Devotees Participate in Grand Bhasm Aarti at Baba Mahakaleshwar on Sacred Day

Ujjain, July 10 – The sacred observance of Yogini Ekadashi turned Baba Mahakaleshwar Temple into a bustling hub of faith as thousands converged for the celebrated Bhasm Aarti.

Queues formed from Thursday night outside the garbhagriha, and at 4 a.m. on Friday the temple doors opened to a chorus of “Jai Shri Mahakal”. Worshippers were granted a brief darshan of the deity, a moment considered highly auspicious.

The ceremony began with the toll of the first bell and the pouring of Harom water, followed by Vedic mantra chanting. After the Kapur Aarti, the Jyotirlinga was cloaked in cloth and the consecrated ash was offered.

Modern practice now uses ash prepared from Kapila cow dung blended with therapeutic herbs, replacing the older tradition of using cremation remains. Offering this ash is believed to coax Mahakal into a visible form for devotees.

The ritual proceeded with worship of the resident deities, a water ablution, and a Panchamrit bath (milk, curd, ghee, honey, fruit juice). The deity was then smeared with bhang, sandalwood paste, and fragrant oils.

A splendid decoration followed: a silver crown, lunar‑shaped mukut, silver necklaces, rudraksha strands, and multicolored flower garlands adorned the deity, evoking reverent admiration.

Post‑Aarti, the crowd turned to Nandi, expressing personal prayers into the bull’s ears. The entire temple complex remained enveloped in devotion for the day, and participants reported a profound sense of spiritual renewal.

Traditional attire was enforced – men in dhoti‑sola, women in sarees – and a sizeable police presence ensured smooth crowd management, accommodating pilgrims from across the country and occasional celebrities.