Devotees Celebrate Hartalika Teej with Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain
On the occasion of Hartalika Teej, many devotees gathered at the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, to offer prayers. A special Bhasma Aarti was performed, and devotees were deeply engrossed in devotion.
Devotees queued up late at night to worship Baba Mahakal. The Bhasma Aarti, a famous ritual involving the offering of ashes, is performed during the ‘Brahma Muhurta’ between around 3:30 and 5:30 in the morning. According to religious beliefs, the wishes of the devotee who participates in the Bhasma Aarti are fulfilled.
The temple priest explained that following tradition, the doors of Baba Mahakal were opened in the Brahma Muhurta, and a holy bath of Lord Mahakal was performed with Panchamrit, which includes milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey. Baba Mahakal was then decorated with cannabis and sandalwood. Special Bhasma Aarti and dhoop-deep Aarti were performed amid the beating of drums and blowing of Shankh (conch shells).
A woman devotee from Ahmedabad shared her experience, saying, “It is Hartalika Teej festival today, and we offered prayers here on the occasion. We pray to Baba Mahakal, may the Lord shower his blessings on everyone and everyone should stay happy. We feel delighted after visiting here.”
Another woman added, “We woke up at midnight, queued in line from 4 am, and offered prayers here. Today, we are fasting on Hartalika Teej and feeling very happy after worshipping here. We prayed for the welfare of the family.”
Hartalika Teej is celebrated on Shukla Paksha Tritiya of Bhadrapada month. The festival holds importance in Hinduism, and on this day, devotees pray to Lord Shiva and Maat Parvati, make their idols using sand, and seek blessings for a blissful marital life. Married women fast for the long life of their husbands.
Doubts Revealed
Hartalika Teej -: Hartalika Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by women, especially in North India. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and her union with Lord Shiva. Women fast and pray for the well-being of their husbands and families.
Bhasma Aarti -: Bhasma Aarti is a special ritual performed at the Mahakaleshwar Temple. ‘Bhasma’ means ash, and during this aarti, the deity is worshipped with sacred ash. It is a unique and ancient tradition.
Mahakaleshwar Temple -: Mahakaleshwar Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
Ujjain -: Ujjain is a city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the oldest cities in India and is known for its historical and religious significance, especially for Hindu pilgrims.
Madhya Pradesh -: Madhya Pradesh is a state in central India. It is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and numerous temples and monuments.
Lord Mahakal -: Lord Mahakal is another name for Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. He is known as the destroyer and transformer within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu.
Cannabis -: Cannabis, also known as bhang in India, is a plant that has been used in traditional rituals and ceremonies. In some Hindu traditions, it is offered to Lord Shiva as it is believed to be his favorite.
Sandalwood -: Sandalwood is a type of wood that has a pleasant fragrance. It is often used in religious rituals in India for its soothing scent and is considered sacred.