Bollywood actor sisters Shilpa Shetty and Shamita Shetty embarked on a spiritual sojourn to one of Hinduism's most revered sites, the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The visit, which took place on the evening of Saturday, January 11, saw the celebrities partake in the deeply sacred 'Shayan Aarti' ritual of the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.
A Night of Devotion and Tradition
Arriving at the temple complex late in the evening, the sisters immersed themselves in the traditional rituals. Dressed in elegant ethnic attire, they offered prayers and sought blessings during the elaborate ceremony. The atmosphere was charged with devotion as they performed 'darshan' of Lord Mahakal amidst the rhythmic chants and rituals of the aarti.
In a statement released by the temple, Shilpa Shetty expressed profound gratitude for the experience. The 'Dhadkan' star described the visit as uniquely special, marking her first participation in the Shayan Aarti. "People don't come here by themselves, but it is Mahakal himself who calls us upon. It seems like we have finally received our calling," she reflected, adding that the well-organized event left her eager to return soon.
Spiritual Fulfillment and Peace
Echoing her sister's sentiments, Shamita Shetty, a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, shared that her inaugural visit to the temple brought immense peace and spiritual satisfaction. "I am coming here for the first time, and as Shilpa said, I finally got my invitation. And I am feeling very peaceful right now," she stated, appreciating the beautiful organization of the ceremonies for all devotees.
The Significance of Mahakaleshwar Temple
The Mahakaleshwar Temple, situated on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain, holds a paramount position in Hindu faith. It is counted among the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, attracting millions of devotees annually.
While the Shetty sisters attended the late-evening Shayan Aarti, the temple is also famed for its early morning Bhasma Aarti. This auspicious ritual is performed during the Brahma Muhurta, between 3:30 and 5:30 AM. The elaborate temple traditions for this aarti include:
- The opening of Baba Mahakal's doors in the early hours.
- A holy bath for the deity using Panchamrit—a sacred blend of milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey.
- Adorning the deity with cannabis and sandalwood.
- The unique Bhasma Aarti and dhoop-deep Aarti, conducted to the powerful sounds of drums and conch shells.
The visit by the Bollywood personalities highlights the enduring spiritual draw of this ancient temple, bridging contemporary celebrity culture with timeless devotional practices.
