The Farukhnagar fort, mostly in ruins now, although a few parts have been restored, reflects the magnificence of the Mughal era when it was flourishing. Salt mines in the region made it prosperous and Farrukhnagar flourished because of this until the late 19th century. It was later abandoned during the British Raj in the early 20th century. The Sitaram Mandir in the fort is an ancient temple dedicated to Rama and Sita.

Legend has it that when Rama and Lakshman reached Janakpuri with Sage Vishwamitra, King Janak welcomed them warmly. The next day Rama and Sita chanced upon each other in the palace gardens. Soon, Sita’s swayamvar was being held in which King Janak announced that the man who would successfully string Lord Shiva’s bow, Pinaka, would win Sita’s hand in marriage.

Kings and princes from numerous kingdoms tried unsuccessfully. The bow wouldn’t budge and no man could even lift the bow, leave alone string it.

Then Vishwamitra asked Rama to try his hand at stringing the Pinaka. Rama sought his teacher’s blessings and went forth. He easily lifted the bow and tied the string. As he tested it, the bow broke. The resounding crash that the breaking of the bow caused brought Parashuram to the palace. Furious that Shiva’s bow had been broken, he was eventually pacified when he realised that Rama was an avatar of Vishnu. Sita then garlanded Rama and they got married.

Thanjavur Brihadeeswara temple is one of the most ancient temples, situated in the city of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India. Thanjavur named after the legendary asura “Tanjan”, is one of the ancient temples in India. In ancient days, Thanjavur known as “The rice bowl of Tamilnadu,” was an important city to the ancient Cholas.

The most interesting part of this temple is the shadow of the temple, which surprisingly never falls on the ground at noon. The Brihadeshwar Temple is one of the tallest temples in the world and is so designed that the viman does not cast a shadow at noon during any part of the year.

At the entrance of sanctum sanctum, one can see the two idols of Ganesha in the corridor. On taping the two, you will feel the sound traveling through stone in one idol and through metal on the other. The main hall of the temple is said to have been used by the dancers and musicians performing in service of Shiva.

Located near the Rudra Sagar Lake in the south, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, this ancient temple has three storeys, dedicated to the Lords Mahakaleshwara, Omkareshwara and Nagachandeshwara. The sacred lingams of the two Gods along with the jyotirlingam of Mahakala are placed inside the temple. Upon entering the temple, one also sees the pious Kunda called ‘Koti Tirtha,’ which is constructed in the sarvatobhadra architectural-style. Near the most prominent Jyotirlingam, one can also catch a holy glimpse of the idols of Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya and Goddess Parvati – Lord Shiva’s family in the Garbhagraha. The main lamp, the ‘Nanda Deepa’ is eternally glowing in this magnificent shrine.

There’s no confirmation on when exactly the temple was constructed. However, as per the Puranas, it’s believed to have been built by Prajapita Brahma. In the olden times, the temple is believed to have been colossal and erected on massive wooden pillars. It did not have shikharas before the Gupta period. Then during the Paramara period, the temple that had seen crises from time to time was rebuilt, in the Bhumija architectural vein. Finally, during the 18th century A.D., the General Srimant Peshwa Baji Rao I and his loyal comrade Srimant Raanojirao Shinde Maharaj invested heavily in the renovation and revamp of the holy temple that stands proud in Ujjain today.

The temple, one of the most-celebrated temples in India, is famous for the sacred presence of ‘jyotirlingam,’ one of the 12, across India. A jyotirlingam has a colossal importance for all Shiva devotees, as it’s a manifestation of the Lord himself. The temple is also said to be one of the ‘Shakti-Peethas,’ believed to be an incarnation of the power of the Goddess Sati Devi.

Mahashivaratri

This special Lord Shiva’s day is celebrated jubilantly at the temple by all his devotees, a special fair is organized near the temple. Also, a procession of Lord Shiva and his consort is carried by his loyal devotees with great cheer and zeal, commemorating the holy marriage of the God-pair, Shiva and Parvati.

Harihara Milana

The festival is celebrated on ‘Baikuntha Chaturdasi’ and marks the meeting of the two great lords, the Mahakala and Dwarkadhisha. A special procession dedicated to both the Lords is carried out on this day in order to please them.

Nitya Yatra

Observed in the Avanti Khanda of the Skanda Purana, this festival is celebrated with solemn devotion by devotees which involves ablutions in the pious Sipra followed by visits to Mahakala and all other deities in the temple.

Sawari (Religious Procession)

A sacred procession of the idol of the Lord Mahakala is taken around the streets of the city with great joy and vigour.

Morning Pooja

It is performed from 7 to 7.30 a.m. (Between Chaitra and Ashwin) and from 8 to 8.30 a.m. (Between Kartik and Falgun) – this is to greet the Gods with sincere prayers in the morning.

The Mid -day Pooja

It takes place from 10 to 10.30 a.m. (Between Chaitra and Ashwin) and from 10.30 to 11 a.m. (Between Kartik and Falgun)

The Evening Pooja

It is conducted from 5 to 6 p.m. (Between Chaitra and Ashwin) and from 5.30 to 6.30 p.m. (Between Kartik and Falgun)

Aarti Shree Mahakala

It occurs from 7 to 7.30 p.m. (Between Chaitra and Ashwin) and from 7.30 to 8 p.m. (Between Kartik and Falgun)- the important evening prayer before the God.

Bhasma Aarti

It holds a great significance at the temple. During this special aarti no devotees are allowed inside. The main priests conduct this special Pooja for which devotees have to register in advance. Only after the aarti is performed, can the allowed devotees enter for Jalabhishek.