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Bhasm Aarti at Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain- A Divine Experience not to be Missed
Bhasm Aarti of Mahakal is one of the main attractions at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. This unique ritual begins every day at 4 am. People from all walks of life visit Ujjain with a desire of beholding this lifetime experience. The early morning peaceful and calm environment at the temple is what fills you with immense positivity.
In the past, Mahakal Bhasm Aarti was performed with ash from the first funeral pyre cremated at night. But with the changing times, this practice has changed and fresh ash is prepared from cow dung.
Since no one is allowed to enter the Garbhagriha, the devotees can witness the entire process through a screen projection installed inside the temple.
The process begins with the 'Abhishek' or the ritual bath of the shivling then smearing it with multiple offerings like curd, honey, sandal paste and finally cleaning it with milk and water. Further, the Shivling is decorated with elaborate arrangements of flowers and especially the Bel leaves that are considered to be very dear to Lord Shiva are also offered.
Our Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple Darshan 2023 Tour Packages
| Package Name | Duration |
|---|---|
| Ujjain Tour Package From Delhi | 4 Nights 5 Days |
| Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Tour Package | 1 Nights 2 Days |
| Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Omkareshwar Tour Package | 2 Nights 3 Days |
| Ujjain Tour Package From Delhi By Flight | 2 Nights 3 Days |
| Ujjain Tour Package From Indore | 2 Nights 3 Days |
| Ujjain Tour Package From Ahmedabad By Flight | 2 Nights 3 Days |
| Ujjain Tour Package From Nagpur By Train | 3 Nights 4 Days |
| Ujjain Tour Package From Hyderabad By Train | 5 Nights 6 Days |
| Ujjain Tour Package From Mumbai By Train | 4 Nights 5 Days |
| Ujjain Tour Package From Delhi By Volvo | 4 Nights 5 Days |
| Ujjain Tour Package From Mumbai By Volvo | 4 Nights 5 Days |
The process however doesn't end here. There is more to witness even before the ash ritual is performed. Through the application of various substances, the shivlinga is transformed into a divine face and then further embellished with garlands.
After this hour-long process of bathing and decorating the idol comes the most-awaited and interesting part associated with this first aarti of the day. The entire shivlinga is veiled with a cloth in a manner that the decoration is not disturbed. Thereafter, the head priest swings the ash-filled pouch on the shivling. The entire sanctum is filled with clouds of ash covering the shivling in the grey dust. This process of sprinkling ash on the Shivling lasts a minute.
This is followed by performing Aarti with lit oil lamps, the clanging of bells, and the chants of 'Om Namah Shivay' and 'Har Har Mahadev'. When you are able to witness this entire process and the aarti starts, you just feel that you have experienced one of the most beautiful things in life.
Bhasma Aarti rules that you should know before attending Bhasm Aarti at Mahakaleshwar
- The Aarti begins every morning at 4 and witnesses a serpentine queue of devotees. Therefore, it is recommended to arrive at the temple an hour or even before the Aarti begins.
- Follow the dress code in case you wish to offer prayers at the inner sanctum. Men should wear a dhoti and women need to wear a Saree.
- The aarti is extremely popular as it is attended by large numbers of devotees therefore prior booking is required.
- Online bookings are available. A month in advance booking is recommended.
- Mobiles or cameras are not allowed inside the temple premises. Devotees need to deposit gadgets inside the locker room.
Shree Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain
Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple also known as Mahakal temple in Ujjain is a renowned Hindu temple in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, located on the banks of the River Shipra at Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh. This Shiv Temple (mandir) of Ujjain has always been included in the spiritual tourist destinations due to its magnificent history and glory. It is also famous in the country and abroad due to the Simhastha fair (Kumbh Mela) held once in 12 years.
There are two words contained in Mahakal, Maha and Kaal, in Sanskrit maha means "great" and Kaal means "Time and Death" and it is believed Lord Shiva is the God of death and time. Because of this, he is called Mahakaleshwar, and this temple is also known as Mahakal (Mandir) Temple.
The Legends of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
According to Hindu beliefs, the Mahakal lingam at this temple is self-manifested deriving currents of power (Shakti) from within itself and for this reason, Mahakaleshwar is known as Swayambhu.
The lingam of Mahakaleshwar is also known as Dakshina Mukhi, which means that it is facing south.
According to a legend from the Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva pierced the world in the form of an infinite pillar of light called Jyotirlinga, and the places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light are regarded as jyotirlinga shrines.
As per the various Puranas, Mahakal temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country where Lord Shiva exists in the form of Jyotirlinga. Hence worshiping the Lord here is said to absolve all of the sins.
Maha Shivratri at Mahakal Temple
Although the Maha Shivratri is celebrated all over the country, the best of this festival in Ujjain is something you must experience. Mahakal is the only Shiva temple where Shiva Navratri is celebrated for nine days.
In these nine days, the Hindu priests impress lord Shiva with a special abhishek and mantra chanting. During the festival, Hindu priests also use Shringaar to represent different forms of Lord Shiva and highlight his features with utmost lucidity.
On the last day of the Shiva Navratri, the festival is celebrated with great adour and special Panchamrit Abhishek and Bhasmarti Puja are performed at Mahakal temple. Devotees from all over the country come here to attend this ritual.
