In 2023, after 19 years, Sawan will be observed for two months.
Due to the possible crowding during Sawan, four buses named Mahakal Lok Express were deployed on 4 July.
The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Currently, the temple is decorated because of Sawan month. In 2023, after 19 years, Sawan will be observed for two months, starting on July 4 and ending on August 31.
Due to the extra period of the Sawan month, the temple committee decided to change the timing of darshan, but only until September 11. The doors of the temple will be opened at 2:30 AM, but devotees’ entrance to the sanctum sanctorum will be closed during this time.
Devotees can take a quick darshan by paying Rs 250 for the tickets, which will be available on the temple’s website. Kavad Yatris who come from all over the country can perform jalabhisekh from Tuesday to Friday as access is prohibited on the other days.
Devotees with protocol and permission are allowed to have darshan of the Nandi Hall in a limited number. Since Sawan is two months this year, more devotees will visit the temple, which is why the committee has made these decisions. Visitors with a Rs 250 ticket can enter the temple through gate number four, pass through the Vishram Dham barricade to the assembly hall and then exit the temple.
VIPs are admitted from gate 1 along with VVIPs from Nirmalya gate. Though regular visitors can offer water for the Bhasma Aarti. Due to the potential crowding, four buses named Mahakal Lok Express were deployed on 4 July.
Five major Aartis take place during Sawan. Lord Mahakal faces south and it is believed that on the 8th lunar day of Sawan and the 2nd lunar day of Bhadau, he will come out as king to know about the circumstances of his devotees. During Sawan, a special decoration is performed with sandalwood, dried fruits, mawa, flowers and jewellery. Some devotees offer almost a lakh belpatra; it has the meaning of offering belpatra and water to Mahakal especially during Sawan.
Four bus services have been started for Mahakal’s visit. Two buses depart from Nanakheda bus stop and two from Dewas Gate bus stop. Along with Mahakal Temple, this bus will visit other religious sites such as ISKCON Temple, Yantra Mahal, Gadkalika Mata Temple, Siddhavat Ghat, Sandipani Ashram and other religious sites. These buses were free on the first day and a guide was present on the bus. The surcharge from the second day is Rs 100 and passengers can book the tickets on the Mahakal Lok website.
