On Monday, devotees flocked to the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain district, Madhya Pradesh, to pray to Baba Mahakal on Basant Panchami. Special Bhasma Aarti and Dhoop-Deep Aarti ceremonies were held, and Baba Mahakal was adorned as Goddess Saraswati during the Bhasma Aarti.
The Bhasma Aarti, a well-known ritual, takes place here. It is conducted during the 'Brahma Muhurat' from approximately 3:30 am to 5:30 am. Religious beliefs hold that the desires of devotees who take part in the Bhasma Aarti are granted.
As per tradition, the doors of Baba Mahakal were opened during the Brahma Muhurat, followed by a bath for Lord Mahakal using saffron-infused panchamrit. Panchamrit consists of milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey.
Following this, Baba Mahakal was decorated with yellow sandalwood, mustard flowers, and marigold flowers. The deity was clothed in yellow garments, and then a special Bhasma Aarti and incense-lamp aarti were conducted amidst the sounds of drums and conch shells.
Prashant Sharma, the priest of the temple, said, "Today marks Basant Panchami, a festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. In celebration of Saraswati Puja, Baba Mahakaleshwar was adorned as Goddess Saraswati during the Bhasma Aarti, allowing devotees to witness Baba Mahakal in the guise of Goddess Saraswati. To celebrate the arrival of spring, mustard flowers were presented to Baba Mahakal. Today, we observed the Basant Panchami festival at the Baba Mahakaleshwar Temple, praying for divine blessings to bring joy and happiness to everyone in the country."
Worshippers shared their joy after taking part in the Bhasma Aarti, describing it as a delightful experience. One of them said, "On the sacred day of Basant Panchami, we all offered prayers at the Baba Mahakaleshwar temple and took part in the Bhasma Aarti. The Bhasma Aarti was incredibly mesmerizing, almost otherworldly, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Baba Mahakal's adornment was extremely impressive, leaving us speechless and deeply moved by the experience of worshipping there; it was truly wonderful. ''