Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling, Ujjain

Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Prabhu Shiva. The temple is called the most sacred abode of Shiva. Situated in the Vedic city of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is located near the holy river Shipra. Bhagwan Shiva is residing here in the form of Lingam which is believed to be Swayambhu emerging the divine power within itself as compared with other lingams and images which are established with mantra Shakti and rituals.

Legend

Once there was a king names Chandrasena. He was the ruler of Ujjain and was a great devotee of Bhagwan Shiva. One day when he was worshipping the Shivalingam in his palace and a boy named Shridhar heard the chanting, he rushed the the palace temple to worship Prabhu along with the King but the guards removed him by force and took him to the outskirts of the city near river Kshipra.
The Enemies of Ujjain, King Ripudamana and King Singhaditya of the nearby kingdoms had planned to attack the city and loot all the treasures that was in the palace. After hearing this the young boy started praying to Bhagwan Shiva near the Kshipra river.
King Ripudamana and King Singhaditya along with a demon named Dushaṇ attacked the city and were successful in capturing the city. Dushaṇ was a demon who got blessed with a boon by Brahma that he is invincible. They all plundered the city and locked up all the devotees of Bhagwan Shiva.
After hearing the prayers of his helpless devotees, Shiva took the form of Mahakaal and destroyed the enemies of King Chandrasena. Prabhu killed Dushaṇ with just one blow. Upon the request of his devotee Shrikhar, Prabhu decided to reside in the city in the light form which is inside of a Lingam. From that day onwards Bhagwan Shiva is residing here as Mahakaal in a Lingam that was supposed to be formed with the powers of Bhagwan Shiva and his consort Mata Parvati.

Festival

The very famous festival of Bhagwan Shiva is the marriage of Prabhu and Mata Parvati which is called “Mahashivratri” and can be observed in the temple with full devotion and enthusiasm. Mahashivratri is celebrated all over India but in Mahakaaleshwar, the energy is divine and the celebration is pure and pious. Whole night prayers and worship are offered to Prabhu. On this day the beauty of Shivalinga allures people with its divine Charisma and religious appeal. People come from all over the world, just to participate in the festival.

Architecture of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling, Ujjain

Architecture

The original temple was attacked during the Muslim Invasions. And the reconstruction of the temple was done again by the Scindians. This three-storey building's spire monopolizes the skyline of the Southern part of Ujjain. The vast and majestic structure of the temple is heartwarming. The concave structure of the temple is adorned with mesmerizing and intriguing carvings and sculptures on its all side, expanding above the pillared stoops. The hallways' walls are beautifully garlanded with various sculptures and statues, and in the courtyard has the remnants of our ancient shrines. The grounds are arrayed with railings that are pricked with precision, while the patios are embellished with stunning roofs adorned in Rajputana architectural style.

How to reach Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling, Ujjain?

By Train: You can easily get regular trains to Ujjain from other major cities of the country.

By Air: Ujjain is not well connected to other major cities of the country via regular flights. The nearest airport is in Indore at a distance of 49kms.

By Bus: You can easily get regular buses to Ujjain from other major cities of the country.