Sawan 2023: Fourth Ride Of Lord Mahakal Appears In Four Forms

Monday, July 31, 2023, 15:37

Sawan month is ongoing since July, and the last date of this month, 31 July, Monday marks the fourth somwar of Shravan. Even though the entire month is considered extremely auspicious in Hinduism, the fourth Monday is considered extremely special because the fourth ride of the famous Jyotirlinga Lord Mahakal is taken out on this day with a series of rides, four to be precise. The event takes place in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

Lord Shiva devotees celebrate this day with huge pomp and enthusiasm and they can witness four forms of Lord Mahakal on this day. Avantikanath travels around the city riding in the form of Chandramauleshwar in a silver palanquin, Manmahesh on an elephant, Shivtandav on a Garuda chariot, and Uma Mahesh on Nandi, to know the state of his subjects.

According to a report published in the Hindustan Samachar, Sandeep Kumar Soni, administrator of the Mahakaleshwar Temple Management Committee told that Lord Chandramouleshwar will be duly worshipped before the departure of the ride. Post this ritual, the ride will start from Mahakaleshwar Temple at 4:00 p.m. with royal pomp.' Lord Chandramouleshwar who will be seated in a Palanquin will receive salute by armed police force personnel at the main gate of the temple. Then, Chandramouleshwar will go on a city tour.'

A traditional route will be taken so, the ride will reach Ramghat through Mahakal Chauraha, Gudri Chauraha, Bakshi Bazar, and Kaharwadi. It is here that the Lord will be worshipped and anointed with the Holy water of the Kshipra River. After this, the ride will again reach Mahakaleshwar temple via Ramanujkot, Modh ki Dharamshala, Kartik Chowk Khati temple, Satyinarayan temple, Dhaba Road, Tanki Square, Chhatri Chowk, Gopal Mandir, Patni Bazar, and Gudri Bazar.

This time of the year witnesses heavy football due to Sawan month and Shiva devotees from across the world come to visit the Mahakaleshwar temple. Devotees also wait for Bhasma Aarti on this day which happens in the early hours.

The doors of the temple open at 2:30 am on this day and priests offer water to Rajadhiraj Lord Mahakal and then worship abiding by the age-old rituals and customs. Then he is bathed with all auspicious ingredients like milk, curd, honey, sugar, and fruit juices. After this, the deity was decorated with cannabis, dry fruits, abir, gulal, sandalwood, etc. Then, the Bhasma Aarti is performed. Also, the Jalabhishek of Lord Mahakal will be performed throughout the day.

You can watch the live telecast of Lord Mahakal's ride on the Facebook page of the Mahakaleshwar Temple Management Committee.