According to the legend of Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple, Prajapati Brahma founded the first temple there. The coins that were found in Ujjain depict the image of Lord Shiva. According to several lyrical manuscripts, invaders destroyed the temple during the Paramara era. Udayaditya and Naravarman later restored it.

The ancient text says that King Chandrasena was a devotee of Lord Shiva. When a young child named Shrikhar heard him pray to God, he became eager to follow him. But they prevented him from doing so and banned him from the city. Additionally, Shrikhar learned about the rival kings and Ripudhamana and Singhaditya’s plan to use the demon king Dushan to launch an attack on the city.

Asura Dushan got Brahma’s blessing of invisibility. Therefore, Vriddhi, a priest, and Shrikhar prayed to Lord Shiva for assistance. When the enemies reached Avantika (Ujjain), they began torturing people. All Vedic Dharmanushtan practices were declared illegal in the city. The people began pleading with Lord Shiva for assistance.

In addition, devotees believe that when Asura Dushan began fighting Avantika, the ground broke in front of the Parvati statue, and Lord Shiva emerged as Mahakaal. With just a single grunt, he burned the demons. Lord Shiva then decided to remain as the primary deity of Avantika, giving the people of that region their wish.

Bhasma Aarti Timings in Ujjain, Mahakaleshwar

• Jalabhishek Timings: 3:15 a.m.–4:00 a.m.
• Bhasma Aarti will be performed daily from 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
• Aarti will not be performed on the 2nd day of Maha Sivaratri.

Bhasma Aarti and Jalabhishek Dress Code:

• Men should wear a Dhoti or Sola
• Women to wear Saree
• There is no dress code restriction for the devotees who are just watching.
• Ticket cost: Rs. 100
• This ritual will only be performed at this Jyotirlinga.

Bhasma Aarti Booking procedure at the counter

1. Devotees who wish to participate have to enroll a day in advance, i.e., before 12:30 p.m.
2. The list will be declared at 7:00 pm on the same day. SMS will be delivered to the applicant.
3. Devotees are requested to collect tickets from the counter anytime between 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm.
4. Ticket allotment is based on First Cum First Serve basis.
5. Devotees who enters Garbha Griha can perform Abhishek with Water only. Milk is not allowed.
6. Devotees are requested to carry Photo ID proof at the time of reporting.
7. It is only 5 mins for all the devotees after Abhishek devotee has to leave the Sanctum Sanctorum.
8. It is advisable to carry ticket printout rather than displaying SMS at the entrance.

Bhasma Aarti Online Booking Procedure

1. Ticket can be booked 30 days in advance.
2. One can book 4 tickets in one transaction by uploading Photo and ID proof. This is to avoid duplicates.
3. While applying in online, one must mention the devotee relationship.

Ujjain Bhasma Aarti and Jalabhishek Procedure

1. The devotee is required to carry booking receipt printout along with Photo ID proof at the time of reporting.
2. Devotee required to carry empty glass which can be steel or copper. No restriction on the glass. Water is available near Garbha Griha
3. Devotees who wish to perform Jalabhishek should stand in line by 1:00 a.m.
4. Devotees are allowed to perform Jalabhishek between 3:15 am – 4:00 am
5. Men should remove Vest before entering Garbha Griha. Women have to be in saree and dress code applies for the children as well.
6. After Jalabhishek, the devotee has to come out of Garbha Griha and occupies a place in Nandi Hall to watch Bhasma Aarti.
7. Bhasma Aarti will be performed with the ashes made out of Cow Dung.
8. Devotees are allowed to sit in Nandi Mandapam which accommodates 100 devotees.
9. Remaining are allowed to sit behind Nandi Hall which accommodates 500+ devotees.
10. Devotees are not allowed to enter Garbha Griha during this Aarti time.
11. The Naga Sadhu will be carrying this bhasma. Aarti will be performed amid the chanting of mantras.

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