Ujjain: Lord Mahakal Adorned as Groom for Annual Bharmarti Ceremony

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: The grand Mahashivratri celebrations at the world-famous Mahakaleshwar Temple culminated today with the unique “Sehra Darshan” of Lord Mahakal. On 16 February, the deity was adorned as a groom, wearing a floral crown (Sehra) in a ceremony that occurs just once a year. The day-time Bharmarti began at 12 noon and continued until 2 PM.

Elaborate Rituals at Mahakaleshwar Temple

The celebrations began in the morning with Rudrabhishek performed by eleven Brahmins, accompanied by Vedic chants. Lord Mahakal was bathed in five types of fruit juices followed by Panchamrit Abhishek, a ritual involving a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, Ganga water, rose water, bhang, and saffron. The deity was then dressed in new clothes and adorned with a mask made of the seven grains (Saptadhanya).

Offerings and Sehra Ceremony

Following the rituals, Lord Mahakal was offered Saptadhanya including rice, whole moong, sesame, wheat, barley, black gram, and salt. The Sehra, made entirely of flowers, was placed on the deity’s head. The idol was further decorated with a moon crown, umbrella, Tripundra, and other sacred ornaments. After the Sehra Aarti, Lord Mahakal was offered a variety of sweets, fruits, and Panchmewa.

Daytime Bharmarti Aarti

The annual daytime Bharmarti Aarti, a ceremony held only once a year, commenced at 12 noon and concluded at 2 PM. Following this, Bhog Aarti was performed. The temple will conclude the day with evening worship and Shayan Aarti, after which the Mahakaleshwar Temple gates will close for the night.