Devotees Gather at Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple for ‘Shravan Somvar’ and ‘Somvati Amavasya’
Devotees flocked to the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain district on Monday to celebrate the second ‘Shravan Somvar’ and ‘Somvati Amavasya’. From the early hours of the morning, people patiently lined up to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and take part in the special ‘Bhasma Aarti’ of Baba Mahakal.
The ‘Bhasma Aarti’ is a renowned ritual performed during the ‘Brahma Muhurta’ between approximately 3:30 and 5:30 in the morning. It involves offering ashes to Lord Shiva. On this auspicious day, which coincides with the new moon day falling on a Monday, devotees not only worship Lord Shiva but also pay homage to their ancestors.
Om Guru, the priest of the temple, shared that special Bhasma Aarti was performed in honor of Baba Mahakal on the occasion of Somvati Amavasya. Prior to the Bhasma Aarti, Baba Mahakal underwent a holy bath with water and Panchamrit Mahabhishek. The lord was anointed with milk, curd, ghee, honey, and fruit juices. Subsequently, Baba Mahakal was adorned with Bhang, sandalwood, and dressed in new clothes.
Another tradition observed during the month of Shravan-Bhado involves taking out Baba Mahakal’s ride on Mondays. Therefore, at around 4 pm, Baba Mahakal’s ride will commence. It is believed that Baba Mahakal would tour the city to understand the public’s condition. Devotees eagerly await the procession and consider themselves blessed to catch a glimpse of Mahakal.
‘Shravan’, also known as ‘Sawan’, is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar and holds immense significance. Every Monday during this month is highly regarded as an auspicious time to observe fasts and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
According to religious beliefs, Lord Shiva is particularly fond of the month of Shravan. Worshipping Lord Shiva during this time is believed to bring immediate relief from troubles. This year, the month of Sawan spans 58 days, from July 4 to August 31.
The devotees’ enthusiasm and devotion were evident as they patiently waited for their turn to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings and offer their prayers. The atmosphere at the Mahakaleshwar Temple was charged with spiritual energy and a sense of collective devotion.
As the ‘Shravan Somvar’ and ‘Somvati Amavasya’ celebrations continue, devotees will continue to visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple to express their reverence for Lord Shiva and seek his divine blessings. The temple authorities are working tirelessly to ensure a smooth and enriching experience for all the devotees.
The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain stands as a symbol of devotion and faith, attracting devotees from far and wide. As the holy month of Shravan progresses, the auspiciousness and divinity associated with Lord Shiva deepen, making it a spiritually enriching time for devotees across the country.
