Holy city revels in exuberant Mahashivratri celebrations

Lakhs of devotees throng to take a glimpse of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlingam

Ujjain: The city of temples sank into devotional ecstasy of Mahashivratri celebration on Thursday. Devotees thronged to have a glance of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlingam on the pious occasion. About 1.25 lakh devotees had marked their presence before Lord Mahakal till 8 pm.

Devotees from local and far- off areas arrived in the city to visit Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlingam as they queued up for darshan from 2.30 am on Thursday. The deity was offered rose water and Panchamrit during Bhasmaarti performed in the wee hours on Thursday. About 1,500 devotees were present during the Bhasmaarti. Jyotirlingam was adorned with beautiful ornamentation.

Devotees were seen excited and full of enthusiasm while everyone was offering milk, water and bilva- patra ( leaves) to Jyotirlingam.Heavy rush was marked in temple premises. It took 45- 60 minutes for the common devotee to visit the deity.

Comedian Rajpal adav arrived here to seek blessings from Lord Mahakal at 4 pm. adav had darshan of the lord from Nandi Hall as the entry to the Garbhgriha was restricted considering heavy rush on the festival. BJP leader Uma Bharti also visited the Lord. Entire city lost in the devotional fragrance of Lord Shiva as heavy rush prevailed at every temple of the city.

VIPs were given entry through special passes costing Rs 151 from Bhasmaarti gate.Abhisheks for fulfilling various wishes were performed by priests and sound of Mahamrityunjaya mantra was reverberating in the temple. Devotees waited for hours in devotion to have a glance of Jyotirlingam in longtailed queues, starting from Bada Ganpati temple.

The same spiritual vibe for receiving Mahashivratri prasad was seen at prasad counters.Barricades were crowded and devotees after travelling thousands of kilometers hailed the lord raising their hands. Entire scenario presented the faith and devotion of people in an impeccable form. The administration made tight security arrangements at Mahakaleshwar temple premises considering security measures. Barricades were installed near the temple, Bada Ganpati Temple and Som Tirtha.