mahakaleshwar

What Happened

In the early hours of Maha Shivratri, the sacred Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain attracted a large gathering of devotees. The ritual commenced around 3 AM, featuring the Panchamrit Abhishek, where the deity was ceremonially bathed with a holy mixture of milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey. Following this, the iconic Bhasma Aarti was performed, with the application of sacred ash amid the sounds of cymbals, drums, and devotional chants.

Why It Matters

This year’s celebrations are particularly significant as the temple doors will remain open continuously for 44 hours, allowing an estimated 10 lakh devotees to participate in the rituals. The event highlights the deep-rooted traditions and the overwhelming faith of the devotees, as chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” resonated across the country. Enhanced security and crowd management measures have been implemented to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims.

What’s Next

As the nine-day Shiv Navratri festival unfolds, the Mahakaleshwar temple is expected to continue attracting visitors, further enriching the spiritual atmosphere of the region. Authorities are preparing for ongoing celebrations and ensuring that the experience remains safe and accessible for all attendees.