Diwali Rituals at Mahakaleshwar: Devotees Throng for Bhasma Aarti

The revered Mahakaleshwar temple marked Diwali with special divya deep aarti and Bhasma aarti honoring Lord Shiva. Devotees gathered for the auspicious event, partaking in sacred rituals, including offerings and a unique sparkler celebration, acknowledging the occasion's traditional significance despite safety changes in cracker use.

At the renowned Mahakaleshwar temple, Diwali celebrations saw devotees gather for a remarkable divya deep aarti and the famed Bhasma aarti to honor Baba Mahakal, Lord Shiva. The occasion was marked with the lighting of a traditional sparkler, casting a special glow over the sacred rituals conducted on Thursday.

The Bhasma aarti, or offering with ashes, performed during the auspicious 'Brahma Muhurta' between 3:30 and 5:30 AM, is believed to fulfill the wishes of its participants. Temple priest Mahesh Sharma shared the continuation of this tradition, with a holy bath of Lord Mahakal using Panchamrit—milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey—and the application of Ubtan by women of the priest's family.

In adherence to tradition, a ceremonial divya shringaar of Baba Mahakal was completed before conducting the aarti alongside a single sparkler. The women also engaged in the annual camphor aarti, and dishes from new crop grains were offered. Following a past incident, the temple committee restricted cracker usage, allowing a single sparkler for this homage.

(With inputs from agencies.)