Ujjain. The Bhasma Aarti of Lord Mahakal was completed with special adornment in the world famous Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh in the early hours of Tuesday. The doors of the temple were opened at around 4 am on the Tritiya Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month.
After the curtain was opened, the priests worshiped the deities installed in the sanctum sanctorum and anointed Lord Mahakal with Hariom water. After this, Abhishek-puja was performed with Panchamrit prepared from milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar and fruit juice.
Before Bhasma Aarti, special decoration of Lord Mahakal was done. Baba was made to wear silver moon, trident and tripund.
Sheshnag was adorned with a silver crown, silver mundamaal, Rudraksha rosary and garlands of fragrant flowers. After dressing up as a king with dry fruits, fruits and sweets were offered to the Lord.
Ashes offered amidst chanting of mantras
Before offering the ashes, the first bell was rung and Hariom water was offered to Lord Mahakal. After chanting mantras and Kapoor Aarti, the Jyotirlinga was covered with a cloth and ashes were offered.
Ashes were offered to Lord Mahakal on behalf of Maha Nirvani Akhara. It is believed that after offering ashes, Lord Mahakal appears in formless form and gives darshan to the devotees.
Aarti amidst the auspicious sound of damru and cymbals
During Bhasma Aarti, Nandiji was bathed, meditated and worshiped in Nandi Hall. Amidst the auspicious sound of cymbals, manjire and damru, the priests performed Bhasma Aarti of Lord Mahakal.
During the Aarti, the temple premises echoed with the chants of Baba Mahakal. A large number of devotees participated in the morning Bhasma Aarti.
Devotees took blessings after seeing Lord Mahakal. Devotees had darshan of Nandi Maharaj and also whispered their wishes near his ear.