Holika Dahan will be observed across the country on Monday night on the occasion of Phalguna Purnima. As per tradition, the first Holika Dahan ceremony in India will be held at the renowned Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Centuries-Old Tradition at Mahakal Temple
It has been a long-standing tradition that major Hindu festivals are first celebrated at the Mahakaleshwar Temple. Continuing this practice, priests will offer symbolic gulal to Lord Mahakal during the evening aarti.
At approximately 7:30 PM, Holika prepared from cow dung cakes will be lit inside the temple premises amid Vedic chants and rituals.
According to temple priest Ashish Sharma, the ritual of offering gulal to Lord Mahakal before Holika Dahan has been followed since ancient times. This year, only one kilogram of herbal gulal will be offered symbolically.
Security Measures in Place
The temple administration has imposed strict security arrangements for the ceremony. Devotees will not be allowed near the Holika Dahan site due to safety concerns, especially in light of past fire incidents.
Carrying colors or gulal inside the temple premises will not be permitted. Priests, staff members, and security personnel will also refrain from bringing colors. CCTV cameras will monitor the premises, and thorough checks will be conducted at all entry gates.
Officials have appealed to devotees to celebrate Holi peacefully and maintain the sanctity of the temple.
Dhulendi Celebrations and Special Rituals
Dhulendi will be celebrated at the temple on Tuesday. During the early morning Bhasma Aarti at 4:00 AM, Lord Mahakal will be offered gulal, followed by special adornment with bhang and sandalwood paste.
During the Sutak period of the eclipse, temple doors will remain open; however, regular offerings will be suspended, and only sugar will be offered as bhog. Once the eclipse ends, purification rituals and regular worship will resume.
Summer Schedule to Begin from March 3
The Mahakal Temple follows two seasonal worship schedules every year. From March 3 (Chaitra Krishna Pratipada), summer timings will come into effect. Lord Mahakal will be bathed with cold water, a ritual that continues until Sharad Purnima.
The revised daily aarti schedule will be as follows:
- Bhasma Aarti: 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM
- Dadyodak Aarti: 7:00 AM – 7:45 AM
- Bhog Aarti: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
- Evening Pujan: 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM
- Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM
- Shayan Aarti: 10:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Holika Dahan at Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple holds special spiritual significance, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and marking the beginning of Holi festivities across India.
