Key Highlights
- Pre-dawn Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple draws large crowd
- Lord Mahakal adorned with silver crown, rudraksha and fragrant floral garlands
- Devotees believe Mahakal grants “sakar darshan” after sacred ash offering
Ujjain | Thursday: The world-renowned Mahakaleshwar Temple witnessed a deeply spiritual atmosphere on Thursday at dawn, as the doors opened sharply at 4 AM for the sacred Mahakal Bhasma Aarti, one of Ujjain’s most iconic rituals.
The ceremony began with Jalabhishek, followed by an elaborate Panchamrit Puja using milk, curd, ghee, sugar and fruit extracts. Moments later, priests offered “Hari Om” water after ringing the traditional pratham ghantal.
Silver Crown, Roses, Rudraksha — Magnificent Morning Adornment
After the camphor aarti, Lord Mahakal was adorned with:
- Silver crescent on the forehead
- Bhang, sandal paste, and
- Fresh garlands of rose flowers
Priests then placed the silver crown and the sacred tripund tilak, completing the divine shringar.
Sacred Ash Ritual Followed by Royal Adornment
Once the adornment was completed, the Jyotirlinga was briefly covered with cloth and the traditional Bhasma was offered. Lord Mahakal was decorated in a royal form with bhang, dry fruits, ornaments and flowers.
The priests presented:
- Sheshnag silver crown
- Silver mund-mala
- Rudraksha mala
- Fragrant floral garlands
This sequence marks the moment devotees believe Mahakal shifts from nirakar (formless) to sakar (with form).
Thousands Seek Blessings During the Aarti
A large number of devotees attended the Thursday Bhasma Aarti, receiving blessings of Baba Mahakal.
The sacred ash was offered by Maha Nirvani Akhada, continuing a tradition believed to manifest the deity’s divine presence in visible form.
For the latest updates on Ancient History, cultural insights, spiritual journeys, and other global events, visit mahakaltimes.com first.
