Shiv Navratri Begins at Mahakaleshwar Temple: Lord Mahakal to Adorn Groom’s Attire

Nine-Day Grand Celebration Leading to Mahashivratri

Ujjain, February 17, 2025 The world-renowned Jyotirlinga, Lord Mahakaleshwar, is set to embark on the nine-day Shiv Navratri festival, beginning today. Unlike the single-day celebration of Mahashivratri in most places, Lord Mahakal’s courtyard resonates with devotion for nine consecutive days, culminating in the grand Mahashivratri puja on February 26.

Throughout this period, Lord Mahakal is adorned as a groom, marking the divine occasion of Shiv Vivah (the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati). Haldi ubtan (turmeric application) is ceremoniously applied to the deity each day, leading up to the grand floral crown decoration on the morning after Mahashivratri, where 125 kilograms of flowers are used to create an elaborate crown for the Lord.

Sacred Rituals and Ceremonies

According to Mahakaleshwar temple’s official priest, Pandit Ghanshyam Sharma, the Shiv Navratri festivities commence nine days before Mahashivratri with a series of elaborate rituals, including:

• February 17 (First Day): Turmeric application (Haldi Ubtan) to Lord Mahakal, followed by abhishek (holy bathing) of Lord Koteswar Mahadev.
• Daily Rudrabhishek by 11 Priests: A special 11-time recitation of Rudrabhishek mantras will be conducted every day.
• Morning Rituals (10:30 AM): Bhog Aarti will take place, followed by afternoon and evening pujas.
• Evening Dress-Up Ceremony (3:00 PM): Lord Mahakal will be adorned in new garments and jewelry and will present a unique divine form each evening.

This grand tradition will continue until February 25, with the final Mahashivratri puja on February 26, followed by the floral crown ceremony on February 27.

Shiv Navratri: The Divine Transformations of Lord Mahakal

Each day of Shiv Navratri marks a distinct ritual and transformation in Lord Mahakal’s appearance:

• Day 1: Worship of Lord Koteswar Mahadev, the deity associated with divine energy.
• Day 2: Special Abhishek and Clothing Ceremony, dressing Lord Mahakal in regal attire.
• Day 3-6: Sheshnag Shringar, where the deity is adorned with the crown of Sheshnag, signifying the eternal protector of the cosmos.
• Day 7: Uma Mahesh Shringar, depicting Lord Shiva alongside Goddess Parvati, symbolizing their sacred union.
• Final Day (Mahashivratri): Lord Mahakal is adorned as a groom, culminating in the grand “Sehra Darshan,” the divine wedding procession of Lord Shiva.

Mahashivratri: The Ultimate Divine Celebration

Mahashivratri, observed on Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi, is one of the most revered occasions for Lord Shiva’s devotees. On this night, devotees engage in continuous worship, fasting, and spiritual practices, believing that witnessing Lord Mahakal’s Sehra Darshan fulfills all wishes and brings divine blessings.

Following Mahashivratri night’s Mahapuja, the final divine adornment of Lord Mahakal takes place on February 27, when a grand Bhasma Aarti (sacred ash ritual) is performed at noon—an annual once-in-a-year ceremony at the temple.

Spiritual Significance and Devotional Legacy

Shiv Navratri at Mahakaleshwar Temple is not just a festival but a journey of divine transformation, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s cosmic powers, destruction of evil, and eternal blessings for his devotees. Thousands of pilgrims, saints, and devotees gather in Ujjain during this time to witness the divine grace of Lord Mahakal, reinforcing the city’s status as a sacred epicenter of Hindu spirituality.