Ujjain, May 20: The renowned Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, witnessed a magnificent Bhasma Aarti early Wednesday morning. Devotees from across the country and abroad queued up from late Tuesday night, eager to catch a glimpse of Baba Mahakal.
During the Bhasma Aarti, the devotees were blessed with the vision of both the formless and the manifested forms of Baba, filling the temple complex with chants of “Har Har Mahadev.”
The temple doors were opened after receiving permission from Veerabhadra, and Baba was offered Hariom water, sourced from the Kotitirth Kund located within the temple premises. This was followed by an abhishekam with Panchamrit and the adornment of Mahakal with bhang and dry fruits. After placing bel leaves and the moon on Baba’s head, along with the sacred Tripura tilak, the Bhasma Aarti concluded.
Devotees in long lines participated in the Bhasma Aarti, seeking blessings from Baba Mahakal. The formless aspect of Baba is considered beyond birth and death, while the manifested form represents worldly existence. Together, these two forms illustrate different facets of the universe.
There are specific guidelines for participation in the Bhasma Aarti. Men are required to wear dhoti and angavastram (kurta-pants are not permitted), while women must wear sarees.
Historically, ashes from funeral pyres were used for the Bhasma Aarti. However, to maintain cleanliness and purity, it is now prepared from specially crafted pure cow dung cakes. These cakes are ignited with sacred wood from mango, peepal, or palash trees, along with camphor, while chanting Vedic mantras.
Online bookings for the Bhasma Aarti can now be made a day in advance. Previously, devotees had to purchase tickets at the temple counter, but now they can secure tickets online for a nominal fee.
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NS/PM
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