Ujjain, March 20: On the second day of Navratri, a massive crowd of devotees gathered at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain to witness the morning Bhasma Aarti.
On the second date of the Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month, the divine adornment of Baba Mahakal was on full display, attracting devotees who had queued up since the night before. The Bhasma Aarti commenced at 4 AM, during which Baba was worshipped with traditional rituals.
The doors of Baba Mahakal were opened at Brahma Muhurta. Following this, Baba was bathed with Panchamrit, made from milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and fruit juices, before the Bhasma Aarti began, accompanied by chanting and the sounds of drums.
This Aarti is performed by the Mahanirvani Akhara, who offer Bhasma to Baba Mahakal while chanting mantras. During this time, Bhasma is sprinkled on the Shivling, symbolizing the formless aspect of the divine. Baba grants his devotees a vision of both the formless and the manifested.
After the Aarti, Baba was adorned in a special manner. He was beautifully decorated with a clear Tripund on his forehead and the moon, wearing a new crown and a garland of flowers. Fresh Bilva leaves were offered, and colorful flower garlands enhanced the attractiveness of the adornment.
The temple resonated with chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev.” The Bhasma Aarti lasts for nearly two hours. The sacred Bhasma is prepared by burning cow dung cakes made from the dung of Kapila cows, along with wood from Shami, Peepal, Palash, Bargad, Amaltas, and Ber trees.
In addition to the Bhasma Aarti, the Mahakaleshwar Temple hosts six other Aartis throughout the day, including Balbhog, Bhog, Poojan, Sandhya, and Shayan Aarti. The Bhasma Aarti holds special significance, serving as a spiritual experience for devotees. Women are not allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum; they view the proceedings from Nandi Hall or barricades.
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NS/AS
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