Mahakaleshwar Temple: Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling situated in Ujjain is world famous. The traditions here also make this place of worship even more special. On the second day of Mahashivratri, Baba Mahakal is decorated as a groom here.
Mahakal Temple: Ujjain is called the religious capital of Madhya Pradesh because Baba Mahakal, the third among the 12 Jyotirlingas, is established here. The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated in a very different way in Mahakal Temple. Here the celebration of Shiva Navratri starts 9 days in advance in which Baba Mahakal is worshiped as a groom and Sehra is offered on the second day of Mahashivratri. This form of Baba Mahakal is seen only once in a year. This time on the second day of Mahashivratri i.e. 16th February, Monday, Baba Mahakal was attractively decorated as a groom. See the groom form of Baba Mahakal in the video below…
Baba Mahakal’s head weighs 3 quintals
The Sehra offered to Baba Mahakal weighs approximately 3 quintals. Apart from flowers, different types of leaves and fruits are also used in this Sehra. Lord Mahakal in the form of groom is adorned with moon crown, umbrella, tripund and other ornaments. Devotees will be able to see this form of Baba Mahakal till 12 noon. After this, incineration will be done.
There will be incineration in the afternoon
Bhasmarti of Lord Mahakal is world famous. This aarti is performed every day at 4 am but there is a tradition of performing Baba Mahakalki Bhasmarti in the afternoon only once in a year on the second day of Mahashivratri so that the devotees can have continuous darshan of their deity. After Bhasma Aarti, Bhog Aarti will be held and Shivanavratri will be celebrated. Evening Aarti will be at 6:30 pm, Shayan Aarti will be at 10:30 pm. It will be auspicious for God at 11 pm.
Why is Mahakal Jyotirlinga special?
Many beliefs and traditions associated with Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga make it special. This Jyotirlinga is also special because it is the only south facing Jyotirlinga. The lord of the south direction is Yamraj who is also known as Kaal. Due to the period of time, his name came to be Mahakaal. The story of Mahakal Jyotirlinga is also told in Shivpuran. According to him, Mahadev had appeared in Ujjain to kill the demon named Dushan and was established at this place in the form of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.