Jai Shri Mahakal chants echo in Ujjain, divine adornment of Baba witnessed

Ujjain (The Uttam Hindu): The holy city of Ujjain resonated with chants of “Jai Shri Mahakal” on Monday as a divine spectacle unfolded at the world-famous Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple on the occasion of Vaishakh Krishna Paksha Chaturthi. During the early morning Bhasma Aarti, Lord Mahakal was adorned in a mesmerizing and divine form.

Thousands of devotees had queued up since late night to witness this unique ritual. From the early hours, devotees participated in the sacred Bhasma Aarti, offering prayers and witnessing the holy rituals, as the temple echoed with devotional chants.

The Bhasma Aarti, which begins around 4 AM, follows an age-old tradition. As per ritual, the temple doors are opened at dawn, and the sacred ceremony is conducted by the Mahanirvani Akhara. During this time, Lord Mahakal is believed to grant devotees a transition from the formless (Nirakar) to the manifest (Sakar) form.

Following the Aarti, the deity was bathed with water, worshipped with Panchamrit, and ritually anointed with sacred ash. The grand adornment that followed was a visual delight—Mahakal’s face was beautifully decorated, a prominent Tripund (three horizontal lines) marked the forehead, along with a crescent moon. The deity was adorned with a fresh crown, garlands of colorful flowers, and sacred Bilva leaves, enhancing the divine aura.

After the adornment, a Kapoor Aarti was performed, followed by offering of Bhog. This sacred form of Baba is considered his manifest appearance, drawing devotees from across the country and beyond. The Bhasma Aarti of Mahakal holds immense spiritual significance and remains one of the most revered rituals in India.