Mahakaleshwar Temple Corridor

By Admin 908 0 Comments Sep 22, 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate on October 11 the first phase of the Mahakaleshwar Temple corridor development project in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

The monumental project is being developed under the MP government's larger plan to transform Ujjain into a 'Smart City.’

More about the Mahakaleshwar Temple corridor

The redevelopment work is being done in two phases.

In the first phase, construction of Mahakal Plaza, Mahakal Corridor, Midway Zone, Mahakal Theme Park, Ghat and Deck Area, Nutan School Complex, Ganesh School Complex, Parking, Dharamshala, Discourse Hall, and Anna Kshetra has been taken up.

In the second phase, Maharajwada, Rudra Sagar renovation, Chhota Rudra Sagar lakefront, beautification of Ram Ghat, parking and tourism information center, widening of Hari Fatak bridge and railway underpass, footbridge over Rudra Sagar, Mahakal gate, Begumbagh Marg, Rudra Sagar western road and Mahakal access road will be taken up.

The Mahakal Corridor is being developed on the banks of the mythical lake Rudrasagar. About 200 sculptures and frescoes related to Lord Shiva, Goddess Sati, and other religious tales have been made here. Devotees will be able to listen to the story of each mural by scanning it. Sapta Rishi, Navagraha Mandal, Tripurasura slaughter, Shiva enshrined in the lotus pool, the marking of Shiva's Ananda Tandava in 108 pillars, Shiva Stambh, and huge statues of Nandi enshrined at the grand entrance. The country's first night garden has also been built in the Mahakal corridor.

The Mahakaleshwar temple corridor is believed to be the longest corridor in the country. It's 920 meters long while Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath temple is 300 meters long.

A devotee will need around five hours to explore the entire corridor decorated with unique artifacts and sculptures.

Mahakaleshwar Temple

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, shrines that are said to be the most sacred abodes of Shiva.
Of the 12 jyotirlingas in India, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is believed to be swayambhu i.e. originated on its own.

Location of Mahakaleshwar

The temple is located in the historical city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, India.
It is situated on the banks of the holy river, Shipra.

Special Features of Mahakaleshwar Temple

The Mahakaleshwar temple has been built in Maratha, Bhumija, and Chalukya architectural styles.
It has five levels, one of which is underground.
There are images of Lord Shiva’s consort, Goddess Parvati (to the north), his sons, Ganesha (to the west) and Kartikeya (to the east), and his mount, Nandi (to the south).
On the second floor above the Mahakaleshwar linga is the Omkareshwara linga.
Enshrined on the third floor of the temple is an image of Nagchandreshwar – with Lord Shiva and Parvati seated on a ten-hooded snake and surrounded by other statues.
It has a tall spire (shikhara) with intricate and beautiful carvings.

Interesting Facts about Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Since it is a self-originated linga, it derives power on its own. It does not require mantra shakti for power like the other lingas and moorthies (statues).
It is the only jyotirlinga that faces south – Dakshina Mukhi. All the other jyotirlingas face east. This is because the direction of death is believed to be south. As Lord Shiva faces south, it symbolizes that he is the master of death. In fact, people worship Mahakaleshwar to prevent untimely death – to enjoy a long life.
Bhasma aarti (offering with ashes) is a famous ritual here. As the ash is pure, non-dual, imperishable, and unchangeable, so is the Lord.

Best Time to Visit Mahakaleshwar Temple

Mahashivratri is the best time to visit the Mahakaleshwar temple.
The festival falls between the months of February and March. Those who visit during this festival can become a part of the celebrations of The Night of Shiva.
At this time, all the devotees observe day and night fast and perform rituals to worship Shiva Lingam.
During this time, devotees from all over the world visit the Mahakaleshwar temple.
So, February and March are the best months to visit the Mahakaleshwar temple.