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The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is famous for its unique Bhasm Aarti and is thus called Mahakaal, the Lord Of Time. Situated at the banks of the Kshipra River resides Lord Shiva in his Mahakaal form known as “Ujjain Ke Mahakal”. This sacred place has a rich history, architecture, ambience, energy, and rituals.
Did you know Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Ujjain Madhya Pradesh is self-manifested where Shiva decided to reside to protect his devotees? Lord Shiva originated on his own in Ujjain that named him Swayambhu. Also, the temple name Mahakaleshwar came from Shiva’s Mahakaal form, which means the God of Death (Mritu) and Time (Samay).
Moreover, being one of the most sacred and magnificent temples, Mahakaleshwar is the only Jyotirlingas facing south, called Dakshinmurti. South is the direction of Death, making Lord Shiva the “Master of Death” or “Kaala Bhairava”.
Here is what makes Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple unique and holds immense spiritual significance. Ujjain, or Ujjaini in itself, is a hub for knowledge and spirituality. Every corner of the city is strengthened with the calming sound of bells and conch shells (Shankha).
The Shiva Lingam in Mahakaleshwar is one of the most sacred religious places dedicated to Lord Shiva. Ujjain, or Avantika, is one of India's seven Moksha-puris (holy cities). Simhastha Kumbh is celebrated every 12 years, making it a holy place for devotees. According to Varaha Purana, Mahakaleshwar is also known as 'Nabhi Sthal' (navel point) because it’s situated at the Earth's centre.
Moreover, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple performs the Bhasma Aarti every morning at 4 am, when Shiva Lingam is adorned with Bhasma (ashes). This ritual reminds the devotees that, eventually, everything will turn into ashes. Also, Ujjain was India’s ancient Prime Meridian before Greenwich Meridian, known as Madhya Rekha, naming it the city of Mahakaal, the Ruler of Time.
According to astrology, Saturn is the planet of Time and Death related to Lord Shiva's Mahakaal form. Saturn (Shani) deeply aligns with the qualities of Libra (Tula Rashi), which is why it is exalted in Libra. Also, as Saturn is referred to as Kaal, meaning Time, Mahakaleshwar Temple resonates with the spiritual beliefs of the Libra sign.
Therefore, Libra greatly connects with the divine energy of Shiva’s Kaalbhairav form, making it an auspicious Jyotirlinga for them. Visiting and offering prayers in Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple removes the chances of Akaal Mrityu (premature death). Also, Kaal Sarp Dosha, Graha Dosh, and all life obstacles will vanish by seeking Swayumbhu Lingam's blessings in Mahakaleshwar jyotirlinga.
Here is one of the most intriguing mahakaleshwar jyotirlinga stories, which usually fascinate devotees.
There lived a king named Chandrasena, a faithful devotee of Lord Shiva. One day, he was in deep meditation while praying to Lord Shiva when a young boy named Shrikhar heard him. Shrikhar wished to join and pray with him, but he was not allowed to enter and was sent away from the city.
Later, he overheard a conversation about the conspiracy to destroy the city of Ujjain by the enemy kings Ripudamana and Singhaditya, along with a demon named Dushanan, who Lord Brahma had given a boon to be invisible. Feeling helpless, he started to pray to Lord Shiva to save the city.
The enemy kings attacked and were on the verge of destroying the city, while Lord Shiva appeared in his Mahakaal form to save the city of Ujjain and Shhaiva bhakts. That’s when his devout devotee Shrikhar and a priest named Vridhi played Lord Shiva to manifest as Mahakaal in Ujjain.
Over the years, the oldest Shiva temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, underwent various transformations, renovations and architectural changes. So, let’s see how the temple has been built that attracts millions of pilgrims.
The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, built using a blend of three architectural styles, enhances its beauty. This mixture of styles brings variety to the designs, such as the massive courtyards, symmetrical designs, intricate carvings, and detailing.
At the entrance of the temple is a huge door known as the Mahakaal Darwaza, from where the devotees enter the temple. The gate is designed using traditional artistry, which makes it unique and attractive.
Shikhara is an architectural style used in temples in North India. The spire is a rising tower visible from a distance. It is designed with intricate sculptures and symbolic patterns.
Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga has a Mandapa, a hall within the temple. Mahakaleshwar Temple has three mandapa: Nandi Mandapam, Ganpati Mandapam and Kartikey Mandapam, where devotees gather for religious rituals and ceremonies.
Ujjain Mahakaleshwar temple’s Garbhagriha is the innermost sanctum where the main Shiva lingam is constructed. It has massive stone walls and a cave-like structure with a low ceiling where the famous Bhasma aarti is performed.
The Ujjain Shiva temple has three levels. The lower level has the underground statue of Mahakaal. The middle level has the Omkareshwar Lingam, and the upper level has the Nagchandreshwar Lingam.
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