Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): The sacred Bhasma Aarti was performed at the Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple on the third day of Shiva Navratri, with thousands of devotees witnessing the divine ritual in deep reverence.
The unique and ancient Bhasma Aarti took place in the early hours, filling the temple with the powerful chants of “Har Har Mahadev.” Devotees, brimming with devotion, gathered in large numbers, some queuing up late into the night to seek the blessings of Baba Mahakal.
A priest of the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple shared insights into the ongoing festival: “Today is the third day of the Shiva Navratri festival, and the celebrations are in full swing. This morning, devotees and priests performed the Bhasma Aarti, offering Panchamrit to the deity. The Lord was bathed in a mixture of juices extracted from various fruits. This evening, we will have the ‘Sheshnag’ darshan, and today, the deity is dressed as a groom, marking a special highlight of the festival.”
A woman devotee expressed her joy at attending the ritual, saying, “This Aarti is very special in India. A nine-day fair is held here, attracting people from far and wide who come to seek blessings and have their wishes fulfilled.”
Another devotee recalled her past experience, stating, “I had the privilege of attending the Bhasma Aarti four years ago, and recently, I sat in the front row and experienced it again. The rhythm was vibrant and captivating, and I look forward to returning for this divine experience once more.”
The Bhasma Aarti, a renowned ritual at the temple, is performed during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta between 3:30 and 5:30 AM. According to religious beliefs, devotees who participate in the Aarti have their wishes fulfilled.
As per tradition, the temple doors were opened in the Brahma Muhurta, and Baba Mahakal was bathed in Panchamrit—a sacred mixture of milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey. The deity was then adorned with cannabis and sandalwood, before the unique Bhasma Aarti and Dhoop-Deep Aarti were performed, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and the resonating sound of conch shells.
Shiva Navratri celebrations continue with great fervor, drawing devotees from across the country to witness the divine rituals at this sacred Jyotirlinga.