Ujjain’s Mahakal Temple Hosts Grand Ashwina Ashtami Ritual

Ujjain – On the auspicious Monday of 19 October, the Mahakaleshwar Temple performed the traditional Ashwina Shukla Paksha Ashtami bhashma aarti for Baba Mahakal. A massive crowd of believers assembled within the temple complex to witness the deity’s special shringar in a goddess likeness. The ceremony began with the early‑morning directive from Lord Veerabhadra, after which the sanctum doors were opened with the resonant beats of drums, nagadas and conches.

The ritual sequence included a holy water abhishek using panchamrit, the sounding of the first bell, and the offering of Hariom water. Baba Mahakal was then crowned and embellished with ornate silver and gold ornaments, enhancing the divine visual spectacle. The entire venue rang with the chant “Jai Shri Mahakal,” mingled with bell tolls, shankhnaad and devotional chants. Devotees, who arrived the previous night and formed long lines, were granted a view of the bhashma aarti and the deity’s radiant feminine form.