Every year Lord Shiva devotees visit Ujjain in large numbers during the Maha Shivaratri festival to worship Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. One of the 12 Lord Mahadeva Jyotirlinga shrines, Ujjain Mahakal Darshan, is considered to be holiest. Watching live aarti of Ujjain Mahakal Darshan during Maha Shivratri 2017 is a wish of every Shiva devotees. Those who cannot be present to see the auspicious Shri Mahakaleshwar Bhasma Aarti in person, there are free live streaming options made available. The official website will run Maha Shivaratri 2017 Aarti Video Live online from Mahakaleshwar. Shree Mahakaleshwar Live Darshana begins from 4.00 am to 11.00 pm. Maha Shivaratri is the biggest festival celebrated in honour of Mahakal, an avatar of Lord Shiva who is worshipped at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The temple is located on the banks of river Kshipra, in the dense Mahakal forests in Ujjain.

The legend of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is fascinating and holy. According to the Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva in the lingam form is Swayambhu, a Sanskrit word which means “self-manifested” or “that which is created by its own accord”. It derives power (Shakti) from within itself, unlike other jyotirlingas. Lord Shiva goes by the name Mahakal because he is considered to be greater than the time itself. The word ‘Kaal’ in Hinduism means time and the ‘Maha’ or greatness of Lord Shiva. Millions of devotees flock in Ujjain hoping to seek blessings of Lord Shiva during the Maha Shivaratri festival.

The city of Ujjain and its people believe Mahakal or Lord Shiva to be their real king and protector. It is said long ago, Lord Shiva agreed to stay back as the swayambhu murthi or lingam of Mahakaleshwar on the request of the people of Ujjain. The Lord Shiva mantras, chants, shlokas, poojas and Aarti of Lord Shiva is done at great length during Maha Shivaratri to seek his great blessings. Mahakaleshwara Temple is one of the only the seven holy places in India that can liberate a human. The other six Mukti-Sthal being Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Benares, Kanchipuram and Dwarka.

The entire Shree Mahakaleshwar Bhasma Aarti is done on Maha Shivaratri festival. The auspicious aarti lasts for about 45 minutes to an hour. According to the rules laid out on the official website, one has to apply before one day. The Shiva devotees are prohibited from offering milk, they can pour water though. During the ritual of ‘Jalabhishek’, women and men should wear saree and dhoti respectively. The aarti is divided into two parts – firstly, Jalabhishek and secondly, Bhasma Aarti. This Mahakal Jyotirlinga has particular importance during the holy month of Shraavana.

Maha Shivatrati 2017 will once again witness a significant number of Shiva bhakts at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, praying and worshipping the great Lord Shiva. If you are not one of the worshippers who cannot make to see Ujjain Mahakal Darshan, kindly follow the live darshan option available on their official website. Wishing every Shiva devotee out there, a blessed Maha Shivaratri 2017.