Mahakal wows devotees with dazzling decor, crescent moon shines bright

Ujjain (The Uttam Hindu) : Thousands of devotees thronged the court of Baba Mahakal during the Bhasma Aarti on Monday morning, the Chaturdashi date of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Phalguna month. Devotees queued up from late in the night to have darshan of their beloved deity, Baba Mahakal. After the miraculous darshan, the entire temple resounded with chants of "Har Har Mahadev."

On Monday and Chaturdashi, devotees were fortunate to witness Baba's remarkable adornment. Today, Baba Mahakal woke up at 4 a.m. to give darshan to devotees. After obtaining permission from Veerbhadra, the temple doors were opened, and Baba was anointed with Panchamrit and fruit juice. After this, Baba was adorned with ash and beautifully decorated. Today's adornment of Baba is said to be a peace-giving one, as a half-moon and a pearl bindi, symbolizing peace, were placed on Baba's forehead. With a Tripundra mark on his forehead, Baba was also adorned with cannabis and dry fruits. Devotees took advantage of this divine darshan, causing the entire temple complex to reverberate with chants of "Jai Shri Mahakal."

It should be noted that Baba's Bhasma Aarti is performed daily at regular times, during which he first appears before devotees in his formless form and then in his embodied form. It is believed that seeing the formless form is a privilege, as it liberates one from the cycle of birth and death and explains the true meaning of life. In his embodied form, Baba appears before devotees dressed up and adorned.

Baba is adorned with exquisite decorations for each special occasion, each unique and mesmerizing. On special festivals like Holi, Diwali, Mahashivratri, and other Sanatan festivals, Baba is adorned with elaborate decorations, and six aartis are performed from morning to evening, including the Bhog Aarti. Different sweets are offered to Baba daily, and these sweets are later distributed among the devotees.