Pitru Paksha is one of the famous rituals observed largely at Morbi Rafaleshwar Mahadev Temple in Gujarat. In 2023, Pitru Paksha begins on September 29 and ends on October 14 with Mahalaya Amavasya.
Rafaleshwar Mahadev Temple near Morbi of Gujarat is one of the famous Shiva Temples in Western India. This temple was built by Maharaja Lukdhirji of Morbi state in 1946. According to some other sources, it is said to be built by King Ripu on a ‘Swaymbhu Shivlinga’ (self-originated Murthi of Lord Shiva).
According to the history of the temple, inscriptions available and the restored stone plates at the temple, the Kings of Morbi have renovated the temple many times.
There are five Shivalingas at the temple – One main Shivalinga (presiding deity) and the four lingas that are installed by the Kings with their names.
In Rafaleshwar Mahadev Temple, three-day fair (Rafaleshwar Mela) is held during Shravan Amavasya as per Gujarati calendar. Thousands of devotees visit the temple during the Mela not only from Gujarat but also from Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.