Ujjain’s sacred Mahakaleshwar Temple turned into a mesmerizing spectacle on Maha Shivratri as Lord Mahakal was elaborately decorated in the rare Saptadhan Shringar. Devotees from across India flocked in massive numbers, queuing for hours to catch a glimpse of their beloved deity adorned like a divine groom.
This once-a-year adornment featured seven sacred grains—whole green gram, sesame, lentils, wheat, barley, whole black gram, and rice—symbolizing nature’s bounty and prayers for bountiful harvests. A towering 11-foot crown made entirely from these grains crowned the idol, enhancing the ethereal beauty of the setup.
On this auspicious Monday, post-abhishek and pooja rituals, the grand sehra was placed on Baba Mahakal. Unlike the daily routine, the iconic Bhasm Aarti was rescheduled to the afternoon, allowing more time for the special darshan. The temple brimmed with fervor as thousands sought blessings.
The Saptadhan tradition holds profound significance, representing prosperity and abundance. After the ceremonies, the grains and fruits used in the decoration are distributed among devotees, with portions preserved by temple authorities as symbols of eternal wealth.
As the celebrations peak, the air resonates with chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev.’ From tomorrow, the temple’s schedule returns to normal, but the memories of this divine sight will linger in the hearts of all who witnessed it.