Key Highlights
- Bhasma Aarti performed at before dawn on Friday.
- Panchamrit abhishek followed by royal shringar with silver ornaments.
- Devotees witnessed Mahakal’s revered sakar form after the sacred ash ritual.
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: The sacred Bhasma Aarti was performed early Friday at the world-famous Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, where the temple doors were opened before dawn as per age-old tradition.
As rituals began, priests first performed the Swasti Vachan near Veerbhadra in the Sabha Mandap, seeking divine permission before opening the silver doors of the assembly hall. This was followed by the opening of the sanctum sanctorum, allowing the first glimpse of Lord Mahakal for the day.
Panchamrit Abhishek Performed as per Tradition
After removing the earlier adornments, priests conducted the Panchamrit abhishek of Lord Mahakal. The ritual included ceremonial bathing with water, followed by milk, curd, ghee, sugar, honey and fruit juices. Kapur Aarti was also performed with full Vedic rituals.
In the Nandi Hall, Nandi Maharaj was bathed, meditated upon and worshipped before the main rituals progressed in the sanctum.
Sacred Ash and Silver Ornaments Adorn the Jyotirlinga
Following the abhishek, Lord Mahakal was adorned in a royal form. Silver ornaments including a crescent moon, trident, crown and jewellery were offered. Bhang, sandalwood paste, dry fruits and sacred ash were also presented as part of the shringar.
The deity was further embellished with a silver Sheshnag crown, a silver skull garland, Rudraksha mala and fragrant flower garlands, enhancing the divine aura of the Jyotirlinga.
Devotees Drawn to Mahakal’s Divine Gaze
Fruits and sweets were offered as bhog to the deity. A large number of devotees attended the Bhasma Aarti and received blessings during the sacred darshan. Members of the Maha Nirvani Akhara offered the holy ash to Lord Mahakal as part of the revered tradition.
Devotees believe that after the offering of sacred ash, Lord Mahakal manifests from a formless state into a visible divine form, granting darshan to worshippers.
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