Immerse Yourself In The Spiritual Aura Of Ujjain With The Evening Kshipra Arti At Ram Ghat

By Outlook Traveller

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The evening aarti brings peace amidst happy chaos

Legend has it that Lord Ram performed 'pind daan' for his parents at Ujjain's Ram Ghat. That is how the place earned its name.It's hard to imagine what it looks like during the Simhastha Mela with lakhs of devotees thronging the ghat, but on a February evening, bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun, Ram Ghat is a picture of serenity. The anticipation of the aarti is palpable, though. People begin to take their place close to the aarti, making offerings to the river and waiting for the priests to take centrestage.

As the sun begins to retreat making way for darker skies, the character of the ghat transitions from calm to energetic.

Resounding and rhythmic

The energy builds up and remains constant through the ringing of the bells, clanging of the cymbals and beating of the damru. Priests stand tall at the edge of the ghat, their faces lit up by flames of the massive aarti as they chant mantras in a chorus. The Kshipra, one of the holiest rivers in Hinduism, calmly accepts and reflects this adoration. Soon, the devotees join the ritual, singing in unison and settling into a common rhythm that makes you subconsciously participate in the ensemble performance.

The high-energy ritual lasts an hour or so. We witness it from steps of the ghat as well as from the waters, as we take a pedal boat across the river - getting separate perspectives of this immersive experience.

Charmingly clamorous, the sounds of Ram Ghat stay with you long after the bells stop ringing.

Temple town

Host to one of the 12 jyotirlingas, Ujjain is celebrated for its Mahakaleshwar temple. There are 84 Shiva temples here, some of them at Ram Ghat. The bhasm (ash) aarti performed at the Mahakaleshwar temple at 4 a.m., is also popular among devotees from across India.

The Information

How to get there: The closest airport to Ujjain is Indore, 65 kms away. If one wants to get here by train, the Ujjain Junction Railway Station is well connected too, and just 3 kms from Ram Ghat.

Best time to visit: Ram Ghat aartis are performed all year. The best time, however, is during the cooler months from October to March.

Timing: The aarti is always performed at sunset, so the timing varies between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. according to the season.

Address: Ram Ghat Marg, Kartik Chowk, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Source URL: https://www.outlookindia.com/traveller/mp/wellness/read/sacred-sounds-at-ujjains-ram-ghat/