Devotees Gather for Majestic Ashes Aarti at Shri Mahakaleshwar

Thousands of pilgrims arrived at Shri Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain on Monday, eager to see the ritualistic ashes aarti conducted on the Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya‑Chaturthi. The event began with the sacred doors being opened amid the resonant beats of drums and nagada. The deity received a Panchamrit bath comprising milk, curd, ghee, honey and fruit juice, followed by a consecrated water offering and a kapoor aarti. After the crown was placed, the chanting intensified, and the holy ash was applied, transforming the idol into a Ganesha‑styled figure embellished with bhang, rudraksha beads and flower garlands. The final Mahaarati sent vibrations through the temple, as men in dhoti‑sola and women in sarees stood in reverent silence.