Mahakal’s darshan begins on Mahashivratri:Gates opened at 2:30 mid-night, estimated 10 lakh devotees to arrive; 4000 employees deployed

At the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, the gates of the Mahakaleshwar Temple were opened at 2.30 am with the ringing of the first bell. Priests worshipped the idols in the sanctum sanctorum while chanting mantras and offered Hariom water. After the camphor aarti, jalabhishek was performed. The deity was then worshipped with panchamrit made from milk, curd, ghee, sugar and fruit juices. Around 10 lakh devotees are expected to reach Ujjain on Mahashivratri. As the festival falls on a Sunday, the crowd is rising quickly. Hotels, lodges and homestays in the city are already fully booked due to the heavy rush. Royal decoration of Mahakal After offering bhang, sandalwood and tripund, Mahakal was dressed like a king. The Jyotirlinga was covered with cloth and ash was applied. A silver Sheshnag crown, silver mundmala and rudraksha mala were offered. Garlands made of mogra and rose flowers were also used for decoration. Darshan within 40 minutes During the early morning Bhasma Aarti, both pass holders and those taking mobile Bhasma Aarti darshan were allowed entry. The Mahakal Temple Committee said devotees are getting darshan in an average time of about 40 minutes despite the heavy crowd. Temple open for 44 hours As per tradition, water will be offered to Mahakal throughout the day. Due to the four-phase worship schedule, the temple will remain open all night. On February 16, after the Shayan Aarti, the doors will close around 10.45 pm. This means devotees will get continuous darshan for nearly 44 hours. Day schedule of rituals After the Bhasma Aarti at 2.30 am, Dadyodak Aarti will be held from 7.30 am to 8.15 am. Bhog Aarti will take place from 10.30 am to 11.15 am. From 12 noon to 1 pm, abhishek and pujan will be performed by the Tehsil. Holkar and Scindia families’ ritual Pt Ghanshyam Pujari will perform abhishek on behalf of the Holkar and Scindia families. The evening aarti of Lord Mahakaleshwar will be held at 6 pm. From 7 pm to 10 pm, Panchamrit pujan of Koteshwar Mahadev at Kotitirth Kund will be performed, followed by Saptadhan offering and Pushp Mukut Shringar Aarti. There will be no Shayan Aarti today. Mahapuja from 11 pm From Sunday 11 pm, a grand Mahapuja will begin in the sanctum sanctorum. Rituals will include bhasma dhulan, wearing of rudraksha mala, earth and spirit purification, antar-matrika and bahir-matrika pujan, mahanyasa, laghunya, rudra pujan and panchavatra pujan. Bilva leaves will be offered with chanting of Shiva Sahasranama. Mahakal will be anointed with panchamrit and different fruit juices. Special Bhasma Aarti on February 16 On February 16, the once-a-year afternoon Bhasma Aarti will be held at 12 noon. Bhog Aarti will follow at 2 pm. Evening and night aartis will then be performed. After the final rituals, the temple doors will close at 11 pm. 3 quintals of flowers for decoration, 11-foot sehra will be made On Mahashivratri, Mahakal will be decorated as a groom. For this, 3 quintals of flowers have been ordered. An 11-foot sehra will be made using 100 kg of marigold flowers, 1.25 lakh bel leaves, and 200 kg of local flowers. 400 quintals of laddu prasad prepared, 20 counters set up The laddu prasad of Mahakal Temple Committee is famous across the country. Daily 30 to 40 quintals of laddu prasad is prepared. For the Mahashivratri festival, 400 quintals of laddu prasad has been prepared. 20 counters have been set up in and around the temple. Mahakal will wear mask made of seven grains In the temple on Monday from 4 AM, Lord Mahakal will be adorned with the Saptadhanya mask. Pandit Mahesh Sharma said that on February 16 morning, seven grains namely rice, whole moong, sesame, whole masoor, wheat, barley, and whole urad will be offered to the Lord. Baba will be decorated with a one-and-quarter maund flower crown, golden earrings, umbrella and peacock feathers, and golden Tripund. During the Sehara Aarti at 6 AM, silver Bilva leaves and coins will be offered. Temple committee has made these arrangements… The temple committee has made several arrangements for devotees including Bhasma Aarti darshan, Laddu prasad, inquiry center, parking, shoe stand, and drinking water. Reserved parking for vehicles coming from Indore road When parking at Mannat and Imperial Garden is full, vehicles will be parked at Prashanti Dham, Engineering College playground and Shani Temple ground. Visitors will be sent to Karkraj parking via public service vehicles.