Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Like every other festival, Raksha Bandhan too started with the Mahakal. The first 'rakhi' was offered to the Mahakal Jyotirlinga in Ujjain after Bhasma aarti in the wee hours of Saturday-- the last day of holy month Shravana.
A special rakhi was prepared for Baba Mahakal for the occasion. It was made of a velvet cloth, pearls and golden lace.
The pandits of the temple said that every festival begins from Lord Mahakal's court. In this sequence, Rakhi was tied to Lord Shri Mahakaleshwar. This tradition has been going on for years.
The doors of Mahakal Temple opened first at 3 am for Bhasma Aarti. After this, Abhishek was performed with Panchamrit (a holy mixture of milk, curd, ghee, Gangajal and honey). Following which, he was offered the special rakhi.
1.25 lakh laddoos offered
'Mahabhog' of 1.25 lakh laddoos was offered to Baba Mahakaleshwar during the Bhasma Aarti. It took four days to prepare the huge quantity.
The campus was beautifully decorated for the festival. Nandi Hall was decked up with flowers, enchanting the devotees.
No 'Bhadra Kaal' this year
There is no 'Bhadra kaal' on Raksha Bandhan this year. Bhadra is usually considered inauspicious, and sisters are not recommended to tie rakhi to their brothers during this 'muhurat'.
Astrologers said that there will be 'Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga' till 2:43 pm on Saturday. It is considered extremely auspicious for tying Rakhi.
