Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple, located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Mahakal lingam at this temple is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested), obtaining currents of Shakti (power) from within itself. Mahakaleshwar is also one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas in India.
Another factor that makes Mahakaleshwar one of the most revered Jyotirlingas in India is the fact that the Mahakaleshwar idol is Dakshina Mukhi, facing south, unlike all the other Jyotirlingas. Considered no less than a Hindu pilgrimage, the Bhasma-Aarti of Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple is hugely popular amongst the devotees.
The Mahakaleshwar Temple complex is a spacious courtyard with sculptural finery and sophistication that is influenced by Maratha, Bhumija and Chalukya styles of structural design and is complete with impressive lingam sculptures of Mahakaleshwar. It also has the inscriptions of Omkaresvara and Nagachandresvara and images of Ganesha, Kartikeya and Parvati. The temple, which is spread over five levels, sees a huge throng of devotees during the Maha Shivaratri festival Religious Places in Rajasthan.
History Of Mahakaleshwar Temple Ujjain
The history of Mahakaleshwar Temple Ujjain is very interesting & engrossing. It is believed that, long ago, the city of Ujjain was ruled by King Chandrasen. The king was an avid devotee of Lord Shiva. A young fellow – Shrikhar – was highly motivated by his devotion and desired to be a part of his prayers. Unfortunately, he was rejected by royal cavalry.
Incidentally, some neighbouring rulers were planning then to attack Ujjain. Shrikhar and the local priest – Vridhi – heard about it and started praying relentlessly. Lord Shiva heard their prayers and decided to forever safeguard this city as a lingam. Thereafter, the ruling king and his successors raised the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple.
The Ujjain Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple suffered many attacks over time and was destroyed & demolished. However, the Scindia clan took over the responsibility of its restoration in the 19th century.
What is the story behind Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga?
Like all old structures and the stories that surround them, the legend behind Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga has many versions. One of them goes like this.
It is believed that King Chandrasena of Ujjain was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. While he was praying, a young boy, Shrikhar wished to pray along with him. However, he was not allowed to do so and was sent away to the outskirts of the city. There, he overheard a plot to attack Ujjain by enemy kings Ripudamana and Singhaditya with the help of a demon named Dushanan India Tour Planner.
He began to pray to Lord Shiva to protect the city. Vridhi, a priest heard his prayers and also prayed to the Lord to save the city. In the meanwhile, the rival kings attacked Ujjain. They were almost successful in conquering the city when Lord Shiva came in his Mahakal form and saved them. From that day on, at the behest of his devotees, Lord Shiva lives on in this famous Ujjain temple in the form of a linga Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple.
The Architecture of the Mahakal Temple
The temple of Mahakaleshwar is a beautiful and artistic amalgamation of the Maratha, Bhumija and Chalukya styles of architecture. Situated near a lake and set upon a spacious courtyard surrounded by massive walls, the temple has five levels in all, one of which is underground. The colossal idol of Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple is located below the ground level (Garbhagriha) and is a Dakshina-murti, which means that it is facing the south direction.
The beautiful temple has the lingams of Omkaresvara and Nagachandresvara installed in the middle and uppermost parts respectively. The idol of Nagachandresvara is open for darshan to the general public only on the occasion of Nag Panchami. A large Kunda, known as Koti Tirtha, can also be found in the compound and is considered to be celestial.
To the east of this Kunda lies a huge veranda, in which is the entrance to the path leading to the Garbhagrha, where small-sized images of Ganesha, Kartikeya and Parvati can also be found. The esoteric silver-plate that covers the roof of the Garbhagriha adds to the grandeur of the shrine. Classical eulogies in praise of Lord Shiva are exhibited all around the walls. The images of Sri Rama and goddess Avantika are worshipped in a cell in the northern side of the veranda.
How to Reach
Located in Ujjain, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is quite easy to reach via flights, bus and trains.
Via Flight
Travellers can take a 3-a-half-hour flight to Indore; Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport. It is the closest airport to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga as the temple is just about 51 km from the airport, which can be covered via bus. Other relatively nearer airports are Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Jaipur and Udaipur; however, these flights are comparatively longer flights, with Udaipur being the longest; 16 and odd hours.
Via Bus
The Jyotirlinga has a well-connected roadway with different cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune and Bhopal. It is also the most convenient way to reach Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. Visitors can also take a 4-hour bus ride from Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple.
Via Train
Ujjain Junction, Pingleshwar, Vikram Nagar and Chintaman are the closest railway stations to the temple. Omkareshwar also has trains plying to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. It would be about 3 hours of a train journey from Omkareshwar to the temple.
Via Taxi/Car
Taxis and self-drive are most feasible only from Omkareshwar. It is approximate 3.5 to 4.5 hours away Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple.