Interesting Information About the Mahakaal Temple of Lord Shiva in Madhya Pradesh: Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Ujjain

Located next to the banks of the Kshipra River in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh lies the Mahakaleshwar temple. One of Lord Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlingas is this hallowed shrine. Although there are several jyotirlingas, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is Dakshinmukhi Swayambhu, meaning it is self-manifested and faces south. Considered one among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, this holy Jyotirlinga is highly esteemed. The Shakti is known as Mahakali because it is said that here is the location where Sati Devi’s top lip fell. The temple’s architecture skillfully blends the architectural styles of the Bhumija, Maratha, and Chalukya. Let’s examine a few fascinating facts about this hallowed shrine.

One of the most important Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple in Ujjain is dedicated to the god in his Mahakaal form. Photo courtesy of shrimahakaleshwar.com

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Ujjain: Fascinating Temple Information

A Legend Around The Temple: According to Hindu Puras, a five-year-old child called Shrikar was amazed by King Chandrasena of Ujjain’s devotion to Lord Shiva. After that, Shrikar started to worship Shiva as a stone. Despite many efforts using different tactics to dissuade him, his devotion just became stronger. Lord Shiva became a Jyotirlinga and settled in the Mahakal forest as a token of appreciation for his devotion.

– The Ashes Of A Recently Cremated Body Are Used For Lord Mahakaal – Lord Shiva’s aarti is performed at an unusual temple in Ujjain using the ashes of a recently cremated body. It is also well known that this temple is one of the seven important Mukti Sthalas.

– Self-Manifested Jyotirlinga: This temple has Dakshinamukhi Swayambhu’s “self-manifested” Jyotirlinga, which draws power from within, in contrast to other temples where lingas are built.

– Temple Structure: Only Darshan on Nag Panchami is able to reach the Nagachandresvara lingam, which is situated on the top level. The Omkareshwar Lingam is situated on the second level and is open to visitors year-round.

Koti Teertha: There is also a sizable Kunda, or Koti Tirtha, inside the complex. The idols of Kartikeya, Parvati, and Ganesha are located close to Koti Tirtha. Because the Koti Teertha is said to be filled with divine water, devotees are urged to take baths there.

The most important thing is to attend the Bhasma Aarti, which begins at 4:00 AM. It is the focal point of the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain.