Crowds gather for Baba Mahakal's Ashadhi Ashtami ritual at Ujjain temple

On Tuesday, 21 July, the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain hosted the Ashadhi Shukla Ashtami bhashima arati of Baba Mahakal. Devotees arrived in large numbers, many lining up overnight, to witness the ceremonial opening of the deity's doors with drums and conches. The ritual included a water ablution using panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, sugar and fruit juice) and the adornment of the idol with Om symbols, bel leaves, a crown and a rudraksha garland. Traditional ash, made from Kapila cow dung and medicinal herbs, was applied. Men wore dhoti‑sari and women traditional sarees. Police were deployed extensively to maintain order around the temple grounds.