Mani Diwali at Baba Mahakal’s court
Diwali was celebrated today with pomp at the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. At four in the morning, sandalwood and saffron paste was applied to Lord Mahakal on Bhasmarti. After this, a bath was taken with hot water and after the decoration, Aarti was performed with sparklers. During this time, the temple premises were filled with devotion with praises of Baba Mahakal.
Pt Mahesh Pujari said that as per tradition, all important festivals of Hindu religion are celebrated first at the Mahakal temple. Lord Mahakal is believed to be the king of Avantika, hence the festival begins in the king’s courtyard. After this the people celebrate. According to this tradition that has been maintained since time immemorial, this morning Diwali was celebrated at the Mahakal temple. This day is also considered the beginning of winter, so from today the process of bathing Lord Mahakal with hot water also started, which will continue till Phalgun Purnima.
This morning, on the occasion of Roop Chaturdashi festival in the temple, the women of the priest family applied saffron and sandalwood paste to the Lord. After this the priests bathed the Lord with hot water. Then Aarti was made with Kapoor. Once a year, on Roop Chaturdashi, women from priestly families perform Karpoor Aarti by applying ubtan to enhance the appearance of God. After bathing, Baba Mahakal was given new clothes, gold and silver ornaments and attractive makeup. After this, Aarti with sparklers was performed after offering Annakoot. In the usual five aartis from Bhasmarti to Shayan Aarti at 10.30 pm, a sparkler will be lit and a special decoration of the Lord will be done.
Baba Mahakal decorated with Tripund and crown.
The priest of Shri Mahakaleshwar temple, Pandit Mahesh Sharma, said that today, Thursday, Baba Mahakal woke up at 4 in the morning. The doors of the temple were opened after obtaining permission from Lord Virbhadra and Manbhadra. After this, first of all, the Lord was bathed with hot water, Panchamrit Abhishek was made and saffron water was offered. Mahanirvani Akhara offered ashes to Baba Mahakal. Devotees witnessed Baba Mahakal’s divine Bhasma Aarti from Nandi Hall and Ganesh Mandapam.
He celebrated the festival by lighting only one flare in the sanctum sanctorum.
After the fire in the Holi sanctum sanctorum at the world famous Shri Mahakaleshwar temple, now the Mahakaleshwar Management Committee has seriously examined the festival celebrated at the Baba Mahakal court as per the decision of the Shri Mahakaleshwar Management Committee, Diwali. It will be held at the court of Baba Mahakal. This festival was celebrated by lighting a single flare. The use of fireworks on the temple premises is also prohibited.
