Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)

Bollywood actor sisters Shilpa Shetty and Shamita Shetty visited the revered Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, where they participated in the sacred 'Shayan Aarti' of the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.

The sisters arrived at the temple late on Saturday evening and performed rituals as per tradition, offering prayers and seeking blessings. They also had 'darshan' of Lord Mahakal during the aarti ceremony.

Shilpa and Shamita were deeply immersed in devotion as they witnessed the elaborate and spiritually charged aarti. For the occasion, they chose traditional ethnic outfits.

Speaking about her experience, 'Dhadkan' star Shilpa Shetty expressed gratitude and described the visit as special, adding that she hopes to return soon. "People don't come here by themselves, but it is Mahakal himself who calls us upon. It seems like we have finally received our calling. It was a unique experience, and it was the first time I took part in the Shayan Aarti. It was well-organised. I would like to come back," Shilpa said, as quoted in a temple press release.

Echoing similar sentiments, Shamita Shetty, a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, said that the visit left her feeling calm and spiritually fulfilled. She said, "I am coming here for the first time, and as Shilpa said, I finally got my invitation. And I am feeling very peaceful right now. It has been beautifully organised for both of us and for everyone."

The Mahakaleshwar Temple, situated on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain, holds immense religious significance as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

While the 'Shayan Aarti' is conducted during the late hours of the evening, devotees also throng the temple for the auspicious Bhasma Aarti, which is performed during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta, between 3:30 and 5:30 AM.

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According to temple traditions, the ritual begins with the opening of Baba Mahakal's doors in the early hours, followed by a holy bath with Panchamrit, a sacred mixture of milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey. The deity is then adorned with cannabis and sandalwood before the unique Bhasma Aarti and dhoop-deep Aarti take place, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and the resonating sound of conch shells.