Mahakal Bhasma Aarti in Ujjain: Devotees Throng Shrine on Trayodashi

On the Trayodashi of the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month, the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain saw a large turnout of devotees for the Bhasma Aarti of Baba Mahakal on Saturday.

Pilgrims filled the temple grounds to watch the ritual, which many described as a rare experience. Some devotees had queued through the night to secure a place for darshan.

In the early hours, the temple's doors were opened with drums playing, after permission was sought from Lord Veerbhadra. Following the divine shringar and Bhasma Aarti, devotees were granted darshan of Baba Mahakal.

The temple premises resonated with 'Jai Shri Mahakal' as bells, conch shells and chants filled the surroundings. The atmosphere remained charged with devotion throughout the proceedings.

The deity was given abhishek with Panchamrit, a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey and fruit juice, as mantras were recited. The first ghantal was rung and Hariom water was offered during the puja.

After the camphor aarti, Baba Mahakal wore his crown. The Bhasma Aarti followed, accompanied by jhanjh-manjeere, drums and conch shells.

Baba Mahakal was decorated with a tripund, a crescent moon and a Sheshnag on his forehead, along with jewelry. Large crowds of devotees observed the Bhasma Aarti with folded hands.

By tradition, the Mahanirvani Akhara offers the Bhasma Aarti to Baba Mahakal. Devotees believe that after the ash is offered, the deity appears from the formless to the form visible to devotees. Those who visit Ujjain for this aarti consider themselves blessed.