MUMBAI: Maha Shivratri is one of the most revered and celebrated festivals, where people from around the country gather to witness the Maha Poojan. Siddharth Arora, who essays Mahadev’s role in &TV’s Baal Shiv, and an ardent devotee, celebrated Maha Shivratri in his hometown, Varanasi, at Kaal Bhairav Mandir.
Talking about his visit to Kaal Bhairav Mandir and the Maha Shivratri celebrations, Siddharth Arora, essaying Mahadev’s character in &TV’s Baal Shiv, said, “Har-Har Mahadev! Humare saare darshako ko aur Shiv bhakto ko Maha Shivratri ki bahut saari badhiyan. The sacred festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with full faith and devotion across the country. Being a Shiv Bhakt myself, I celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm and devotion every year. This year, I visited the Kaal Bhairav Mandir in Shiv Ki Nagri, Varanasi, to mark the celebrations and seek blessings. People from all around the city and even outside the city come down to join the grand celebrations. Shivaratri is a great festival of convergence of Shiva and Shakti. As per Indian Mythology, at midnight, it is believed Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Linga; hence devotees worship Shiva Linga during Maha Shivratri. I visited the Kaal Bhairav Mandir early morning and offered milk, water, and fruits to shivling. The temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples, which is believed to be the ‘Kotwal of Varanasi’ (protector of Varanasi) and without his permission, no one can stay in Kashi. Bhairav is considered a fearsome manifestation of Lord Shiva who wears a garland of skulls and carries a club of peacock feathers”.
The actor further adds, “It was indeed a surreal experience. Seeing the grand celebrations was magnificent, and the chanting of “Har Har Mahadev” with lakhs of Shiv Bhakts was such a spiritual experience. In addition to that, I also visited the other temples for darshan and pooja with my family. I offered Jal (water) honey, milk, tulsi, Kumkum, bhang, dhatura flower, and bael leaves to Shiv Linga. Havana Abhishek was being performed in temples where devotees gathered in large numbers and took baths in the river Ganga.”
Siddharth is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, and talking about his devotion, he says, “I have always been a big Lord Shiva bhakt and grown up listening to his several stories and stutis. With his blessing, I got an opportunity to portray Mahadev’s role in &TV’s Baal Shiv. I could not have asked for anything more. People have appreciated my work and showered me with tremendous love and affection. I feel truly blessed. Mahadev’s character is and will be one of the most landmark moments for me, personally and professionally. I am thankful to everyone who has contributed to it, especially the makers, creative writers and especially my friends, family and fans who have supported me through this journey.”
Watch Siddharth Arora as Mahadev in &TV’s Baal Shiv, airing at 8:00 pm, every Monday to Friday.