Devotees Celebrate Shri Krishna Janmashtami at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain
On August 26, many devotees gathered at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, to celebrate Shri Krishna Janmashtami. A special Bhasma Aarti was performed, and Lord Shiva, known as Baba Mahakal, was decorated as Shri Krishna for the occasion.
Special Bhasma Aarti
The Bhasma Aarti, a unique ritual involving the offering of ashes, took place during the Brahma Muhurta, between 3:30 and 5:30 in the morning. According to temple priest Ashish Pujari, the doors of Baba Mahakal were opened, and a holy bath with Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey) was performed. Baba Mahakal was then adorned with cannabis and sandalwood and dressed as Shri Krishna.
Union Minister’s Visit
Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav also visited the temple, participated in the Bhasma Aarti, and offered prayers. He expressed his happiness and prayed for the well-being of everyone, good rainfall, and the happiness of farmers.
Devotees’ Joy
The temple was filled with excitement and joy as devotees queued up late at night to worship Baba Mahakal. Many brought Laddu Gopal idols with them and received Baba Mahakal’s blessings.
Doubts Revealed
Shri Krishna Janmashtami -: Shri Krishna Janmashtami is a festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, a Hindu god. It is celebrated with joy and devotion by Hindus all over India.
Mahakaleshwar Temple -: Mahakaleshwar Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are sacred shrines of Shiva.
Ujjain -: Ujjain is a city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is known for its ancient temples and is a major religious center for Hindus.
Bhasma Aarti -: Bhasma Aarti is a special ritual performed at the Mahakaleshwar Temple. In this ritual, sacred ash (bhasma) is used to worship Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva -: Lord Shiva is one of the main gods in Hinduism. He is known as the destroyer and transformer among the Hindu trinity, which also includes Brahma and Vishnu.
Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav -: Prataprao Jadhav is a politician in India who serves as a Union Minister. Union Ministers are important members of the Indian government.
Baba Mahakal -: Baba Mahakal is another name for Lord Shiva, especially in the context of the Mahakaleshwar Temple. ‘Mahakal’ means the great time or the eternal time.
Laddu Gopal idols -: Laddu Gopal idols are small statues of Lord Krishna as a child. Devotees bring these idols to temples for blessings during festivals like Janmashtami.