Thousands Gather for Sacred Ash Ritual as Mahakal Temple Prepares for 2028 Kumbh

The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain hosted a lavish ash aarti on Sunday, drawing an enormous crowd of devotees. After a ceremonial opening of the Baba’s inner sanctum with drums and nagada, priests performed the traditional ash abhishek using a blend of cow dung and herbal ash. The ceremony continued with the adornment of the deity with bhang, sandalwood paste, and sindoor, followed by silver ornaments and fragrant flower garlands. The event, marked by resonant chants of “Jai Shri Mahakal,” serves as a spiritual prelude to the massive influx expected during the 2028 Kumbh, as officials highlighted the efficient arrangements already in place.