A special Bhasma Aarti was performed on the first Monday of the Shravan month at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, drawing thousands of devotees to the sacred Jyotirlinga shrine.
The Bhasma Aarti, one of the most revered rituals at the Mahakaleshwar Temple, is performed during the Brahma Muhurta, typically between 3 am and 5 am. On Mondays during the Shravan month, the aarti commences even earlier, at 2.30 am, and continues till 4.30 am, due to the heavy influx of devotees.
Devotees began queuing from late at night, and the temple gates were opened at 2.30 am for the special Bhasma Aarti. The ritual involves offering sacred ash (bhasma) to Lord Shiva, symbolising the transient nature of life and the ultimate reality of existence.
The month of Shravan, also known as Sawan, is considered one of the holiest months in the Hindu lunar calendar. Every Monday during this period is regarded as a highly auspicious time to fast and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. This year, the Shravan month began on July 22 and will last for 58 days, until August 31.
During the Shravan and Bhadrapada months, the Bhasma Aarti is performed daily at the Mahakaleshwar Temple, with special arrangements made to accommodate the large number of Kanwar pilgrims and devotees who flock to Ujjain during this period.
Special Bhasma Aarti is performed on the first Monday of Shravan month at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain; thousands of devotees seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
When ash meets faith, even time bows to the eternal.
