Along the banks of Kshipra, in the holy city of Ujjain is the temple where
the elbow of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen. The Goddess here is Har
Sidhi Mata, the one who fulfil the wishes of her devotees. Chandragupta
Vikramaditya (reigned AD 380-415) was believed to have been an ardent devotee
of the Goddess. Legend says that the King offered his head to the Goddess, but
she made him alive by joining it back. This is the temple where the poet
Kalidasa is believed to have been bestowed wisdom by the Devi.
Location Madhya Pradesh , Ujjain, Bhopal
Legend
There are different legends regarding the Goddess here.
According to one legend, Andhakasur the demon king who ruled
the are had a boon that every drop of his blood that falls on the ground will
be born as a new him. when Shiva killed Andhakasur with Trishul, Mahakali
appeared and drank all the blood.
Another legend describes that when Shiva and Parvati were
alone in Mount Kailash, two demons forced their way in. Shiva called upon
Chandi and she vanquished them Please, Shiva gave her the epithet of 'one who
vanquishes all'
According to the Shiva Purana, when Lord Vishnu's Sudarshan
Chakra cut the body of Sati devi, her elbow dropped at this place. Hence the
temple is also regarded as a Shaktipeetha.
This temple is part of famous Shaktipeethas.
Architecture
The highlights of the temple built during the Maratha period
are the two pillars, that tower to a height of 15ft, adorned with lamps, the
radiance of which provides a visual
spectacle when lit during Navrathri.
There is a rock smeared with turmeric and vermillion that is believed to
represent the head of Chandragupta Vikramaditya. The shrine has a dark
vermillion idol of Annapurna seated between Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswathi. The
temple also has a Sri Yantra, or nine triangles that represent nine names of
Durga. The roff of the temple is adorned with beautiful paintings. There is
also a shrine for Shiva.
Culture
Ujjain on the banks of Kshipra river was the capital of the
Avanti Kingdom. It is a famous pilgrimage centre for Shaivites, Vaishnavite and
followers of Shakthism. It is one of the places where Kumbh mela is held.
Darsan Info
Harsidhimata temple timings : 5:30 AM to 11.00 PM. The
deepasthambha or the lamp pillars glows with the blaze of the lit lamps during
the evening aarti.
Darsan Dresscode
Devotees are advised to wear traditional attire
Famous Festival
October - Durga Puja
Temple Rituals
The priests perform regular pujas and rituals. Aarti is
performed in the morning and evening
Special Rituals
There is a special ritual of offering alcohol to the Goddess
Additional Info
Shivam restaurant
Satyug restaurant
Shree Mahakali Krupa restaurant
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