All you need to know about Shiv Navratri leading to Mahashivratri 2018

Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple is celebrating Navratri as the run-up to the Mahashivratri on February 14. 

The festival started on February 5 and will last until February 13.

The auspicious occasion is described at the best time to worship Lord Shiva. Just like the nine days of worshipping Goddess Durga during Navratris, Mahakaleshwar temple will celebrate Shivaratri ahead of Mahashivratri.

Mahakaleshwar is the only Jyotirlinga, out of 12, to make this auspicious occasion a nine-day affair.

For these nine days, the Lord Shiva idol will be decked up like a groom. On day one, the Jyotirlinga was covered in turmeric and sandalwood powder. On day two, the decorations featured bhang (cannabis) and silk clothes.

"Being one of the 12 Jyotirlinga, Lord Shiva is appearing in different forms of Mahakal every day to celebrate Shiva Navratri before Mahashivratri in Ujjain. Mahakal Pujaris dress up the temple and the idol in attractive decorations every day. Today, Mahakal was decorated with Bhang and silk clothes," said Ashish Pujari.

On February 7, it will be Ghatatop followed by Chhabina, Holkar, Manmahesh, Uma-Mahesh, and Trikal Tandav on February 12. On February 13, Trikal Puja will be performed.

Bhasmarti, which is performed only once a year will be done at 12 pm on February 14.

All festivals in the Mahakaleshwar temple are celebrated according to the Gwalior panchang.