Every day, hundreds of thousands of devotees flock to the shrine of the world-renowned Baba Mahakal. To ensure better convenience for these devotees, the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple Committee periodically implements various changes. With the onset of April, scorching summer heat has already begun to set in. In light of this, the Temple Committee has brought good news for the devotees of Mahakal.

Specifically, the procedure for witnessing the *Bhasm Aarti* (Ash Ritual) at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain has undergone a significant change. Previously, devotees had to stand in queues for hours—often a day in advance—to obtain a free offline permit; this system has now been completely abolished. The Temple Committee has digitized this process, making instant bookings available online as well. Devotees can now book their slots a day in advance from the comfort of their own homes. Furthermore, the booking window—which previously opened three months in advance—has been reduced to one month, thereby simplifying the entire procedure.

**Fees Now Applicable Even for the Free *Bhasm Aarti***
At the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, 300 offline permits for the daily morning *Bhasm Aarti* were previously issued free of cost. These offline permits often resulted in long queues of devotees, where, after hours of waiting, only a limited number of people would succeed in obtaining permission. However, this system has now been altered. While devotees will certainly find relief from the ordeal of standing in long queues, they will now have to reach into their pockets. The Temple Committee has implemented a major change in its regulations by discontinuing the offline system. Offline permits will now be issued online, but a fee of ₹200 will be charged for this service. Whereas 300 devotees previously had to stand in line for hours, they will now enjoy the convenience of booking their slots from home. While convenience has certainly improved, the *darshan* (viewing)—which was once free—will now come at a cost.

**Relief for Devotees**
The Temple Committee has introduced this facility, keeping the summer heat in mind; devotees will no longer be required to stand in queues for hours on end. The Temple Committee launched this new facility on April 9th, effectively bringing the issuance of offline permits to a complete halt. Devotees will now be able to book 300 permits online one day in advance under a category designated as the "Tatkal Quota." To avail of this facility, devotees must pay a fee of ₹200 per person to the Temple Committee online via the official Mahakal Temple website: https://www.shrimahakaleshwar.mp.gov.in/.

**How ​​to Book: Know the Process**
Devotees will be able to make Tatkal Bhasma Aarti bookings through the official website of the Shri Mahakaleshwar Committee. For this purpose, the portal will open at 8:00 AM, one day before the selected date. (For example: If you wish to make a booking for April 20th, the portal will open at 8:00 AM on April 19th.) Bhasma Aarti bookings will be confirmed on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Bookings will be limited to a total of 300 devotees.

**The Three-Month Wait Comes to an End**
A new chapter has begun regarding Bhasma Aarti bookings at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. While devotees previously had to wait and plan three months, the rules have now changed. Devotees will now have the opportunity to make bookings just one month before their intended visit. The booking window for the month of May will open at 8:00 AM on April 21st; subsequently, the booking process for each upcoming month will commence on the 1st day of that month.

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