Mahakal Temple to observe Roop Chaudas, Diwali on same day:’Abhyang Snan’ to be conducted till Mahashivratri; women from priest families to perform rituals

Due to changes in the festival calendar, this year Roop Chaudas will be celebrated in the morning and Diwali in the evening on Monday, October 20. Following tradition, the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, known for celebrating all major festivals first in the country, will observe both rituals on the same day. Special Roop Chaudas rituals at Mahakal Temple On the occasion of Roop Chaudas, Lord Mahakal will be bathed with hot water during the morning Bhasma Aarti, following which women from the priest families will perform the special ritual of applying ubtan to the deity. This marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations, symbolised by the lighting of a single sparkler. This ritual is performed only once a year, and only women are allowed to participate. They prepare the ubtan using fragrant ingredients such as saffron, sandalwood, perfume, vetiver, and white sesame. After the ubtan ritual, a special camphor aarti is conducted, also performed exclusively by women. Ubtan preparation early morning worship According to temple priest Mahesh Sharma, the ubtan will be applied to Lord Mahakal at 4 AM during the Bhasma Aarti. The ubtan made of saffron, sandalwood, perfume, vetiver, and white sesame is considered auspicious for enhancing the Lord’s appearance. Following the ritual, Panchamrit worship will be offered, and an Annakut bhog will be presented to the deity. The Annakut bhog includes a variety of traditional dishes such as rice, khaja, shakarpare, gunje, papdi, sweets, radish curry, and eggplant curry. These offerings are part of the long-standing tradition of presenting an elaborate feast to Lord Mahakal, who is considered the king of the mortal world. Temple decorated with lights and flowers In preparation for Diwali, the Mahakal Temple premises have been illuminated with colorful lights, flowers, and rangoli. The main dome of the temple has been decorated with colorful bulbs, creating a vibrant atmosphere ahead of the festival. Flowers have been sourced from both India and abroad for the temple decorations. The courtyard and sanctum sanctorum will feature anthurium, lily, carnation, chrysanthemum, and daisy flowers brought from Thailand, Bangkok, Malaysia, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai. Warm water bath to continue till Mahashivratri Priest Mahesh Guru said that Lord Mahakal is now being given an Abhyang bath with warm water during the Bhasma Aarti, marking the onset of winter from the fourteenth day of Kartik month. The warm water bath is performed to protect the deity from cold and will continue daily until Mahashivratri. Only one sparkler to be lit during worship During the Diwali rituals, only one sparkler will be lit during each major aarti — morning Bhasma Aarti, Abhyang bath aarti, evening aarti, and bedtime aarti. This is done in accordance with traditional and religious customs of the temple. The temple administration has strictly prohibited any form of fireworks or flammable materials inside the sanctum sanctorum, Kotitirth Kund, temple premises, and Shri Mahakal Mahalok area. This includes crackers, flowerpots, sparklers, and other firecrackers, ensuring that the festival is celebrated peacefully and safely.