New Delhi

Shri Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh is one of the renowned 12 Jyotirlingas in the country. The jyotirlinga of Mahakal has been existing since the time unknown and the significance of Lord shiva’s existence in the form of Kal or time was described in various puranas during the ancient period.

It is believed that the Mahakal dominates the life of the whole universe and he is the supreme authority of the ancient city of Ujjain and its people. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, the lingam at the Mahakal is believed to be Swayambhu which means born of itself, with immense power that comes from within.

The pious month of Sawan is regarded as the most coveted period for worshipping Lord Shiva who happens to be very happy and blesses his devotees with utmost power of self-reliance and indissoluble faith, positive energy and good fortune.

The Ujjain temple is famous worldwide due to its age-old traditions and one of its exclusive rituals known as Bhasma (ashes) Aarti. The most perfect time for worshipping the Lord is called Brahma Muhurta and every morning priests start worshipping the Mahakal at the Brahma Muhurta that normally starts between 3.30 am to 4 am.

The first Aarti of the day is Bhasma Aarti which is also known as Mangla Aarti. Mahakal Loves to receive this Bhasma Aarti and this ritual is performed in order to wake him up. The whole process of Bhasma aarti is simply unique and  captivating.

Priests of the temple say that during the period of Mangla Aarti or Bhasma Aarti, the eternal Lord turns into a living being and he actually applies this Bhasma on his body to send the message to this mortal world that nothing is everlasting.

Basically, this ash or Bhasma is being made from the burnt cow dung and that is processed in sacred way so that it can be offered to the Lord. Ashes or Bhasma is the only ornament that lord shiva accepts. During the offerings of Bhasma, five sacred chants or mantras are being pronounced by the priests who take part in the Bhasma Aarti. These five hymns are related with the five elements or Pancha tattva that human body is formed with. After chanting these five sacred hymns human receives liberation from agony and pain.

It is strongly believed that Lord Mahakal plays the role of the redeemer who can save the devotees from all sufferings when they pray wholeheartedly. Undoubted faith brings the devotees closer to the lord and they  receive his eternal blessings.