Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga: Powerful Mahakal Temple in Ujjain
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga or Mahakal Temple is said to be among the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. History reveals that this temple, located in the Madhya Pradesh state’s Ujjain city, is one of the oldest temples in that particular state. Some regard this Shiv Linga as swayambhu, or “originated or found in soil.” Moreover, this Shiv Linga is considered to be more potent and to manifest great power (cosmic energy).
Normally, any idol of the god is preserved either by chanting mantras or by infusing mantras with the help of yantra (mantras imprinted on the copper plate) to ensure power for the idol. However, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga differs from them as it reveals its power without such rituals.
Ancient scripts narrate that Mahakaleshwar Shiv Linga is one that is believed to be “Dakshinamurti” as it faces towards south. And also it is said to have “spiritual shivnetra” which is not found in any other Jyotirlingas. Mahakal Temple is constructed with massive walls on the side of Rudra Sagar Lake and has five storeys. Out of which one is carved underground and a separate idol of Lord “Nagchandreshwar” is placed in the third storey which is opened only during ‘nag panchami’ for darshan.
While other rituals of the temple, we can pray again Prasad to the god. As per the ancient scripts, some ages ago this place was ruled by King Chandrasena, he is a devotee to Lord Shiva. Some time ago, his rivals attacked him with the help of a demon who had been blessed by Lord Brahma to get some form in the invisible world also which was successful.
They killed all Shiva devotees while concurring his dynasty, helpless King Chandrasena prayed to Bola Shankar to help his people, upon hearing devotees plead he appeared in the form of ‘Mahakala’ and destroyed all his rivals. He blessed his devotees that he will remain in the form of Linga (a form of divine light) and also blessed that whoever the devotee worships in this form, they will be free from all kinds of diseases and death.
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Contents
Significance of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga:
Jyotirlinga: Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the most revered temples in Hinduism which were encrypted in many scripts devoted to Lord Shiva. It is situated in Madhya Pradesh, India’s Ujjain. The temple is notable for its distinctive dakshinamukhi idol, which faces south and is thought to be one of a kind among the Jyotirlingas.
Mahakaleshwar Form: This is the presiding deity of Lord Shiva in his fierce form. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is also believed to save and enlighten with moksha or escape from the cycle of life and death.
Maha Shivaratri: This was especially special on Maha Shivaratri day because the temple assumed a different significance. Devotees from the remotest corners of the country gather in such a grand celebration to seek divine blessings of Lord Shiva through the whole night with religious prayers and rituals at the temple.
Historical and Mythological Significance: Mahakal Temple has a history and mythology. It is one of the oldest religious and cultural centres for ages, and it is also written in old books like Puranas. According to mythology, Lord Shiva came to the Ujjain city to protect it as Mahakaleshwar.
Astika’s Prayers : According to a legend associated with the Astika, a consecrated woman who saved the Naga (tribe of serpents) from death. As per the tradition, Astika had performed great austerities at this holy place and pleaded to Lord Shiva with a request to save the Nagas.
Rituals and Offerings: There are various ceremonies and rituals, which are being performed all day long at Mahakal Temple to worship Lord Shiva. There are numerous rituals from which the devotees can take their choice to achieve the benedictions of Shiva. Such options include abhishekam-that is, the holy bath, aarti-ritual of waving lamps, or more such sacred activities like Rudrabhishekam-the ritual worship with sacred chants.
Spiritual and Cultural Center: It is inclusive and welcomes pilgrims and scholars from all over the country. It is a site for seekers of the spirit to enter a devotion and make contact with God.
Temple Complex: The temple is on the side of Rudra Sagar Lake. The shrine, an illustrative figure of Lord Shiva, Mahakaleshwar lingam is inside. Apart from Lord himself we find idols of his consert Goddess Parvati and son Lord Ganesha.
Bhasma Aarti: Among all the ritual procedures, offered peculiarly within Mahakal Temple, there is one ritual which assumes an especial existence with considerable frequency in the form of Bhasma Aarti. This too is a ritual ceremony whereby the sacred ash is applied to the lingam with aarti or a ritual of waving lighted lamps-it is a spectacle for thousands.
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Benefits of visiting Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga:
Divine Blessings: A visit to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga may bring the person closer to Lord Shiva and finally receive his blessing and grace. People may find devotion in worship, spiritual up-gradation, prosperity, and peace through their prayers and rituals in the Mahakal Temple.
Fulfillment of Desires: The devotees have beliefs that the aarti and upahara in Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga can fulfill all their wishes and desires. The humble and true prayer and devotion attract the divine blessings of Lord Shiva, which ultimately paves the way for achieving all personal goals.
The legend says that going to this Jyotirlinga and performing the religious ceremonies purify the soul and free a person of evil energies and sins. Since such devotion cleanses the entire being and bestows liberation or moksha from birth-death cycle, Ganesha connected himself to the Shiva Lingsa for his liberation and ultimate holiness and obtained what he wanted.
Mahakal Temple Timing:
Morning Timings:
Bhasma Aarti (Early Morning Ritual): 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM (only for registered devotees, prior registration is required)
Morning Darshanam: 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM
Morning Bhasma Aarti: 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM
Afternoon Timings:
Afternoon Darshanam: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Evening Timings:
Evening Darshanam: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Evening Bhasma Aarti: 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Night Timings:
Night Darshanam: 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM (during normal days)
Shayan Aarti (Night Aarti): 10:30 PM to 11:00 PM (during normal days)
Official Website:
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Places to visit near Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga:
Kaliadeh Palace: It is situated on an island in the Shipra River. The river views around seem to be quite sophisticated. Kaliadeh Palace is regarded as very architecturally beautiful and tranquil surrounding.
Harsiddhi Temple: This Harsiddhi Temple is one of the several temples found near Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga linked with Goddess Harsiddhi or other words for Goddess Durga. It has been believed that this temple completes all the wishes of the worshipers and holds a position among the sacred temples for pilgrims.
Ram Ghat : It is one of the most important bath ghats in the river Shipra, which is one of the major religious places of worship for the devotees, mainly during Kumbh Mela, one of the major fairs among Hindus.
VEDH SHALA OR OBSERVATORY: Maharaja Jai Singh II built the very ancient observatory, Vedh Shala with various kinds of astronomical instruments. The view is simply plain awesome for any astronomy enthusiast and it opens up a window into ancient knowledge Indian people had regarding the science of astronomy.
Chintaman Ganesh Temple: It is situated on the riverside of Shipra dedicated to Lord Ganesha. One of the most visited eight Ashtavinayak temples; devotees come here to find get rid of their chintas and find solutions.
Bhartrihari Caves: Bhartrihari caves are two guhas which stand side by side of Shipra River and are associated with the legendary poet saint Bhartrihari. It is regarded to be his seat of meditation and the place from where all his works had been composed. The caves provide the ambiance for an existential reflection.
Kal Bhairav Temple: It is the temple of fierce lord Bhairav, that is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Amongst the eight Bhairav temples in Ujjain, Kal Bhairav Temple is besides the Temple.
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How to reach Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga:
By Air:
Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport.
Distance: approximately 55 kilometers.
By Train:
Nearest Railway Station: Ujjain Junction
By Road:
From Indore: approximately 55 kilometers
Distance: approx. 1-2 hours.