7.80 Lakh Devotees Witness Mahakal's Sawari In Ujjain

On the second Monday of Shravan, Lord Shri Mahakal went on a 'sawari' to bless his devotees and enquire about the well-being of his subjects in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. He appeared as Shri Chandramauleshwar seated in a palanquin and as Shri Manmahesh mounted on an elephant.

About 7.80 lakh devotees had 'darshan' of Lord Shri Mahakal in the two forms along the entire 'sawari' route. The 'sawari' started from Mahakal Temple and proceeded through various locations in Ujjain, including Gudri Chauraha, Bakshi Bazaar, and Kaharwadi, before reaching Ramghat.

At Ramghat, Shri Chandramauleshwar and Shri Manmahesh were worshipped and offered an 'abhishek' with the waters of the Kshipra river amid the sound of conch shells. After the rituals and 'aarti', the procession proceeded through several other locations, including Ramanuj Kot, Modh Ki Dharamshala, and Kartik Chowk.

The 'sawari' featured various performances, including the Shri Mahakaleshwar Band, folk art dance performers, and Tribal folk dance artists. The Ramleela Tribal Dance Troupe from Chhayan West, Petlawad, Jhabua, presented 'Bhaghoria' folk dance, showcasing the rich Tribal culture and traditions of Madhya Pradesh.

Around 50 dancers from Ujjain's Pratibha Sangeet Kala Sansthan and Lokayan Sansthan also performed in front of Shri Mahakaleshwar's palanquin in the Shri Mahakal Temple complex. They offered a devotional tribute to Lord Bholenath through dance, performing to the tunes of the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple band.

The 'sawari' concluded after 'aarti' and the palanquin was rested at Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple. A different theme has been selected for each 'sawari' to make the procession grander.

The event is a significant part of the Shravan month celebrations in Ujjain, which attract devotees from all over the country. The 'sawari' is a unique and colourful procession that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh.

The participation of 7.80 lakh devotees in the 'sawari' is a testament to the popularity of the event and the devotion of the people towards Lord Shri Mahakal. The 'sawari' is an important part of the religious and cultural calendar of Ujjain and is expected to continue to attract large crowds in the future.

In conclusion, the 'sawari' of Lord Shri Mahakal in Ujjain is a significant event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh and attracts devotees from all over the country. The event is a unique and colourful procession that is an important part of the religious and cultural calendar of Ujjain.