Shree Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Located in Ujjain Madhya Pradesh. Mahakaleshwar is where the persisting deity is the Lord of Time and Death. It is one of the 12 jyotirlinga of lord Shiva which are considered the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. The sivalingam at this temple is considered to be Swayambhu as it is said to be self-manifested, drawing its power from within.
Location
Mahakaleshwar temple is located at Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple timings
Darshans are open from 04:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Rituals and Practices
The Mahakaleshwar temple is renowned worldwide for its unique traditional ritual of Bhasma Arti. The ritual is performed at 4 am in the morning. It is said to be performed to awake lord Shiva. In this ritual “Bhasma” which means sacred ash is adoned on lord Shiva lingam in this arti.
The Bhasma Arti start at 4 am with Abhishek of Shiva lingam in which the lingam is firt bathed with Panchamrit which is a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar. Then the Shringar of Shiva Lingam is done with flowers and Bel leaves adorning the Lingam beautifully and then a face is created on Shiva lingam with sandalwood past further embellished with garlands. After Shringar “Bhasma” also known as “Vibhuti” is sprinkled on the Shiva Lingam by the priest, while vadic mantras are being chanted in the background. This is followed by performing Aarti with lit oil lamps, and the clanging of bells.
Mahakal Corridor
Mahakal Coridor also known as Mahakal lok is a recently developed passage by the government which leads to Mahakaleshwar temple. The corridor is developed in 900 meters with aim to provide space and aesthetic route for devotees. The route is decorated with stories about Hindu scriptures, particularly the Shiva Purana.
The corridor begins with two majestic gateways known as the Nandi Dwar and the Pinaki Dwar. The gates are named after Lord Shiva’s bull. As you walk pass the gate you see around 192 statues and 53 murals depicting scenes from the Shiva Purana.
Meaning of Mahakal
The name of the deity persisting in Mahakaleshwar is know as Mahakal. The word Mahakal is derived from two Sanskrit words ‘Maha,’ meaning ‘great,’ and ‘Kaal,’ meaning ‘time and death.’ Lord Shiva is believed to reside here in the form of Mahakaleshwar.
History of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
The exact date on which the temple came into existence can’t be told as the temple is of pre-historic time. As per puranas it was stablised by Prajapati Brahma. The coins recovered from ujjain in 3rd and 4th century had the mark of lord Shiva on them indicating the temple’s presence in that period. It is said that in 6th century the King Chanda Pradyota appointed Prince Kumarasena to oversee the temple. In 12 century the temple was reconstructed by King Udayaditya and King Naravarman and Later in 18th century the Maratha commander Ranoji Shinde of Peshwa Bajirao carried out a significant renovations to the temple.
Ancient Origin and Legends Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
According to the Shiva Purana lord Vishnu and lord Brahma got into dispute of supremacy to settle the dispute, Lord Shiva appeared as a infinite pillar of light piercing through the three worlds. The place on earth in which Shiva appeared as this blazing light are known as jyotirlinga. One of these jyotirlinga is Mahakaleshwar.
According to the Varaha Purana, Mahakaleshwar is situated at the central point (Nabhi) of earth.
There is a popular legend associated with Mahakaleshwar which talks about a King of Ujjain named as Chandrasena who was a devotee of lord Shiva and when the city was attended by enemies, king Chandrasena prayed to lord Shiva who appeared as Mahakal Saving Ujjain.
There is another story about Ravana the demon king associated with Mahakaleshwar. Ravana once attempted to carry lingam to Lanka but loard shiva appeared and crushed the lingam into fragments that later on become Mahakaleshwar.
Another legend talks about a demon name Dushanan attacking a Brahmin and his four sons to protect them lord Shiva appeared as Mahakal and distroyed the demon. Lord Shiva was then requested by the people of Ujjain to stay there as Mahakaleshwar lingam.
Conclusion
After visiting Mahakaleshwar temple you will experience deep spiritual transformation. The devotees experience a sense of peace, relief, and a connection to the divine.