Bhasma Aarti is Aarti done with Ashes. It is a very sacred and prominent ritual at Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Mahakaal and Aarti is done with Ashes.
It is believed that the bhasma from the grave was used initially for the aarti but that has been stopped now and cowdung ashes is used for aarti.
This ritual holds immense spiritual significance and its believed that devotees who participate get blessings from lord Mahakaal.
History
Bhasma aarti traces back to ancient Hindu Scriptures and traditions and worship of lord shiva. The practice has evolved over the centuries. Ujjain the place where Shiva resides is one of the 12 Joytirlingas of India.
This place attracts millions of devotees and pilgrims every year who seek spiritual enlightenment and blessings from the divine universal power.
The Aarti
The preparation starts in the evening and prayers are done. The environment becomes spiritually charged with the devotion of thousands of devotees. The bhasma aarti starts with the chanting of sacred mantras, inviting Lord Shiva, and many other rituals are done. Everything is broadcasted live across TV sets and online. Multiple priests offer sacred ash, camphor, and other auspicious items during the aarti.
Bhasma Preparation
To prepare this Bhasma, dry cow dung of reddish-brown colored cow, the woods and stems of shammi plant, peepal, palas, baad, amaltaas and ber trees are taken and then burned down together. After burning them, the ash that emerges is taken and then filtered with the help of a piece of cloth. Following this procedure, the ash or Bhasma that is obtained is delivered to Mahakaleshwar tempe for the aarti.
Shringaar
The full atmosphere is charged up and all the devotees also singing OM namah Shiva and other Shiva mantras.
Spiritual Experience for Devotees
It is believed that participating in this bhasma aarti is very beneficial for the spiritual advancement of the devotee. The lord of time and space Maha Kaal is right there to bestow the devotees with blessings. It is said that you get closer to the divine and start a fresh life after your visit and pure devotion. Many seek spiritual advancement, some material. Lord fulfills one’s wishes if the heart is pure and devotion is sincere.
Why Bhasma?
It is believed that Bhasma is the end of a matter and Maha Kaal ( Lord of Time and Space) controls the beginning and End. Shiva the Lord of destruction controls the end.
Bhasma is offered to the controller of the end . Many devotees seeks good health and recovery from illness . Maha mritunjay japs are done by many at this temple.
How to participate in Bhasma Aarti?
You need to have an entry ticket to participate Please follow the bhasma aarti booking process to get a ticket.
Bhasma Aarti dress code
Pilgrims , Devotees, and visitors who have a ticket and are participating in the Bhasm Aarti are required to wear traditional dress, usually a dhoti for men and a saree for women. The dress code is enforced to maintain sanctity of the diving environment.
Bhasma aarti timing
The timings for entry to the queue starts at 1:00 AM in morning . The aarti starts at 4:00 am for 2 hours .