Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Mahakaleshwar Temple, located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Mahakal lingam at this temple is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested), obtaining currents of Shakti (power) from within itself. Mahakaleshwar is also one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas in India.

Another factor that makes Mahakaleshwar one of the most revered Jyotirlingas in India is the fact that the Mahakaleshwar idol is Dakshina Mukhi, facing south, unlike all the other Jyotirlingas. Considered no less than a Hindu pilgrimage, the Bhasma-Aarti of Mahakaleshwar Temple is hugely popular amongst the devotees.

The Mahakaleshwar Temple complex is a spacious courtyard with sculptural finery and sophistication that is influenced by Maratha, Bhumija, and Chalukya styles of structural design and is complete with impressive lingam sculptures of Mahakaleshwar. It also has the inscriptions of Omkaresvara and Nagachandresvara and images of Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Parvati. The temple, which is spread over five levels, sees a huge throng of devotees during the Maha Shivaratri festival.

History of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

When it comes to the history of the Mahabaleshwar jyotirlinga, it is believed that there was a boy named Shrikar who saw Chandrasena, King of Ujjain, worshipping Lord Shiva all day. The boy saw his devotion and decided to worship Lord Shiva. He took a stone and started worshipping it by considering it a linga. People thought that all this was like a game that the small boy was playing. As his devotion increased every day, Lord Shiva assumed Jyotirlinga’s form and resided in the Mahakal Forest.

It is also believed that there was a demon, Dushana who attacked all the residents of Avanti. Seeing all this, Lord Shiva appeared from the ground and he defeated the demon. Then, all the inhabitants of Avanti requested Lord Shiva to stay there. Upon the request of the people, Lord Shiva took a permanent abode as Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.

Architecture of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Ujjain temple has been rebuilt several times over thousands of years. It was destroyed by Altamish in the 13th century during his raid of Ujjain but was later restored by the Marathas sometime around the 19th century. Now, it is noted to be a saintly place where one can attain absolute peace of mind and indulge in meditation.

The various Aartis (Hindu religious rituals of worship) performed every day in the Ujjain temple, especially the "Bhasm Aarti", is the famed and prominent rituals that one must attend while visiting. Mahakaleshwar temple with its 'Shikhar' (summit) soaring high into the sky, evokes undeniable awe and reverence with its magnificence. With its aesthetically pleasing structure and varied kinds of decorations that embellish the sanctified Jyotirlinga each day, the Mahakaleshwar temple possesses the power to leave every visitor awestruck.