Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) [India], July 11 : The sacred Bhasma Aarti was performed at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain on the first day of the 'Sawan' month. Devotees gathered in large numbers to witness the early morning ritual, which is considered very divine. The temple reverberated with Vedic chants in the early morning, accompanied by the sounds of conch shells, bells, and hymns. 'Sawan' is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, and is considered one of the holiest months.
One of the temple Priests said," Today is the first day of Sawan month, the doors of Lord Mahakaleshwar temple were opened at 3:00 am today...traditionally, the pooja hours run from 4 to 6...but from past several years, the doors of the temple are being opened one hour earlier, at 3:00 am, so that more and more shiv devotees can receive darshan of Lord Mahakaal...today, the lord was adorned with 'Vijaya Shringaar' and Lord Shiva gave darshan to his devotees as 'Chandramoulishwara' today. Chandramoulishwara is a name associated with Lord Shiva, which translates to "the God who wears the moon as a crown." After all the rituals and Panchamrit puja, Bhasma was offered to Lord Mahakaal, and later, the Mangala Aaarti was performed. During this Bhasma Aarti, Pujaris pray for the good health, peace and prosperity of all Shiva devotees... It is believed that during this Sawan month, Lord Shiva leaves his abode at Mount Kailash and comes to reside in all the holy shivlings across the country, especially the Jyotirlingas. This phenomenon is particularly visible in Avantika (Ujjain), Mahakaal, where Lord Mahalakeshwar is south-facing...Jai Shri Mahakaal"
A devotee from Ghaziabad, Seema, said, "The experience can not be expressed in words, one can only feel it, and we felt very good... It is the first time I am visiting here...today is the first day of Sawan, with the blessings of lord mahakaal, we got a chance to get his darshana, that too the Bhasam Aarti for which we waited for so long, but it felt so good"
'Sawan' holds a special place in Hindu mythology. Devotees undertake fasts and offer prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during this period. The chanting of Shiva mantras, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and performing Rudrabhishek (ceremonial bathing of Shiva Lingam with holy substances) are common practices observed with fervour across households and temples during 'Sawan' month.
This year, Sawan month commences from July 11 and will conclude on August 9.