Avahan Akharas, starting at 6:00 AM.
- The Mahanirvani and Atal Akharas will set out together at 12:00 PM, bringing thousands of saints and devotees in a grand spectacle of devotion and discipline.
- More than 5,000 Naga Sadhus and saints will take part in the procession, making their way towards the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
The Procession Route and Highlights
The procession will be marked by the grandeur of chariots, decorated elephants, and the rhythmic beats of drums and damrus. Devotees will gather in large numbers to witness the event, showering flowers and offering prayers as the Akharas march forward.
The route of the Peshwai will be as follows:
- Agni Akhara will start from Rajghat at 4:00 AM and travel via Hanuman Ghat to join other Akharas.
- Anand Akhara, starting from Adi Keshav Ghat at 5:00 AM, will pass through Dashashwamedh Ghat to Godowlia before joining Juna Akhara.
- Juna Akhara and other associated Akharas will begin their journey from Hanuman Ghat at 6:00 AM and proceed towards the temple in a grand procession.
- Mahanirvani and Atal Akharas will start at 12:00 PM from Shivala Ghat, following a different route but eventually reaching the temple.
The spectacle will include 12 grand chariots, decorated with flags, sacred symbols, and images of Lord Shiva. Traditional band ensembles, including drummers, trumpeters, and conch-blowers, will accompany the saints, creating an atmosphere of divine energy and devotion.
Key Religious Leaders Participating
The event will be graced by some of the most revered saints and Mahamandaleshwars from different Akharas. Key figures include:
- Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj (Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhara)
- Swami Narendranand Saraswati (Peethadheeshwar of Sumeru Peeth)
- Swami Kailashanand Maharaj (Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Niranjani Akhara)
- Swami Balkananand Giri Maharaj (Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Anand Akhara)
- Shri Mahant Ravindra Puri Maharaj (Leader of Panchayati Akhara Niranjani)
- Thanapati Vivek Bharti (Leader of Mahanirvani Akhara)
These saints, along with thousands of disciples, will lead their respective Akharas in the grand procession.
Special Arrangements for Darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Given the overwhelming influx of devotees and saints, the administration has made special arrangements to ensure smooth darshan at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. According to CEO Vishw Bhushan, the following measures have been put in place:
- Dedicated entry through Gate No. 4 for Naga Sadhus and saints.
- Time slots assigned for each Akhara to avoid overcrowding.
- Security personnel deployed to manage the massive footfall.
- Arrangements for three hours of special darshan and pooja for Akharas inside the temple.
Unique Aspects of Mahashivratri 2025 in Varanasi
Two Akharas to Travel by Boat
For the first time, two Akharas will travel by boat to reach their destination, adding to the uniqueness of the celebrations:
- Anand Akhara will begin its journey from Adi Keshav Ghat at 5:00 AM and proceed via Dashashwamedh Ghat to Godowlia.
- Agni Akhara, departing from Rajghat at 4:00 AM, will join the main procession at Hanuman Ghat.
Spiritual Significance of Peshwai and Mahashivratri
The Peshwai procession is a deeply spiritual event, symbolizing the arrival of ascetic warriors who have renounced worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Mahashivratri itself holds profound importance in Hindu tradition as the night of Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, Tandava, and his divine union with Goddess Parvati.
In Varanasi, one of the holiest cities for Shiva devotees, the celebrations take on an even greater significance. Devotees engage in night-long vigils, special pujas, and Rudrabhishek rituals, seeking the blessings of Mahadev for prosperity, wisdom, and spiritual growth.
Conclusion
Mahashivratri 2025 in Varanasi promises to be a historic and spiritually enriching experience. With the grand Peshwai procession, thousands of Naga Sadhus, royal chariots, and the divine aura of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the festival will be a spectacle of faith, devotion, and tradition. Devotees from across the world are expected to gather in the sacred city to witness and participate in the celebrations, making it a once-in-a-lifetime event.
As the city prepares to welcome Shiva devotees, the air in Varanasi will resonate with the chants of “Har Har Mahadev!”, uniting all in the glory of Lord Shiva.
