Ujjain: At the world-renowned Jyotirlinga temple of Lord Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Baba Mahakal was adorned in the form of a king on Monday—the day of Sharad Purnima (the full moon in the bright fortnight of the month of Ashwin). During the Bhasma Aarti (ash ritual), the deity underwent *Panchamrit* worship and abhishek (ritual bathing), followed by a royal-style decoration. Hundreds of devotees had the privilege of witnessing this divine form.
Temple priest Pandit Mahesh Sharma explained that the temple doors were opened at 4:00 AM on Monday for the Bhasma Aarti. Priests performed worship of the deities installed in the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and conducted jalabhishek (ritual bathing with water) and Panchamrit worship for Lord Mahakal. Following the abhishek with Panchamrit—a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and fruit juice—the Lord was adorned with sandalwood paste, a Vaishnav tilak, and various ornaments, giving Him the appearance of a king.
After the first bell rang, Hari-Om Jal (sacred water) was offered amidst the chanting of mantras and meditation upon the Lord. Following the kapoor aarti (camphor ritual), bhang, sandalwood paste, and a tripund (three horizontal lines of sacred ash) were applied to the Lord’s forehead. Once the decoration was complete, the Jyotirlinga was covered with cloth, and sacred ash bhasma was applied. Subsequently, the Lord was adorned with a silver crown featuring Sheshnag (the serpent deity), a silver garland of skulls mundmala, and a rudraksha necklace. The deity was further decorated with fragrant jasmine and rose flowers, and offerings of fruits and sweets were presented.
A large number of devotees participated in the Bhasma Aarti to seek the blessings of Baba Mahakal. The bhasma was offered to Lord Mahakal by the Maha Nirvani Akhara. It is believed that once the bhasma is offered, Lord Mahakal transitions from a formless nirakar state to a manifest sakar form, revealing Himself to the devotees.
