India’s cricketers Kuldeep Yadav and Tilak Varma visited the famous Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on Monday, October 12, 2026, following India’s victory in the third T20 International against the West Indies. The players came to the sacred Bhasma Aarti and asked Lord Shiva for his blessing.
Their early morning visit drew attention from devotees and cricket fans, bringing together two of India's most popular interests: cricket and spiritual faith.
Players attend the Sacred Bhasma Aarti
According to media reports, Kuldeep Yadav and Tilak Varma reached the temple at 3:45 AM. They sat in the Nandi Hall and witnessed the Bhasma Aarti, a major daily ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva, for about two hours.
The players were seen praying with folded hands and participating in the devotional atmosphere. They also received blessings after the aarti and finished their prayers at the temple.
The visit drew attention from devotees at the shrine. Fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the cricketers, and photographs with temple staff and other visitors were taken.
What is the significance of Bhasma Aarti?
The Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva and is very important for Hindu devotees. It is located in Ujjain, one of the most prominent religious places in Madhya Pradesh.
Bhasma Aarti is one of the temple’s most distinctive rituals. It is performed early in the morning and draws devotees who come to pray and seek the blessings of Mahakal, a revered form of Lord Shiva.
For many visitors, attending the ceremony is a deeply spiritual experience. The ritual reflects faith, devotion and the belief that prayer can bring strength, peace and guidance.
The temple draws people from all over India, including public figures, sportspersons and celebrities who visit to pray.
#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh: Cricketers Kuldeep Yadav and Tilak Varma, and Hockey player Vivek Sagar Prasad offered prayers at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. https://t.co/8nApowb5lG
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2026
India defeats West Indies in the third T20I
The temple visit followed India’s 14-run victory over the West Indies in the third T20I at Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday, October 11.
India scored 223 runs before being bowled out in the final over. Abhishek Sharma top-scored with 69 runs, while Ishan Kishan scored 37. Tilak Varma added 28 runs to the total.
West Indies fought back during the chase but ended on 209 for seven in their allotted overs. India took a 2–1 lead in the five-match series.
Kuldeep Yadav did not feature in the playing XI for the match, while Tilak Varma contributed with the bat.
Cricket and Faith
Kuldeep Yadav and Tilak Varma’s visit shows that religious traditions still have a place in Indian public life. For many players and fans, visiting a temple is a personal act of faith in itself as opposed to simply a celebration of sporting success.
Their appearance at the Mahakaleshwar Temple let devotees see the cricketers away from the field, taking part in a traditional ceremony.
As India continued its T20I series against the West Indies, the visit soon became a talking point among cricket fans and devotees alike.
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