Devotees thronged the sacred Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain on Sunday to witness the Bhasma Aarti of Lord Shiva on the first Monday of the holy month of Shravan (Sawan), a period deeply revered in Hindu tradition.
The rituals began with the ceremonial bathing (Jalabhishek) of Baba Mahakal, followed by the traditional Panchamrit Abhishek using milk, curd, ghee, honey, and fruit juices. The deity was then adorned with sacred ash (bhasma), symbolizing the eternal nature of the soul.
The temple echoed with powerful Vedic chants, the rhythmic ringing of bells, the blowing of conch shells, and the heartfelt devotion of thousands gathered to pay homage to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Shravan, the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, commenced on July 11 this year and will conclude on August 9. Considered especially auspicious for Shiva devotees, the month is believed to be particularly dear to Lord Shiva and is observed with fasting, prayers, and ritualistic worship.
Mondays (Somwar) during Shravan are dedicated to Lord Shiva, while Tuesdays (Mangalwar) honour Goddess Parvati. Across India, devotees perform Rudrabhishek, chant Shiva mantras, sing devotional hymns (bhajans), and observe fasts—often refraining from grains and consuming only fruits and dairy.
The first Monday of Sawan is seen as especially sacred, drawing large crowds to temples such as Mahakaleshwar, where spiritual fervour, devotion, and tradition converge in a powerful celebration of faith.
