Mahakaleshwar - महाकालेश्वर

Mahakaleshwar () - Jaisinghpura Ujjain Madhya Pradesh

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a Hindu temple dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva which is considered to be the third major Jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlingas and is said to be the holiest abode of Shiva. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on the banks of the holy Shipra River. The presiding deity in the form of a lingam, Shiva, is believed to be swayambhu, receiving streams of shakti in comparison to other images and lingams, which are installed and invested with mantra-shakti.

Why is Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga so famous?

Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the most revered Jyotirlingas in India, due to the fact that the idol of Mahakaleshwar is Dakshina Mukhi, which is facing south unlike all other Jyotirlingas.

The daily Bhasma Aarti is a major attraction at the Mahakaleshwar temple. The aarti begins each day before dawn and the holy ashes are brought from the ghats, and the ashes are applied to the lingam before offering holy prayers. Mahakaleshwar is the only Jyotirlinga temple where this aarti is performed.

Mahakaleshwar Temple in the form of Shakti Peeth

This temple is revered as one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas. It is said that the upper lip of Sati Devi fell here and Shakti is called Mahakali.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Architecture:

The Mahakaleshwar temple complex is a vast courtyard with sculptural finesse and sophistication influenced by the Maratha, Bhumija and Chalukya styles of structural design and replete with impressive lingam sculptures of Mahakaleshwar. It also has inscriptions of Omkareshwar and Nagchandreshwar and images of Ganesha, Kartikeya and Parvati. Spread over five tiers, this temple sees a huge crowd of devotees during the Maha Shivratri festival.

To the east of this pool is a large verandah, the entrance to the passage leading to the sanctum sanctorum, where smaller sized images of Ganesha, Kartikeya and Parvati can also be found. The enigmatic silver plate covering the roof of the sanctum adds to the grandeur of the temple. Classical hymns in praise of Bhagwan Shiva are displayed around the walls. The images of Sri Rama and Goddess Avantika are worshiped in a cell on the northern side of the verandah.

Pouranik Katha of Mahakaleshwar:

\"Mahakaleshwar\", meaning Bhagwan of Time, refers to the Hindu deity, Shiva. One of the important trinity of Hinduism; Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar, Shiva is also called Maheshwar. Mahakaleshwar Temple is where Mahakal; Bhagwan Shiva is worshiped, also known as Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga; One of the 12 temples where the legend of Shiva as an infinite pillar of light is seen to test Brahma and Vishnu.

The legend of Mahakaleshwar is based on various theories and myths; These are some familiar stories.

It is believed that when Sati went into the fire to rebel against her father, Daksha's objection to the marriage with Shiva, the latter became furious and thus performed the dance of death; dance of fury. Then he was called Mahakal, or even more powerful than time.

Another legend states that when the demon, Dushana hunted four Shaivite devotees, Shiva got angry and cut the earth in half. Even then he appeared as Mahakaleshwar.

Major Festivals:

All the rituals including puja-archana and abhishek aarti are performed regularly throughout the year in the temple. The major festivals celebrated here are:

On the day of Maha Shivratri, a huge fair is held near the temple, and the puja goes on throughout the night.

Savari (Procession): The holy procession of Bhagwan Shiva passes through the streets of Ujjain every Monday for a particular time period. The last ride in the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada especially attracts the attention of lakhs of people and is celebrated with much pomp and show. The procession during Vijayadashami festival is equally exciting and fascinating.

Ujjain, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is very well connected with other cities, devotees can easily reach here.