Ujjain, June 18: On Thursday, the revered Mahakaleshwar Temple held the grand Bhasma Aarti for Baba Mahakal. The ceremony featured an elaborate decoration of the deity, including an abhishekam with holy water, Panchamrit worship, and the offering of sacred ash.
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, the temple resonated with chants of “Jai Shri Mahakal.” The atmosphere was filled with the sounds of bells, conch shells, and the recitation of mantras.
With the opening of the temple gates, the abhishekam of Lord Mahakal commenced amidst the chanting of mantras. The deity was bathed with Panchamrit, a mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, sugar, and fruit juices. Offerings included tridents, sacred ash, damru (a small drum), cannabis, sandalwood, and bel leaves inscribed with the name of Rama.
The temple priests conducted the grand aarti, attracting a large number of devotees who gathered to witness the Bhasma Aarti. Many had queued since late Saturday night, eager to pay their respects to their beloved deity.
Traditionally, the ashes from cremation grounds were used for the aarti, but now, a special ash made from the dung of the Kapila cow and medicinal herbs is utilized. During the Bhasma Aarti, men are required to wear traditional dhoti-sola, while women must don sarees.
The Bhasma Aarti of Baba Mahakal is renowned both nationally and internationally, drawing not only the general public but also prominent personalities. To maintain order during the event, a significant number of police officers are deployed around the temple.
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