In the city of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, the first procession of Baba Mahakal was taken out on the first Monday of Sawan, July 14, 2025. Thousands of devotees participated in this historic procession with the chants of "Jai Mahakal." This event is not just a religious ritual, but an ancient tradition deeply connected to the soul of Ujjain, which has been going on for centuries.
Mahakaleshwar is special among the 12 Jyotirlingas
The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in Hinduism and is the only Jyotirlinga facing south. It is believed that this Shivling is self-manifested and also governs time, hence it is called Mahakal.
The month of Sawan is very special for Shiva devotion. During this time, a special procession of Baba Mahakal is taken out in which he is seated on a decorated palanquin or chariot and taken around the city.
History of the tradition of Mahakal's procession
The credit for starting the Mahakal procession goes to Raja Bhoj, who established it as a grand event during his time. In those days, the Mahakal procession was taken out with elephants, horses, and swordsmen. With time, this tradition became even grander.
Even today, the procession includes live tableaux, groups of horse riders, and swordsmen. This procession has become not only a religious event but also a living example of faith, tradition, and culture.
When will Mahakal's procession be held in 2025?
This year, a total of 6 processions of Baba Mahakal will be held. The first procession was held on July 14, while the dates of the remaining processions are as follows:
- Second procession: July 21
- Third procession: July 28
- Fourth procession: August 4
- Fifth procession: August 11
- Sixth procession: August 18
In all these processions, the palanquin of Mahakal is decorated in different forms. Sometimes in a silver palanquin, sometimes on Garuda Vahana, and sometimes seated on an elephant, Baba visits the city.
Religious significance of the procession journey
The Mahakal procession is seen as a city tour of Lord Shiva. It is believed that during this time, Shiva himself visits the city for the happiness and well-being of the people. During this procession, devotees shower flowers along the way, perform bhajans-kirtans, and the sky resounds with the chants of Baba.
Thousands of devotees participate in each procession, including local citizens and devotees who come from far and wide. Grand decorations are done at every street and intersection of Ujjain to welcome Baba.
Special worship is associated with every procession
The Mahakal procession is not just a procession, but special worship is also performed in the temple on the day of each procession. After Bhasma Aarti, Baba is adorned with special makeup. Only then does the procession begin.
Devotees welcome Baba with water service, offerings of food and flowers at various places along the procession route. Cultural programs are also organized by setting up pandals at many places.
The administration's focus on security and arrangements
Like every year, the administration has made special security arrangements for the Mahakal procession this time as well. Crowd control is managed with the help of police force, CCTV cameras, medical teams, and volunteers.
Special attention has been paid to cleanliness, lighting, barricading, and road construction by the Municipal Corporation and other departments. The administration has ensured that no devotee faces any inconvenience.
Devotees arrive from India and abroad
The Mahakal procession is no longer limited to Ujjain. Devotees from different parts of the country come to participate in this festival. In addition, Indians living abroad also come to Ujjain especially on this occasion.
This procession of Baba Mahakal has also established Ujjain as a major center for religious tourism. The Railways and the Tourism Department also run special trains and packages on this occasion.
A confluence of devotion, tradition, and faith
For those who participate in the Mahakal procession, it is not just a religious event, but a living experience of faith. Every time Baba goes on a city tour, the enthusiasm of the devotees is worth seeing. This tradition has become the identity of Ujjain, which is repeated with all its splendor every year in Sawan.
