Ujjain, August 27: On Thursday, the Bhasma Aarti of Baba Mahakal was performed at the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, coinciding with the Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi Tithi (until 9:09 AM). A significant number of devotees gathered to witness this divine spectacle.
Early Thursday morning, after seeking the blessings of Lord Veerabhadra, the temple doors were opened with the sound of drums and trumpets. As devotees caught their first glimpse of Baba Mahakal following the elaborate adornment and Bhasma Aarti, the temple echoed with chants of ‘Jai Shri Mahakal.’ The atmosphere was filled with the sounds of bells, conch shells, and sacred mantras.
With the opening of the temple gates, the idol of Lord Mahakal was bathed in holy water and anointed with Panchamrit made from milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and fruit juices. During the worship, the first bell was rung to offer water to the deity. After the camphor Aarti, Baba donned a crown. The Bhasma Aarti was then performed with the accompaniment of traditional instruments like jhanj and manjira, along with drums and conch shells. Baba Mahakal was adorned in his royal form.
The temple priest conducted the Maha Aarti, and a large number of devotees participated in the Bhasma Aarti. Many had queued since the previous night to have a glimpse of their beloved deity. It is customary for men to wear traditional dhoti-sola and women to wear sarees during the Bhasma Aarti.
According to tradition, the Bhasma Aarti is offered to Baba Mahakal by the Mahanirvani Akhara. It is believed that after the offering of Bhasma, Baba Mahakal manifests from the formless to the form. Devotees from all over come to the holy city of Ujjain to partake in this sacred ritual.
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