A huge number of devotees thronged the Mahakaleshwar temple situated in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain district to offer prayer to Lord Shiva on the occasion of the sixth ‘Shravan’ monday.
The devotees queued up since early morning to seek the blessings of Baba Mahakal at the temple and also participated in a special ‘Bhasma Aarti’ performed here on the occasion.
‘Bhasma aarti’ (offering with ashes) is a famous ritual here. It is performed during the ‘Brahma Muhurta’ between 3:00 and 5:30 in the morning.
Former minister and Congress MLA Jaivardhan Singh also attended the Bhasma Aarti on the last ‘Shravan’ Monday.
Singh told media, “Today, on the last Monday of Shravan, we got an opportunity to have darshan of Baba Mahakal and specially to participate in the Bhasma Aarti. We prayed to Lord Mahakal that his immense blessings be showered on everyone.”
‘Sawan’ also known as ‘Shravan’ is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, and is considered as one of the holiest months. Every Monday during this period is regarded as a highly auspicious time to fast and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
According to religious beliefs, Shravan month is considered to be the favourite month of Lord Shiva. It is believed that by worshipping Lord Shiva in this period, one gets immediate relief from their troubles. This year the Shravan month is of 59 days, which started from July 4 and will last till August 31.
According to the priest of the temple Yash Sharma, before the Bhasma Aarti, the holy bath of Baba Mahakal with water and Panchamrit Mahabhishek were performed in which the lord was anointed with milk, curd, ghee, honey and fruit juices. After that Baba Mahakal was decorated with Bhang, sandalwood and then clothes were put on the idol. Thereafter Bhasma Aarti was performed amid beating drums and blowing Shankh (conch shells).
Besides, there is a tradition of taking out Baba Mahakal’s sawari (ride) on every Monday in the month of Shravan-Bhado. Therefore, today Baba Mahakal’s ride will also be taken out in the evening. It is believed that in order to know the condition of the public, Baba Mahakal goes on a tour of the city. The devotees also wait for hours on the roadside to witness the ride and consider themselves blessed by getting a glimpse of Mahakal.
(with inputs from ANI)
