Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav performs prayers at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain
Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) [India], September 2: On the occasion of Somvati Amavasya, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, along with his wife Seema Yadav, offered prayers at the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain district on Monday.
As per religious beliefs, worshipping Lord Shiva (Baba Mahakal) on Somvati Amavasya brings happiness and prosperity. Devotees from various places gathered to offer their prayers on this significant day.
After completing the puja rituals inside the temple's sanctum sanctorum, the Chief Minister was seen sitting in Nandi Hall, deeply immersed in devotion.
Neeraj Kumar Singh, Chairman of the Mahakaleshwar Temple Management Committee and Ujjain Collector, along with Ganesh Kumar Dhakad, Administrator of the Temple Management Committee, honored CM Yadav by presenting him with a shawl, a packet of prasad, and a picture of Baba Mahakaleshwar.
The Chief Minister also visited and offered prayers at Shri Vriddha Kaleshwar (Old Mahakaleshwar) Temple and Shri Anadi Kalpeshwar Temple, both located within the premises of Mahakaleshwar Temple.
Earlier in the morning, the traditional Bhasma aarti was performed. This famous ritual, conducted during the 'Brahma Muhurta' between approximately 3:30 and 5:30 in the morning, is believed to fulfill the wishes of the devotees who participate in it.
According to the temple priest, the doors of Baba Mahakal were opened during the Brahma Muhurta, followed by a holy bath of Lord Mahakal with Panchamrit, a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey. Baba Mahakal was then adorned with cannabis and sandalwood, dressed in clothes, and the Bhasma Aarti and dhoop-deep Aarti were performed amidst the sounds of drums and conch shells.
Additionally, there is a tradition of taking out Baba Mahakal's sawari (ride) every Monday during the Sawan-Bhado month. As it is the second Monday of Bhado month today, Baba Mahakal's ride will also be taken out in the evening. It is believed that Baba Mahakal tours the city to understand the condition of the public, and devotees eagerly wait along the roadside for hours to witness the ride, considering themselves blessed by catching a glimpse of Baba Mahakal.