Harsidhimata temple, Mahakali temple

Madhya Pradesh , Ujjain, Bhopal

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.

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.

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

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.