Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple Ujjain – Jyotirlinga

Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple Ujjain – Jyotirlinga

Mahakaleshwar is one of the 12 celebrated Jyotirlingas in India out of 64 across the world dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is amongst the world’s top ten Tantra temples where lord Shiva resides in the Lingam form.  The origin of the temple is not certainly known and is considered to be there since pre-historic time. The lingam of Mahakaleshwar is believed to be Swayambhu which means self-manifested. The coins dated 4th – 3rd BC are found having Mahakala engraved on them. It also has been vividly described in various puranas and also finds its eulogies in poems by many Sanskrit poets like Kalidas. The Mahakaleshwar jyotirlinga is considered to be above time and death as it is a unique belief that nothing can take place around Mahakala without his permission. Due to the presence of Mahakal, the entire Malwa region is believed to be blessed with prosperity and tranquility. The temple has a huge positive influence on the fast changing contemporary lives of the people of the region.

Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple is located in the ancient city of Ujjain which was known as Avantika during Raja Vikramaditya’s period. It was then famous for its beauty, art and as an ancient epicenter for education in Holy Scriptures, science and culture. Shri Mahakaleshwar temple is situated on the banks of river Shipra, which is where Singhastha is held. Singhastha is one of the largest religious gatherings across the world, held once every 12 years like devotional Kumbh melas, which draws millions of devotees from world over. The Tropic of Cancer also passes through the spire of the Mahakal temple. The Mahakaleshwar is south facing also known as dakshinamukhi, which is another distinct feature it is known for.

The monumental temple of Mahakal is a five leveled architectural masterpiece. The underground level holds the Mahakal lingam. The images of lord Shiva’s family, with goddess Parvathi to the north and his sons Lord Ganesha and lord Karthikeya to the west and east respectively. To the south stands Nandi who is lord Shiva’s vahan or vehicle. Enshrined on the top level of the temple is the idol of Lord Shiva as Nagchandeshwara, which is open for devotees only on the festival of Nag Panchami.  In the center of the temple complex, stands a kund which is trusted to provide moksha to people who take a dip in it. The old design of the temple has now changed drastically with a long parikrama path developed to ensure that the pilgrims visiting the temple are not only moving in an organized manner but are also being presented with images and eulogies from Shiva’s life engraved on the walls. The Bhasmarthi of the shivlinga is a famous and well know ritual of the Mahakaleshwar temple. Until few years back the bhasmarthi included the bhasm from the shamshan as a component of the shringaar of Mahakal Jyotirlinga.

Across the temple complex, there is a community kitchen run by the temple authority which provides food during lunch and dinner free of cost. The ideology of the temple is that no one in the vicinity of 5 Kms around the Mahakal temple should sleep hungry. Apart from the community kitchen there are various akhadas and dharmshala’s for people coming from all across the country. The dry fruit Prasad from the temple is one of the most sort for souvenir from the Mahakal temple.

Shree Mahakaleshwar temple attracts thousands of people every day. Pilgrims thong the temple during the holy month of Sawan, to worship and invoke blessings from lord Shiva. A huge fair is held every year in the precincts of the temple on the occasion of Mahashivratri, when the rituals go on throughout the night. A pilgrimage to the temple is trusted by many to end your troubles and suffering and grant your wishes.

The Mahakaleshwar temple is Ujjain city is well connected to major cities in India and can be easily reached through air, train and road.

By Air: The closest airport is the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore, which is around 53kms from Ujjain. There are regular flights from all major cities in India.

By Train: Ujjain junction is a railway station on the Western Railway line. Trains are available to this station from all big cities.

By Road: Ujjain is well connected by road with many major cities of Madhya Pradesh with frequent bus services from Indore, Bhopal, and Ratlam, etc.