New Delhi, January 27:The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition filed by one Darpan Awasthi, which sought directives to ensure equal access to Darshan and the performance of rituals for all devotees at the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The petitioner had argued that there should be no discrimination between general and VIP devotees in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant remarked that individuals filing such petitions were not genuine devotees. "They are not shradhalu," the CJI stated, adding that matters concerning temple practices should not be the court's concern. "We are about judicability, not the formulation of guidelines or policies in such matters."

After hearing the petitioner’s counsel briefly, the Court dismissed the plea, allowing the petitioner to approach government authorities with his concerns instead.

The Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, located in Ujjain, holds great religious significance, being one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas of India. Devotees from across the country visit the temple throughout the year, particularly to witness the Bhasma Aarti. This sacred ritual, performed with holy ashes, is believed to bring divine blessings, protection, and the fulfillment of desires.

The Bhasma Aarti, which occurs between 3:30 and 5:30 am during the Brahma Muhurta, is one of the temple’s most venerated practices. Devotees believe that participation in this ritual brings them closer to Lord Mahakal’s blessings. The process begins with the temple doors being opened early in the morning, followed by a sacred bath for the deity with Panchamrit, a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey. After the bath, the Shivling is adorned with hemp and sandalwood paste, symbolizing purity and sanctity.