Virat Kohli News / Virat and Kuldeep Visit Mahakaleshwar Temple, Attend Bhasma Aarti Ahead of Indore ODI

The third and final One Day International match between India and New Zealand is scheduled to be played on January 18 in Indore at the Holkar Stadium. As the crucial series decider approaches, members of the Indian cricket team are intensifying their preparations. Upon arriving in Indore, several team members have made it a point to visit the world-famous Mahakaleshwar Temple in nearby Ujjain, a spiritual pilgrimage that has become somewhat of a tradition. Following this trend, star batsman Virat Kohli and prominent spinner Kuldeep Yadav also sought solace and blessings at the abode of Baba Mahakal, immersing themselves in devotion.

Kohli and Kuldeep Participate in Bhasma Aarti

On Saturday, January 17, just a day before the pivotal match, Virat Kohli and Kuldeep Yadav made their way to the revered Mahakal Temple in Ujjain. Both players participated in the sacred Bhasma Aarti, which commences at 4 AM and is considered one of the most significant rituals at the Mahakal Temple, while to attend the Bhasma Aarti, the cricketers arrived at the temple in the early hours of the morning and remained within the temple premises for approximately two hours. They sat in the Nandi Hall, observing the divine Bhasma Aarti of Baba Mahakal, and chanted the name of Lord Shiva during the ritual. This act demonstrated their deep faith and devotion, an experience they hoped. Would provide them with mental peace and positive energy for the upcoming match.

Special Security and Temple Committee's Gesture

Given the presence of a superstar like Virat Kohli, special security arrangements were naturally put in place at the temple. A crowd of devotees and fans also gathered, eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite cricketers. However, Kohli and Kuldeep dedicated their entire time to devotion and darshan. Before their departure, the Mahakaleshwar Temple committee presented both players with Baba Mahakal's Prasad (sacred offering) and a picture as a souvenir, while this gesture symbolized the temple's respect for their visit and devotion. They also offered water from the threshold of the Garbhagriha (sanctum. Sanctorum), a traditional and holy ritual, further solidifying their spiritual connection.

Earlier Visits by Coach and Other Players

Virat Kohli and Kuldeep Yadav weren't the first members of the Indian team to visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple. On Friday, Indian team coach Gautam Gambhir and wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul had also visited the shrine of Baba Mahakal. This indicates a spiritual inclination within the team, with players believing in seeking divine blessings before important encounters. This tradition not only fosters a positive environment for individual players but also for the entire team, helping them mentally prepare to face the challenges ahead, while such spiritual journeys are often seen as a way to gain strength and confidence.

Kohli's Fate at Indore and Hopes for a Turnaround

Following their darshan at Mahakal, the entire Indian team, including Virat Kohli, will be hoping that Baba Mahakal's blessings are with them when they face New Zealand at the Holkar Stadium on January 18. The team's objective is to defeat the Kiwi side and clinch the series, while for Virat Kohli, this match holds significant personal importance, as the Holkar Stadium is a venue where his bat has not performed as expected in One Day International cricket. Kohli, who has scored centuries across various grounds worldwide, has managed only 99 runs in his four innings at the Holkar Stadium. He has yet to score even a half-century on this ground, let alone a century. Thus, with the blessings of Mahakal, Kohli will be hoping to improve his record at this venue and play a substantial innings that can contribute Notably to the team's victory, while it will be intriguing to see if this spiritual journey brings a new turn in his cricketing fortunes.

#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh | Former Indian Captain and Star Cricketer Virat Kohli, along with Kuldeep Yadav, offered prayers at Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. pic.twitter.com/GirLTB7j6I

— ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2026