Ashwin Purnima Bhasma Aarti Draws Devotees To Ujjain

Ujjain, October 26: Devotees thronged the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on Monday to witness the Bhasma Aarti of Baba Mahakal on the occasion of Ashwin Purnima. The temple premises remained crowded as people gathered to watch the sacred ritual.

The temple doors were opened early Monday morning, following the taking of Lord Virbhadra's permission. The opening was accompanied by drums and dhol-nagada, creating a festive atmosphere that drew many worshippers.

The entire temple complex was filled with the slogan 'Jai Shri Mahakal'. The sounds of bells, conch shells and mantras reverberated through the area. While mantras were recited, Lord Mahakal was bathed with holy water and then offered Panchamrit, a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey and fruit juices.

During worship, the first ghantal was rung and Harioum water was offered. After the camphor aarti, Baba Mahakal wore his crown. The Bhasma Aarti was then performed with jhanjh-manjeera, dhol-nagada and conch shells.

A tripund was marked on Baba Mahakal's forehead, and flowers were used to create a divine shringar. In this look, Baba seemed to be smiling, which deeply moved the devotees. A large number of pilgrims witnessed the Bhasma Aarti, and many had been waiting in queues since night to see their beloved deity.

As per tradition, the Mahanirvani Akhara offers the Bhasma Aarti to Baba Mahakal. It is believed that after the ash is offered, Baba Mahakal appears in a visible form from the formless. Every year, numerous devotees arrive in the holy city of Ujjain for this extraordinary aarti and feel fortunate after darshan.