Jay Bhanushali attends Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain
Synopsis
Jay Bhanushali's long-held wish came true at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, where the actor-host participated in the sacred Bhasma Aarti and said he left carrying a 'different energy and aura.' For a celebrity who had heard about the ritual for years from family and friends, the visit was clearly more than a photo opportunity.
Key Takeaways
Jay Bhanushali attended the Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple , Ujjain , on 1 June .
He described the experience as deeply fulfilling, saying he left the temple with a 'different energy and aura.' The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas , among the most sacred Shiva shrines in India.
Jay is known for TV shows including Bigg Boss 15 , Khatron Ke Khiladi 7 , and his film debut in Hate Story 2 ( 2014 ).
His most recent project was the 2024 series Hum Rahe Na Rahe Hum , adapted from the Turkish show İstanbullu Gelin .
Actor-host Jay Bhanushali visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on 1 June, participating in the revered Bhasma Aarti ritual and describing the experience as deeply fulfilling — one he had long hoped to be part of. The visit marks a personal milestone for the television personality, who said he left the sacred shrine feeling transformed.
Jay's Experience at the Bhasma Aarti
Speaking in Ujjain after the ritual, Jay said his experience was unlike anything he had anticipated. 'My experience was very different. I had heard a lot about it. My friends and family had been coming here for so many years. I had always hoped that I would be invited here and I would get the opportunity,' he said.
He added that the ritual lived up to everything he had been told. 'Today I got the opportunity to participate in the Bhasma Aarti. I am very happy and I am taking a lot of energy from here. People used to tell me that once I participate in the Bhasma Aarti, I would leave this temple with a different energy and aura. That is what I am feeling today. That is all I would like to say. Jai Shri Maha Kaal,' he concluded.
About the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
The Mahakaleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas — shrines regarded as the most sacred abodes of Shiva across the Indian subcontinent. The Bhasma Aarti, performed in the early hours of the morning, is among the most sought-after spiritual experiences at the temple, drawing devotees and public figures alike throughout the year.
Jay Bhanushali: Career at a Glance
Jay Bhanushali is widely recognised for his work across Indian television, having appeared in shows including Kayamath, Nach Baliye 5, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 2, Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket, Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao, Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 7, and Bigg Boss 15.
He made his film debut in Hate Story 2 (2014), directed by Vishal Pandya, alongside Sushant Singh and Surveen Chawla. He subsequently appeared in Desi Kattey and Ek Paheli Leela. His most recent project was the 2024 show Hum Rahe Na Rahe Hum, an adaptation of the popular Turkish series İstanbullu Gelin.
With his Ujjain visit, Jay joins a growing list of Bollywood and television personalities who have sought blessings at one of India's most spiritually significant temples.
Point of View
But Jay Bhanushali's account stands out for its personal weight — years of hearing about the ritual from family before finally experiencing it himself. What is worth noting is how the Bhasma Aarti continues to draw figures from entertainment, reinforcing Ujjain's place not just as a pilgrimage site but as a destination that cuts across demographics. For Jay, at a stage in his career marked by selective projects, the visit also signals a public pivot toward spirituality that resonates strongly with his core audience.
NationPress
22 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple?
The Bhasma Aarti is a sacred pre-dawn ritual performed at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is considered one of the most spiritually significant rituals in the temple and draws devotees from across India.
Why did Jay Bhanushali visit Mahakaleshwar Temple?
Jay Bhanushali visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on 1 June to seek divine blessings and participate in the Bhasma Aarti. He said he had long wished to attend the ritual after hearing about it from family and friends over the years.
What did Jay Bhanushali say about his Bhasma Aarti experience?
Jay said he left the temple feeling a 'different energy and aura,' exactly as people had described to him. He expressed happiness at finally getting the opportunity and signed off with 'Jai Shri Maha Kaal.'
What are Jay Bhanushali's recent projects?
Jay Bhanushali was last seen in the 2024 television series Hum Rahe Na Rahe Hum, an adaptation of the Turkish show İstanbullu Gelin. He has previously appeared in Bigg Boss 15, Khatron Ke Khiladi 7, and films including Hate Story 2 and Ek Paheli Leela.
Where is the Mahakaleshwar Temple located?
The Mahakaleshwar Temple is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas — the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva in Hindu tradition. It is a major pilgrimage destination attracting millions of devotees each year.
