BHASM AARTI BOOKING

The Sacred Bhasm Aarti Ritual at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain

Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is renowned not only for its spiritual significance but also for its unique rituals. Among these, the Bhasm Aarti stands out as a profoundly sacred and mesmerizing ceremony as it is only performed in Mahakaleshwar Temple. Performed daily in the early hours, this ritual is a powerful display of devotion to Lord Shiva.

Features of Bhasm Aarti

·         The Bhasm Aarti is a unique ritual where the lingam of Lord Shiva is adorned with ashes, a practice symbolizing the transient nature of life and the eternal nature of the soul.

·         The ceremony begins at 4:00 AM and is known for its deeply spiritual atmosphere, characterized by the chanting of Vedic hymns, the rhythmic beating of drums, and the ringing of bells.

·         Devotees gather to witness this ancient tradition, seeking the blessings of Lord Mahakal.

·         Although Bhasm Aarti starts at 4 am, but the queue for Bhasm Aarti Pass Holders starts building up at around 1 am.

Ritual of Bhasm Aarti: 

1. Preparation: The temple priests prepare the sacred ash, which was brought from the cremation grounds in earlier times, now it being replaced by some sacred ash. This ash is believed to be purifying and is an essential element of the Bhasm Aarti.
2. Commencement: The Aarti begins with the purification of the temple premises and the lingam. The priests then perform a series of rituals to invoke the divine presence.
3. Application of Ash: The sacred ash is applied to the lingam amidst the chanting of mantras and hymns. This is the most significant part of the ritual, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and death.
4. Devotional Songs and Hymns: The atmosphere is filled with the sounds of devotional songs and Vedic hymns, creating a powerful and spiritually charged environment.
5. Conclusion: The Aarti concludes with offerings of flowers and sweets to the deity, followed by the distribution of prasad to the devotees.

Bhasm Aarti Pass Booking :

Due to the popularity of the Bhasm Aarti, attending this ritual requires a special pass. Here’s how you can secure one:

1. Online Booking: Passes can be booked online through the official Mahakaleshwar Temple website. It is advisable to book well in advance due to the high demand. Bhasma Aarti booking is available between 8 AM and 9 PM. Slots are released at 8:00 AM; if you miss this initial release, all unpaid registrations will be re-released every 20 minutes (i.e., 8:20 AM, 8:40 AM, 9:00 AM, and so on). To successfully book Bhasma Aarti, keep trying every 20 minutes from 8:00 AM onwards and ensure you complete the payment process within 15 minutes of registration.
2. Link for online Booking : https://shrimahakaleshwar.com/bhasmarti
3. Offline Booking: Passes are also available at the temple’s administration office. Early morning visits are recommended to avoid the rush. Offline Booking of Bhasm Aarti – is available at the booking counter window from 10 am to 3 pm everyday.
4. Identification: A valid ID proof is required for booking the pass. Ensure you carry the original ID during your visit for verification.

Bhasm Aarti Advance Request

• The temple trust has introduced a 'Bhasm Aarti Advance Booking Request' system. In this system, any leftover slots for Bhasm Aarti for a particular month will be made available to devotees on specific dates and times. Devotees can register for available slots and make payments via this link : https://shrimahakaleshwar.com/bhasmarti-request
• This is only an advance booking request and does not guarantee a booking. No payment is required at the time of placing the request. If the request is approved, a payment link will be generated and sent via SMS.
• A maximum of 3 requests can be placed from any single mobile number or Aadhaar number

Rules and Dress Code :

To maintain the sanctity of the Bhasm Aarti, the temple has set specific rules and a dress code for attendees:

• Dress Code for men : Men are required to wear traditional attire, preferably a dhoti, and are expected to be bare-chested during the ritual.
• Dress Code for Women : Women are supposed to wear Saree (including young girls)
• Behavior: Devotees should maintain silence and refrain from using electronic devices during the Aarti. Photography is strictly prohibited.
• Punctuality: Arrive at the temple well before the start time to ensure a good spot for viewing the ritual.

For complete Details of Bhasm Aarti Procedures, please follow this link : https://shrimahakaleshwar.com/assets/pdf/Basmarti_Procedure.pdf

Why Women Are Generally Asked Not to See Bhasm Aarti :  The practice of excluding women from witnessing the Bhasm Aarti is based on traditional beliefs and customs. It is said that the sight of the sacred ash ceremony, which involves elements of cremation rituals, is not considered auspicious for women. While this tradition has been questioned and debated, it continues to be followed as a mark of respect for the ancient customs of the temple.

Bhasm Aarti Experience

The Bhasm Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple is a profound spiritual experience that draws devotees from across the globe. Its unique features, deeply rooted in ancient traditions, offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Hindu rituals. By following the rules and dress code, and securing a pass in advance, devotees can fully immerse themselves in this divine ceremony, seeking the blessings of Lord Mahakal and experiencing a deep sense of spiritual fulfillment.