SHRAVAN month’s second Monday witnessed overwhelming devotion in Ujjain as Lord Mahakal embarked on his second royal procession (Sawari) from the iconic Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple. As the procession wound through traditional city routes, thousands of devotees lined the streets, making the entire corridor echo with chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and ‘Jai Shri Mahakal’.Accompanied by traditional brass bands, drum beats, and chanting devotional troupes, the deity stepped out to inspect the well-being of his subjects, carrying forward an age-old tradition. Elephant Suma replaces Shyamu; Ramghat worship concludes: A significant shift marked this year’s procession as female elephant Suma replaced Shyamu, who had served in the Sawari for years but was sidelined due to health issues. Adorned for the occasion, Suma led the ceremonial march, drawing widespread attention from onlookers.

 

Traversing through packed lanes, the procession reached Ramghat on the banks of the Kshipra River. There, officiating priests performed ceremonial worship and Jalabhishek using holy river water before the palanquin began its return journey back to the sanctum sanctorum under tight security arrangements. In Ujjain, celebrations commenced early morning with a grand Bhasma Aarti and special adornment of the deity. This second outing follows the inaugural procession held on August 3. A total of six major processions are scheduled during the Shravan-Bhadrapada period, with upcoming dates set for August 17, 24, and 31. The grand finale, the Rajasi Sawari (Royal Procession), will take place on September 7, bringing the month-long festivities to a grand close.