Ujjain, August 3: On the auspicious occasion of the first Monday of Sawan, the Mahakaleshwar Temple opened its doors at 2:30 AM, filling the premises with the chants of “Jai Mahakal.”
The ceremony began with the ringing of the first bell, followed by the offering of Hari Om water to Baba. This was succeeded by the Panchamrit Abhishek, which included fresh milk, yogurt, and fruit juices. Baba Mahakal was then adorned with bhang and dry fruits in an exquisite and divine manner. The Mahakaleshwar Akhara offered sacred ash to the deity, and as the main Bhasma Aarti concluded, thousands of devotees witnessed this extraordinary form of Baba.
For those who could not secure advance bookings, the temple committee arranged a special ‘Chalit Bhasma Aarti’ to ensure that no devotee was deprived of the darshan. The District Collector personally attended the Bhasma Aarti to oversee the arrangements and to seek blessings from Lord Mahakal.
According to the administration, over 400,000 devotees visited the temple on Sunday, and extensive arrangements were made for more than 500,000 devotees on this first Monday of Sawan.
District Collector Roshan Kumar Singh stated, “The holy month of Sawan is underway, and today marks its first Monday. The Bhasma Aarti has just concluded, and a large number of devotees have arrived to seek blessings from Baba Mahakal. The administration has made significant arrangements.”
He further mentioned that arrangements for the ‘Chalit Bhasma Aarti’ have been made, and a procession of Baba Mahakal will take place, for which the administration has prepared thoroughly. The traditional procession will be celebrated with great pomp. He urged all devotees to adhere to the arrangements made by the administration. On Sunday, 419,000 people visited Baba Mahakal, and more are expected today.
Om Guru, a priest at the Mahakaleshwar Temple, shared, “Thousands of devotees have received blessings. During Sawan, the temple opens early on Mondays, and the doors were opened around 2:30 AM today. Millions of devotees come to the temple during this time. We pray that Lord Mahakal fulfills everyone’s wishes, grants health and prosperity, and ensures the welfare of all.”
The priest explained that Baba Mahakal was bathed with water, yogurt, milk, ghee, and sugar to create Panchamrit. He was adorned with saffron and perfume. A special Bhasma Aarti was conducted today.
A devotee named Geeta expressed, “I felt very fortunate to participate in the Bhasma Aarti on the first Monday of Sawan. I encourage everyone to come here on Mondays and seek blessings from Baba Mahakal.”
Another devotee, Amit Sharma, mentioned, “Today’s Bhasma Aarti was truly wonderful. We came from Delhi and regularly participate in the Bhasma Aarti at the Mahakal Temple. Today’s ceremony was particularly special and memorable due to it being the first Monday of the holy month.”
A female devotee shared, “This is my second visit for the Bhasma Aarti. We feel blessed that Baba Mahakal has called us here.”
Leave a Comment