Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Located in the ancient city of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the most famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated on the side of the Rudra Sagar lake, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve Jyotirlingams of Lord Shiva. The temple is also revered as one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peetham.

location Madhya Pradesh, Ujjain, Bhopal

Legend

According to Puranas, a five-year-old boy named Shrikar was enthralled seeing the devotion of King Chandrasena of Ujjain towards Lord Shiva. Shrikar took a stone and started treating it as a Shiv Linga and worshipped it regularly. People thought that is was a mere child's play but all their efforts to dissuade him from worshipping the stone failed. Devotion of Shrikar increased by every passing day and ultimately, Lord Shiva assumed Jyotirlinga form and resided in the Mahakal forest. This is why the Linga at Mahakaleshwar is considered to be 'Swayambhu', i.e. self-existent.

This Temple is part of famous Saptapuri Yatra, Maha Kumbh Mela and 12 Jyotirlinga Darsan Yatra.

Architecture

Overall, the temple of Mahakaleswar is a planned ad-mixture of the Bhumija, Chalukya and Maratha styles of architecture. The temple is of three-story. In the lowest middle and uppermost parts are respectively installed the lingams of Mahakalesvara, Omkaresvara and Nagachandresvara. The temple's foundation and platform are built of stones. The temple has a massive spire. The architecture of the outer side of the temple is developed in north-Indian style. Horizontally, the shrine is divided into entrance, ardhamandapa, sanctum, antarala (vestibule) garbhagrha and Pradaksanapatha from front to back. Upper components of the temple rested on the strong and well-designed pillars and pilasters. A lofty Kunda named 'Koti Tirtha' is built in the sarvatobhadra style, within the temple complex.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is situated below ground level(Garbhagriha) in the main temple. The idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be dakshinamurti, facing the south. This is a unique feature upheld by tantric traditions to be found only in Mahakaleshwar among the 12 Jyotirlingas .

Picture Courtesy: "Mahakal Temple Ujjain" by LRBurdak - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mahakal_Temple_Ujjain.JPG#/media/File:Mahakal_Temple_Ujjain.JPG

Culture

Ujjain is one of the most sacred town of India. Simhastha Kumbh Mela is organized here once every 12 years. Ancient art flourishes in Ujjain in form of its historical structures. Ujjain is famous for its rich tradition and for being an important pilgrimage. The Kumbh Mela is held between April - May of 2016

Darsan Info

Mahakal Temple timings: 3.00 AM to 11.00 PM.
Nagachandresvara Darshan is possible only on Naga Panchami.
Special Coupons / Tickets are available if you wish to avoid queues and attend special rituals.

Darsan Dresscode

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Temple Rituals

The Bhasm-Aarti is the first ritual conducted everyday at the Mahakaleswar temple, which is to awaken God Shiva. After that a 'Shringar' is performed.

Special Rituals

Laghu Rudrabhishek, Maharudrabhishek, Mahamrityunjaya, Bhanga Shringar

Famous Festival

Feb:- Basant Panchami
Mar:- Holi, Maha Shivratri
Apr:- Akshaya Tritiya
Jul:- Nag Panchami
Oct:- Annakuta

Additional Info