Key Highlights
- Saturday Bhasma Aarti reveals Mahakal’s magnificent kingly adornment.
- Silver Tripund, crescent crown and floral garlands highlight the divine form.
- Large number of devotees witness the awakened, radiant appearance.
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: The doors of the world-famous Mahakaleshwar Temple opened early Saturday morning for the sacred Bhasma Aarti, offering devotees a rare glimpse of Lord Mahakal in his grand Raja Swaroop, adorned with silver ornaments, traditional markings and fragrant flowers.
As per tradition, the rituals began in the Sabha Mandap, where priests recited Swasti Vachan into the ear of Veerbhadra Ji. The ceremonial first bell was struck, and after seeking divine permission, the silver-plated sanctum doors were opened.
Elaborate Rituals Before the Divine Adornment
Inside the sanctum, priests performed ritual worship of all deities, followed by the ceremonial bathing of Lord Mahakal.
The jyotirlinga was first washed with water, then offered Panchamrit prepared from milk, curd, ghee, sugar and fruit extracts.
With Vedic chanting echoing through the chamber, Hari Om water was offered and the camphor aarti was completed.
Silver Tripund, Crescent Crown and Floral Garlands
In today’s Bhasma Aarti, Lord Mahakal was adorned with:
- Silver Tripund on the forehead
- Silver crescent and crescent-studded crown
- Bhagwan’s traditional kingly attire
Bhāng and sandalwood paste highlighted the divine face, while sharp expressive eyes, saffron-white markings and red lips reflected the awakened, living presence of Mahakal. The jyotirlinga was encircled with grand garlands of rose, lotus, jasmine and other fragrant flowers.
Divine Adornment After Bhasma Application
After the adornment, the jyotirlinga was draped in cloth and the sacred Bhasma was applied. Lord Mahakal was then decorated once again in his majestic kingly form, with:
- Silver ornaments
- Dry fruits
- Bhāng offerings
- A silver Sheshnag crown
- Silver Mundmala
- Rudraksha garlands
The Lord also wore fragrant roses as part of the final embellishment.
Nandi Worship and Final Offerings
In the Nandi Hall, the priests bathed, worshipped and meditated upon Nandi Ji. Fruits and sweets were offered to Lord Mahakal, and the Aarti concluded amid the auspicious sounds of jhanjh, manjira, conch, damru and bells.
A large number of devotees attended the ceremony and received blessings while witnessing Mahakal’s radiant and fully manifested kingly form.
As per tradition, Mahanirvani Akhara offered the sacred Bhasma. It is believed that after the offering of Bhasma, Lord Mahakal blesses devotees by appearing in a manifest, living form rather than the formless.
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