Former Cricketer Suresh Raina Joins Bhasma Aarti at Ujjains Mahakaleshwar Temple

Ujjain, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina attended the Bhasma Aarti at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on November 13. A large number of devotees gathered to witness the divine rituals and seek blessings from Baba Mahakal.

Raina, who visited the temple with his brother and nephew, expressed his joy after the darshan. “It feels wonderful to be here. I experienced a unique level of energy. The arrangements are quite good, and devotees have been lining up since 12:30 AM for a glimpse of Mahakal. Everyone is dedicated to serving him,” he said.

The morning ceremony began with the opening of the temple gates, accompanied by drums and traditional music, following the blessings of Lord Veerabhadra. After the divine adornment and Bhasma Aarti, devotees were allowed to see Baba Mahakal.

The temple echoed with chants of “Jai Shri Mahakal” as the atmosphere filled with the sounds of bells, conch shells, and mantras. As the temple doors opened, rituals included a ceremonial bathing of Lord Mahakal with Panchamrit, a sacred mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and fruit juices.

During the worship, offerings were made by the first bell, and after the aarti with camphor, Baba Mahakal was adorned with a crown. The Bhasma Aarti was then performed with the accompaniment of traditional instruments, including jingles and drums.

Baba Mahakal, decorated with silver, tridents, and crowns, received an enthusiastic response from the devotees, who chanted in unison. Many had queued since the night before to witness the sacred Bhasma Aarti, a ritual believed to transform Baba Mahakal from formless to a visible divine presence.

As per tradition, the Bhasma Aarti is performed by the Mahanirvani Akhara, and attending this remarkable ceremony draws numerous devotees to the holy city of Ujjain, where they feel blessed by the experience.