Ujjain, July 22: With the holy 'Sawan' month starting on Monday, a special divya aarti was performed at Mahakaleshwar temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district to mark the occasion.

Prayers were offered and Bhasma Aarti of Baba Mahakal was also performed on the auspicious occasion of the first Monday of the 'Sawan' month.

'Bhasma aarti' (offering with ashes) is a famous ritual at Mahakaleshwar temple. It is performed during the 'Brahma Muhurta' between around 3:30 and 5:30 in the morning.

According to religious beliefs, the wishes of the devotee who participates in the Bhasma aarti are fulfilled.

Priest of the temple Ashish Sharma said, "The celebration of Sawan month has started on the premises of Mahakal temple. Today, on the first Monday of Sawan, the door of Baba Mahakal was opened and the Lord was worshipped with Panchamrit, which includes milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar. After that Baba Mahakal was adorned."

"After the decoration of Baba Mahakal, Bhasma Aarti was performed and Divya Aarti of Baba Mahakal was performed. Prayers were offered for the happiness and prosperity of the entire nation and the state," he added.

After many years such a coincidence has happened that holy Sawan begins on Monday. As a result of this, there is a lot of enthusiasm among the devotees and they are feeling blessed after worshipping lord Mahakal, Priest Sharma added.

This sacred month, falling typically between July and August marks a period of worship, fasting, and pilgrimage, dedicated to the deity of destruction and transformation.

This year Sawan begins on July 22, Monday, and ends on Monday, August 19.

Sawan holds a special place in Hindu mythology as the month when Lord Shiva is believed to have consumed the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), saving the universe from its toxic effects.

Devotees undertake fasts and offer prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during this period. The cooling rains of Sawan are symbolic of Shiva's compassion and benevolence.

During Sawan, devotees typically observe fasts on Mondays, which are considered auspicious. Many choose to abstain from consuming grains and eat only fruits, milk, and specific foods permissible during fasting.

The chanting of Shiva mantras, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and performing Rudrabhishek (a ceremonial bathing of Shiva Lingam with holy substances) are common practices observed with fervour across households and temples.

(ANI)

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