Divine Splendor: Lord Mahakal’s Third Eye Opens During Bhasma Aarti in Ujjain

Ujjain (The Uttam Hindu): On the auspicious Panchami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha during the holy month of Kartik, devotees witnessed the magnificent form of Lord Mahakal at the world-renowned Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. During the sacred Bhasma Aarti held at 4 a.m., the deity was adorned in an extraordinary divine form that left devotees spellbound.

Unlike regular days, the adornment during the Bhasma Aarti was special a third eye was beautifully crafted on Lord Mahakal’s forehead, symbolizing his divine omniscience and blessings. The decoration included the use of natural elements like bhang, sandalwood, abeer, and flowers. According to temple priest Pandit Mahesh Sharma, after the aarti, the rituals commenced with seeking permission from Veerbhadra Ji, followed by the Jalabhishek of the deity. Offerings of ghee, sugar, milk, curd, and fruits were made before Lord Mahakal was adorned with a new crown, Rudraksha mala, and mund mala.

The sacred ashes (bhasma) used in the ritual were brought from the Mahanirvani Akhada. Thousands of devotees gathered in the temple to witness the divine sight, and the premises echoed with chants of “Jai Shri Mahakal.”

Certain traditional customs are observed during the Bhasma Aarti. Men are required to wear a dhoti, while women must wear a saree and cover their heads with a ghoonghat. It is believed that during this ritual, Lord Mahakal manifests in his nirakar (formless) state.

A day earlier, on the occasion of Karva Chauth, Lord Shiva was offered a crescent-shaped adornment on his forehead. After the offering, priests performed Panchamrit Abhishek and Camphor Aarti.

The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain holds immense significance as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. It is believed that Lord Shiva self-manifested here to destroy the demon Dushan and protect his devotees from tyranny. Moved by their devotion, Mahakal chose to remain eternally present in this sacred abode.