OVERVIEW

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

In ancient Ujjain, one of the Sapta Puri located on the Shipra river lies the temple of Mahakaaleshwar, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the 12 Jyotirlingas, only this temple faces southwest, so it is called Dakshin Mukhi. Mahakaleshwar also has a tantric tradition unique only to it. In short, the Mahakaleshwar temple is one of the critical Tantra temples in the world. Ujjain's main deity for thousands of years has been Shiva in the form of Mahakal, a self-incarnated Shivling. Mahakal, then, represents the Lord of time and death, whose name is Kaal. A significant pilgrimage destination in Hinduism since ancient times is Ujjain and notably the Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Jyotirlinga temples are associated with an interesting legend, as recorded in the Shiva Purana. According to the Purana, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu once tussled over their superpower. When Lord Shiva and Lord Indra approached each other to prove their superiority, Lord Shiva took the form of an endless column of light and asked both Lords to search for the roots of their power. Lord Vishnu or Lord Brahma could not find the origins of the columns. In a nutshell, Jyotirlinga represents the shrines of Lord Shiva, where he appears as an orange flame.

In what way does Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga fit into history?

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga's legend varies, as do all old structures and their stories. The story goes like this.

Chandrasena, a ruler of Ujjain in Indian mythology, worshipped Lord Shiva throughout the day and was a devoted devotee. The farmer's boy called Shikhar heard the King chant the Lord's name as he walked on the palace grounds one day and ran to the temple to join him in prayer. However, the guards forcefully removed him from the city and took him to its outskirts near the Kshipra River. In this period, princely states from the surrounding kingdoms decided to attack Ujjain and take over its riches, specifically King Ripudamana and King Singhaditya. Vridhi, a priest who heard the story, also started to pray after Shrikhar heard it. As a result, he prayed to Lord Shiva on the banks of the river Kshipra upon the urgent pleas of his sons. After selecting this attack option, the Kings succeeded in plundering the world and attacking all the devotees of Lord Shiva, with the help of the powerful demon Dushan who Lord Brahma had granted invisibility.

He appeared in his Mahakala form to destroy the enemies of King Chandrasena upon hearing the pleas of His helpless devotees. Shiva agreed to move to the city at the request of Shrikhar and Vridhi and to become the chief deity of the Kingdom and protect it from enemies. He also blessed all His devotees with protection. Afterward, Mahakala dwelt in a Lingam formed from the energies of Shiva and Parvati in His light form as Mahakala. In addition to blessing his devotees, Lord Rama wrote in this form how people worshipping Him would no longer be afraid of death or diseases. The Lord will also grant them treasure from the world and protect them.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga: Facts and figures

• Since it emanates from itself, it derives power on its own. Unlike other statues and moorthies (statues), this linga does not require mantra shakti to function.
• In the name of the LordJyotirlingas that face the south are called Dakshin Mukhi. All the other Jyotirlingas are east-oriented. It is because the direction regarded as the direction of death is south. Symbolizing his mastery of death, it embodies his descent into the south. People worship Mahakaleshwar to prolong their lives - to avoid premature death.
• Every year, Nagchadreshwar is closed except on Nag Panchami, which is only open on the next day of the annual festival. Other than that, it remains closed.
• A familiar ritual in this city is the ash offering (Bhasma aarti). The Lord is pure, non-dualistic, imperishable, and unchanging, like ash.

Devotees visit the temple throughout the year; however, it is most attractive to visitors between October and March during the winter months.

With the Shravan (Sawan or Savan) month, Chaturmas has begun according to the Hindu calendar. It is associated with Samudra Manthan’s event that occurred in Satyuga and honors Lord Shiva. The Purnimant calendar dates the beginning of Shravan month on July 6. We will take a virtual visit to the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, as devotees have just begun the Sawan Somwar Vrat.

In Mahakaleshwar Baba's temple, a Palkhi (palanquin) is used to remove his idol during the festival of Shravan. Shravan, from the Hindu month of Shravan, begins on a Monday. A lockdown and social distancing measures caused by the Coronavirus prevented the general public from participating in Baba's Pehli Sawari. The Mahakaal Baba often appears en route.

Each day at 4 am, Bhasm Aarti takes place at the temple, a unique ritual associated with it. It is an experience of a lifetime that attracts millions to Ujjain, regardless of their background. In the early morning hours of the temple, the tranquil and peaceful environment fills you with immense positivity.

Ashes from the night's first funeral pyre are traditionally lit to perform Bhasm Aarti. The practice of preparing ash from cow dung has changed with the changing times.

A projection screen installed inside the temple allows devotees to observe the entire process since no one can enter the Garbhagriha.

From ancient times, no king could live here for more than one night, and even today, Mahakaal is the only king of this land, and no one else is allowed to call it home.

Visit Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India's Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple at the best time of year.

There is no optimum time to visit Mahakaleshwar Temple, but Mahashivratri and Sawan are ideal for visiting and participating in the festivities. Mahakaleshwar temple attracts the most visitors during February, March, and August. A huge fair takes place on the day of Maha Shivaratri, and Hindus pray all night long at the temple. These days, devotees from around the

Visitor Information about Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India

It's a very well connected city to all cities in India via Road, Rail, and Air networks because it's the district headquarters of Madhya Pradesh and the principal city of Madhya Pradesh. Easily accessible from Ujjain to Mahakaleshwar temple by cab or auto from any corner of the town, the nearest airport is the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, just 53 km away.