Saurabh Raj Jain and Arpit Ranka, celebrated for their iconic roles in the television epic Mahabharat, recently visited the Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain to attend the early morning Bhasma Aarti and seek blessings ahead of their upcoming theatrical production. The two actors joined a congregation of devotees at one of the twelve revered Jyotirlinga shrines in India, immersing themselves in the centuries-old sacred ritual.

Prayers at Nandi Hall

Both actors were spotted offering prayers from the Nandi Hall of the temple, participating in the Bhasma Aarti — a pre-dawn ritual that draws pilgrims from across the country. The visit underscored the deep spiritual connect the actors expressed toward the shrine, which holds immense significance in Hindu tradition.

What the Actors Said

Arpit Ranka, who portrayed Duryodhana in Mahabharat and Kans in RadhaKrishn, spoke with visible emotion about the experience. 'I don't come to Baba's court on my own — I am invited here. Without being called, I cannot come. Baba's love is so immense that tears came to my eyes. Whenever I see Baba, I feel so much love that I cannot express it in words. And with me today is the entire team of our show Mere Krishn,' he said.

Saurabh Raj Jain, widely known for playing Lord Krishna in Mahabharat and recognised for his work in shows such as Remix, Uttaran, and Mahakali, described the Bhasma Aarti as a transformative experience. 'The experience of witnessing the Bhasma Aarti for the first time cannot be expressed in words. The feeling that comes when one arrives here and has the sacred darshan can only be experienced, not described. What I felt today cannot be put into words,' he said.

About Mere Krishn

The temple visit was also a spiritual send-off for the duo's upcoming theatrical show, Mere Krishn, which is rooted in the divine life and journey of Shree Krishn. The production is directed by veteran theatre artist Rajiiv Singh Dinkaar and jointly produced by Vivek Gupta, Rajiiv Singh Dinkaar, and Vishnu Patil. The script has been written by Dr. Naresh Katyayan, while the original musical score is composed by Udbhav Ojha and features the voice of acclaimed playback singer Shaan.

Significance of the Visit

The Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is among the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India, and the Bhasma Aarti — performed with ash in the early hours — is considered particularly auspicious. For two actors whose careers have been deeply intertwined with mythological storytelling, the visit carried a resonance that went beyond a promotional gesture. The outing reflects a growing trend of entertainment figures publicly connecting their creative pursuits with spiritual traditions.