WATCH: Young India stars Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma and others attend ‘Bhasma Aarti’ performed at the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain

After a convincing 6-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second T20I at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, some Indian cricketers took a spiritual detour to the Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. Early the following morning, Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar, Jitesh Sharma, and Ravi Bishnoi attended the sacred ‘Bhasma Aarti,’ an essential ritual at the temple.

The Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple is revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, holding immense significance for Hindus. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Mahakal, the temple’s ‘Bhasma Aarti’ is a daily ceremony symbolising the transient nature of life—a reminder of the continuous cycle of creation and destruction.

Here is the video of Indian Cricketers in Ujjain:

The participation of Indian cricket stars in this spiritual ritual was captured in a video shared by the news agency ANI. The visit to the temple underscores the players’ acknowledgement of tradition and spiritual values amidst their cricketing commitments.

India skipper Rohit Sharma faces a daunting task

India’s resounding victory over Afghanistan in the second T20I has already secured the bilateral series, with the team leading 2-0. The focus now shifts to Bengaluru for the third and final T20I, where India aims to address the remaining challenges before the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024.

While captain Rohit Sharma has yet to score a run in the series, having faced ducks in the first two T20Is, his approach in the Bengaluru fixture becomes intriguing. With the series already in the bag, there’s potential for Kuldeep Yadav and Sanju Samson who haven’t played a game yet. They might be asked to contribute to the final T20I and further strengthen India’s preparations for the T20 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled for June 2024.

The Indian team’s visit to the Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple showcases a harmonious blend of sportsmanship and spirituality. It also highlights the diverse facets of their lives beyond the cricket field.