Mahakaleshwar Temple Ujjain

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga refers to Lord Shiva. The meaning behind Kaal in Hinduism is the concept of time, and the Maha, also known as the greatness of Lord Shiva, is believed to be more powerful than time itself.

According to myth, Sati stepped into flames fact that the father of her, Daksha, opposed her wedding to Shiva. This angered Shiva, and he then performed Tandava or the ritual of the Dance of death earned him the name ‘Mahakal’ or Mahakaleshwar.’

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Shiva and is among the twelve Jyotirlingas shrines that are believed to be among the most sacred home of Shiva. It is situated in Ujjain’s old city within the State of Madhya Pradesh, India. The Temple is located on the bank of the sacred river Shipra.

The god of the presiding, Shiva in the lingam form, is thought to represent Swayambhu and obtaining energy flows (Shakti) directly from the inside. In contrast to other gods, Lingams are erected in ritual and are adorned by mantra-shakti.

The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is known as Dakshina Mukhi. The Temple is also known as one of the 18 shakti Peethas; the Upper Lip of Sati Devi is believed to fall here. Shakti is referred to as Mahakali. Kalidas has mentioned the rituals of the Temple in his book “Meghaduta.”

Mahakaleshwar temple Ujjain history

Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish later destroyed the Mahakaleshwar temple during his raid on Ujjain in 1234-5. The Jyotirlinga was taken down and was believed to be thrown into the nearby ‘Kotiteerth’ Kunda’ (a pond neighboring the Temple) Jaladhari (a structure that supports the Lingam) was stolen during the time of the invasion.

The current structure was constructed in 1734 by Maratha general Ranoji Shinde in 1734 CE, following Baji Rao I appointed him to collect taxes in the malwa region. Additional developments and management were carried out by the other members of the Shinde dynasty, which included Mahadji Shinde (1730-12 February 1794) and Daulat Baiza, the wife of Rao Shinde Bai. (1827-1863). In the time of Jayajirao Shinde (until 1886), essential programs of the Gwalior State used to be in this Temple.

The Maratha Empire regime was established in Ujjain during the 4th decade of the 18th century. Peshwa Bajirao-I entrusted the administration of Ujjain to his loyal leader Ranoji Shinde; the Diwan of Ranoji was Sukhatanakar Ramchandra Baba Shenavi. Shenavi was extraordinarily wealthy and chose to put his money to serve the purposes of religion. In this context, he rebuilt Mahakaleshwar Temple. Mahakaleshwar Temple during the 4th-5th decade of the 18th century.

After India was declared independent in 1947, The Mahakaleshwar Dev Sthan Trust was replaced by the municipal corporation of Ujjain. It is now under the collectorate of the Ujjain district.

what is mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga?

As per Shiva Purana, Brahma and Vishnu had a heated debate over who was the most powerful in the creation.

Shiva pierced the three worlds to test their capabilities by creating an endless luminary pillar called the Jyotirlinga. Vishnu and Brahma decided to move along the post in the direction of upwards and downwards, and backward, respectively, in search of the final point of light. Brahma boasted that he’d reached the end of the line in the future, and Vishnu accepted defeat.

Shiva came as a second pillar of light and cursed Brahma for having no place in the ceremonies, and Vishnu will be worshipped until the end of time. The Jyotirlinga is the ultimate eternal reality, from which Shiva partially appears. The jyotirlinga temples are where Shiva came to us as an intense column of illumination.

Sixty-four different Shiva forms should not be confused with Jyotirlingas. Each of the twelve Jyotirlinga sites bears the name of the god of supreme power – each believed to be a distinct representation of Shiva.

On all these sites, a primary image lingam symbolizes the endless infinity Stambha pillar, which indicates Shiva’s infinite nature.

What is the story behind Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga?

Based on the Puranas, Ujjain was the capital city. Ujjain was known as Avantika and was renowned for its beauty and reputation as a sacred epicenter. It was also among the leading cities where students could learn about holy Scriptures.

According to the legend, it was the home of a ruler from Ujjain named Chandrasena. He was a reverent worshiper of Shiva and worshipped his idol throughout the day. A farmer’s child called Shrikhar was walking around his palace’s grounds. He heard the King chant Shiva’s name. He went into the Temple to begin praying with the King. Guards repelled the boy by force and took the boy to the outskirts of the city by the Shipra river.

Shipra River of Ujjain, particularly King Ripudamana and the King Singhaditya of the kingdoms that bordered it, determined to strike at the Kingdom and seize its treasures at this point. When they heard this news, Shikhar started to pray, and the information reached a priest named Vridhi. He was shocked by this and, based on the appeals, and sons began to offer prayers to Shiva at the source river Shipra. The Kings decided to take on the city and were successful. With the assistance of the demon-powerful Dushan, who Brahma granted to remain invisibly, they robbed the city and slain all the worshippers of Shiva.

In response to the appeals of His devotees in need, Shiva appeared in his Mahakala form and defeated his enemies, King Chandrasena. At the request of his worshippers Shrikhar and Vridhi, Shiva agreed to live in the city and became the Kingdom’s primary god, protecting it from its enemies, and ensuring His followers’ safety.

From that point onwards, Shiva resided in His Light form of Mahakala in the form of a Lingam created entirely from the power that was the power of Shiva and his wife, Parvati. Shiva also blessed his devotees and declared that those who prayed to Him in this manner would be free of the anxiety of death and illnesses. Additionally, they will receive worldly treasures and be under Shiva’s protection, the God of Shiva himself.

Bharthari was the son of the elder of King Gandharva-Sena. He acquired Ujjain as his Kingdom from the god of the sky Indra and the Dhara King.

In the time that Bharthari was the King of “Ujjayani” (modern-day Ujjain) in his state, there lived a Brahman who, after years of famine, was blessed with immortality’s fruits from the celestial plant of Kalpavriksha. The Brahman presented the fruit to his King, Raja Bharthari. The latter later gave it to his wife and beautiful Pinglah Rani, also known as Ananga Sena of Rajabhartrhari’s final and youngest bride.

The queen, who was in love with Mahipaala, the Head security officer in the State, Mahipaala, presented the fruit to him. Mahipaala also gave it to his beloved Lakha, among the ladies of honor. In the end, Lakha, in love with the King, presented the fruit to the King. After the circle was completed and revealed the pitfalls of infidelity, the King called the queen to court, ordered her to be beheaded, and then took the fruit himself. Then, he abdicated the throne and was made an unreligious mendicant.

He later became a follower of Pattinatthar, who was first involved in a debate about Samsara and Sanyasi with King Bhartrhari. During the conversation, Pattinathar stated that all women have a ‘dual mind which could be the case with Parameswari. King relayed this information to Rani Pingala. She instructed Pattinathar to be punished and sit in a Kalu Maram (a tree which’s top is sharpened to the point of pencils), and the entire tree is completely coated in oil.

A person who is punished for sitting on the top is divided into two pieces) They tried to kill Pattinathar; however, Kalu Maram began to burn, and nothing ever happened to Pattinathar The King heard the news and immediately went to Pattinathar and asked him to prepare for his death the following morning.

However, Pattinathar said, “I’m ready to die.” The next day, the King appeared with tears and released the saint from prison because the saint saw the queen Pingalah attracted to horse riders in the evening. He then gave up his empire, riches, and even his entire coat and was put on a simple Kovalam (loincloth). The King became a follower of Pattinatthar and received moksha (salvation) from his Srikalahasteeshwara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, which houses the Vayu Lingam. It is an element of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams in the Temple of Shiva.

Special features of Mahakaleshwar Temple

The Temple of Mahakaleshwar is known as Dakshina Mukhi, meaning it faces the South.

This unusual characteristic is defended through the Tantric Shivnetra traditions only found at Mahakaleshwar within the twelve Jyotirlingas. This idol, dedicated to Omkareshwar Mahadev, is sanctified in the sanctum of the Mahakal Shrine. The models depicting Ganesh, Parvati, and Karttikeya are erected on the north, west, and east sides of the Sanctum sanctorum.

On the south side are the images of Nandi, one of Shiva’s vehicles. Its idol Nagchandreshwar is located on the third level. It is only open to darshan during the festival that falls on Nag Panchami. The Temple is on five levels, the highest being underground. The Temple itself is in a large courtyard, with walls that are massive, close to an eddy. The Shikhar, also known as the spire, is decorated with sculptured finery. Brass lamps illuminate the path to the underground sanctuary. Prasada (holy offering) made here to gods can be offered again, unlike in other shrines.

The supreme deity of the universe, Shiva, in all his glory, reigns forever throughout the town of Ujjain. Its Temple, Mahakaleshwar, with its Shikhar rising to the heavens and its impressive facade against the skyline, inspires reverence and admiration for its grandeur. The Mahakal is the city’s center and inhabitants even in the bustle of modern life and is a solid link to old Hindu practices.

On Maha Shivaratri day, a vast fair occurs near the Temple. Celebrations continue throughout the night. The devotees cannot carry baggies, smartphones, or cameras to the event. Cloakrooms and Lockers Rooms are available for devotees to store their possessions.

Another fantastic spectacle, with a massive number of devotees, includes the long procession that the God Mahakaal in his Palanquin, also known as Shahi Savaari, to the Shipra river. Shipra on one of the last days in the sacred season of Sawan in those months. Shraavana and Bhadrapada.

Architecture of Mahakaleshwar Temple

This is the beauty of the Temple’s design that it’s simply stunning, incredible, impressive, and massive. Visitors can not help but be amazed by the beauty of the structure and the fact that even. It has not changed over many years and has reflected traditional practices. But, in the last 1,000 years, the Temple and the linga have suffered massive destruction and disruptions.

From 1234 to 1235, Shams-Uddin Iltuish invaded the Temple and destroyed the Shiva Linga by throwing it into the nearby pond. In 1734, Maratha General Ranoji Shinde built the structure we see today. The dynasty’s members also helped build the Temple, which is now an urban corporation in Ujjain that manages it.

It’s Shikara flying high into the sky and boasting the stunning look of some of the gorgeous sculptures and intricate carvings. The Temple is unique. The building material is a mixture of different substances that make it highly robust to endure the assaults of time and weather. This site’s fascinating aspects are the pictures showing the original structure, which existed between the 9th and 14th centuries.

As you enter the courtyard, you’ll first see the size and number of people it can house in one go. Beautifully sculpted, It is the result of the efforts of skilled masons who laboriously created some gorgeous pictures of the god Shiva. The Temple has five levels, which makes it incredibly beautiful and impressive. Every group will discover something unique and exciting, making this place unique and fascinating for everyone to visit and feel.

Many scholars of ancient temple architecture will see this Temple as a marvel of architecture because it’s so massive and blends various construction styles. Inside, you will see an amalgamation that combines Chalukya, Maratha, and Bhumja styles, which gives the Temple a mystical appearance and makes it an exquisite sight for the devotees. On the three levels of the Temple is one of the Linga composed of Mahakaleswar, Omkaaeswar, and Nagachandreswar. A gorgeous tank is close by, which increases the area’s appeal and makes it even more sacred and holy. This tank is called Koti Thrirtha and was constructed within the Sarvotobadra style.

The shrine’s most distinctive characteristics are beautiful craftsmanship, utilizing the oldest building structure principles, and eye-catching sculptures. This is the beauty of the ancient art that you are left amazed at how stunning the site is and its immenseness when considering the five levels it covers. The combination of divineness and natural beauty is the ideal description of strolling through this gorgeous Temple and receiving the darshan of the most beautiful sacred Lord Shiva.

Where is the mahakaleshwar temple?

Ujjain City, Madhya Pradesh

Name of The twelve Jyotirlinga

1.Somnath Temple in Gujarat 2.Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh 3. Mahakaleswar at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh 4. Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh 5. Kedarnath in the Himalayas in Uttrakhand State 6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra 7.Vishwanath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh 8. Triambakeshwar in Maharashtra 9. Baidyanath Temple, Deoghar in Jharkhand 10. Nageswar at Dwarka in Gujarat 11. Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and 12. Grishneshwar at Aurangabad in Maharashtra.

Interesting facts about Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

1. One of the twelve Jyotirlingas found in India The Lingam at Mahakaleshwar. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga may be the Swayambhu (born from itself)
2. The holy shrine is located by the banks of Rudra Sagar Lake situated in Ujjain
3. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped in Mahakaleshwar form, which is the most fierce form of Shiva
4. The Mahakaleshwar Form is described in ShivPuran in the time Ujjain was known as Avanti
5. The Shivling inside the sanctum sanctorum has been identified as Dakshinamurti ( looking South)
6. Bhasma Aarti is one of the most critical rituals Mahakaleswa is well-known; it is carried out at 4.00 am
7. There is mention of cremated ashes gathered from the funeral pyres for the Bhasma in older texts. However, nowadays, the Bhasma is constructed out of cow dung
8. The Temple is believed as a 5-story structure that is inhabited by gods like Ganesh, Parvathi, Karttikeya, Nandi, and Nagchandreshwar.
9. The Nagchreshwar temple is opened only on Nag Panchami Day.
10. According to Hindu texts, there exist 18 Shakti Peeth worldwide, and one is within the Temple in Mahakaleshwar situated in Ujjain.
11. In Ujjain, Shivratri is thought to be one of the times when the entire city is taken off of their routine to attend the Shiva Parvati wedding celebrations.

Bhasma Aarti At Mahakaleshwar Temple

A whole ritual associated with the Temple is Bhasm Aarti, performed every morning at 4:00 am. Everyone from all backgrounds visits Ujjain to fulfill their dream and witness this unique experience. The Temple’s tranquil and early morning serene atmosphere fills the visitor with a sense of euphoria.

In the past, Bhasma Aarti used to be performed using the ashes of the first funeral pyre cremated at midnight. Over time this custom has been altered as fresh ashes are made by removing cow dung.

Because no one is permitted to be inside the Garbhagriha, The devotees can watch the entire ceremony through the projection screen inside the Temple.

The process starts with “Abhishek,” or the ritual bathing of the Shivling, then spreading it with various offerings, including honey, curd, and sandal paste, and then cleaning it using water and milk. Furthermore, this Shivling will be decorated using elaborate floral arrangements and, in particular, the Bel leaves, which are believed to be very sacred as Lord Shiva are.

However, the process doesn’t stop there. There’s more to see in the days before a ceremony. By the use of various substances, the shiv linga gets transformed into a beautiful face. It is afterward that the look is embellished with garlands.

After the hour-long process of dressing and bathing, the idol becomes the most anticipated and fascinating part of the first aarti ceremony of the day. A cloth has covered the entire Shivlings in such an order that the design is not disrupted. After that, the head priest swizzles the pouch filled with ash onto the Shivling. The entire sanctum gets full of ash that covers the Shivling with gray dust. The process of sprinkles of with ash over the Shivling takes about a minute.

Then, you will be able to perform Aarti with oil lamps lit and the ringing of bells, as well as the singing of “Om Namah Shivay and Har Har Mahadev’. When you get to observe the entire process before the Aarti begins and feel like you’ve experienced that’s one of the most extraordinary experiences to happen in your life.

Things to be aware of before going to Aarti:

The Aarti starts every day at four and then is followed by the crowds of devotees forming a tangled line. It is therefore recommended to arrive at the Temple around an hour before or just before the Aarti begins.

Dress according to the dress code to perform prayers inside the sanctum. Men must wear a dhoti while women must dress in a Saree. The Aarti is very popular because vast numbers of fans attend it, so it is necessary to book tickets in advance.

Online bookings are possible. The month-in booking is advised. Cameras or mobile phones aren’t allowed on the temple grounds. The devotees must place their gadgets in the room for lockers.

mahakaleshwar Bhasma Aarti booking/offline Counter Booking

Ujjain Mahakal Bhasma Aarti Counter Booking

Biometric enrollments are permitted between 7:00 am and 12:30 pm.

Photo ID proof of enrollment.

Tickets are allocated on a first-come, first basis.

Confirmation of the reservation will be made at 7:15.

Tickets are available for collection by displayed in an SMS or at the front counter between 7:30 pm and 10:30 after 7:30 pm.

Ticket Cost: Rs.100 per person.

mahakaleshwar Bhasma aarti online booking

30 days booking is available

Five tickets are available to book on the internet.

Photo ID is obligatory for all followers when they report.

Dress code to adhere

No booking during Shravan month.

Online bookings are accepted between 8 am and 9 pm-midnight.

How to Reach Mahakaleshwar

Ujjain can be easily connected through numerous trains, roads, and flights to major cities nearby. Tickets to the city on travel sites or use an agency for travel.

Air – Go on the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport Indore and proceed to the Temple via taxi or bus.

Train: Buy tickets for Ujjain railway station. Then, from the station, take a taxi or bus.

Road: Buses run towards the Temple from Ujjain and are connected by a road network to other cities in the vicinity, and you can take taxis to get there via Ujjain.

some of the Festivals in Ujjain Mahakaleshwar temple

The most popular festivals in the Mahakaleshwar Temple are:

Kumbh Mela: This Mela is known for being the world’s largest gathering of religious significance. It is held annually at Ujjain, Allahabad, Haridwar, and Nashik. The festival lasts for approximately one and two-and-a-half months. The sages and pilgrims (sadhus) participate in a ritual bath within the River Ksipra. It is a religious event. Discourses, Ramlilas, Raslilas, and the large procession of sadhus are principal elements during Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela.

Mahashivaratri: Thousands of devotees attend the Temple to commemorate the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It is celebrated at the end 13th or the 14th day in the Magha month (February or March) in the Indian Hindu calendar.

Karthik Mela: The event occurs each year during Karthik, the Hindu month Karthik (November and December).

Harihara Milana: festivities of this festival are held on Vaikuntha Chaturdashi. At midnight, this is the union of two Lords – Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva.

mahakaleshwar darshan timings

Ritual/ Puja	Time
Darshan	4:00 am To11:00 pm
Bhasma Aarti	4:00 am To 6:00 am
Morning Pooja	7:00 am To 7:30 am
Evening Pooja	5:00 pm To 5:30 pm
Shree Mahakaal Aarti	7:00 PM To 7:30 PM

What are the Sevas and poojas of the Mahakaleshwar Temple?

A few of the Sevas and rituals associated with Mahakaleshwar Temple include: Mahakaleshwar Temple are:

Bhasm Aarti, The Bhasm Aarti, is unique to the Temple. The priest performs Vibhhoti (Bhasm) on the Shiva Linga daily at 4:00 am. Only pilgrims with an entry pass with a VIP card are allowed into the Sanctum Garbhagraha to take part in the Aarti. Women are not allowed to witness the Bhasma decorations during the Aarti.

Maharudrabhishek Maharudrabhishek: In the Abhishek, the recitation from Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda, and Atharva Veda is done in front of the gods at Mahakaleshwar Temple. Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Laghurudrabhishek Abhishek: This Abhishek is used to address issues related to health as well as wealth. It also helps eliminate the harmful effects of the planets that are in the horoscope.

Mahamrityunjaya Jaap Mahamrityunjaya Jaap Mahamrityunjaya Abhishek improves a person’s longevity and immortality. It is also called the Rudra mantra, which has miraculous results in the lives of people who practice it. The mantra is said to help relieve people and free them from rebirth and death. Therefore, the mantra is also referred to as Moksha Mantra. Moksha Mantra.