Mahakaleshwar Temple

Mahakaleshwar Temple is the famous Shiva temple also known as Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Mahakaleshwar temple is located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on the bank of the holy river Shipra.

This famous Shiv Temple of Ujjain has always been included in the spiritual tourist destinations due to its magnificent history and glory. It is also famous in the country and abroad due to the Simhastha fair also known as Kumbh Mela which is held once in 12 years. Mahakaleshwar temple is considered as one of the 68 Tirth of India and is also a famous tourist destination.

Mahakal, comprises two words Maha and Kaal, in Sanskrit in which maha means “great” and Kaal means “Time and Death” and it is believed that Lord Shiva is the God of death and time. Because of this, Lord Shiva is called Mahakaleshwar, and this temple is also known as Mahakal (Mandir) Temple.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Mahakal lingam at Mahakaleshwar temple is believed to be Swayambhu which means self-manifested, which obtains currents of Shakti (power) from within itself. Mahakaleshwar is also considered as one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas in India.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the most famous Jyotirlingas in India because Mahakaleshwar idol is Dakshina Mukhi, facing south direction, unlike all the other Jyotirlingas in India. Mahakaleshwar is a most famous Hindu pilgrimage site of India and the Bhasma-Aarti of Mahakaleshwar Temple is famous amongst the devotees.

The Legends of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

According to Hinduism, the Lord Shiva lingam at Mahakal temple is self-manifested that obtains currents of power from within itself and for this, Mahakaleshwar is also known as Swayambhu. The lingam of Mahakaleshwar temple is also known as Dakshina Mukhi, as it is facing south. As per the various Puranas, Mahakaleshwar temple is considered as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India where Lord Shiva exists in the form of Jyotirlinga. Hence worshiping the Lord shiva at these places relieves all from their sins.

What is the story behind Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga?

King Chandrasena of Ujjain was believed to be a great devotee of Lord Shiva. While he was praying, a young boy, Shrikhar, wished to worship Lord Shiva along with him. But the child was not allowed to pray with him and was sent away from the city. There, the boy heard a plot by enemy kings Ripudamana and Singhaditya with the help of a demon named Dushanan planning to attack Ujjain.

He began to pray to Lord Shiva to protect Ujjain from the enemy. Vridhi, who was a priest, heard his prayers and also prayed to the Lord to save the city from the enemy. Meanwhile, the enemy attacked Ujjain. They were almost successful in conquering the city but fortunately, Lord Shiva came in his Mahakal form and saved the city from the enemy.

From that day on, at the behest of his devotees, Lord Shiva lives on in this famous Ujjain temple in the form of a linga, known as Mahakaleshwar.

Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Mahakaleshwar Temple is also famous all over the world for the Bhasma Aarti, which is performed every day at Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. The Bhasma Aarti begins every morning at 4:00 a.m. to wake up Lord Shiva. It is believed that in the past, the Bhasm Aarti was performed with the funeral ashes, but in present times, this tradition has changed and ash is prepared from cow dung.

The Architecture of the Mahakal Temple

The Mahakal temple was built during the 4th and 5th decades of the eighteenth century A.D. Apart from the Mahakal temple, there are three other temples in the premises are temple of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati and Nagchandreshwar. The Nagchandreshwar temple is open for pilgrims and tourists during the festival of Nag Panchami only.

The structure and glory of the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain has been the center of attraction for Lord Shiva devotees since ancient times and also it is considered as one of the major tourist places and pilgrims sites of Madhya Pradesh.

Interesting facts about Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

The Mahakaleshwar lingam is a self-originated linga which derives its power by its own. It does not require any mantra shakti for power like the other lingas statues.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is the only jyotirlinga that faces towards south direction and is also known as dakshin mukhi. All the other jyotirlingas of India face towards the east. But the lingam of Mahakaleshwar temple faces south. This is because, it is believed that the direction of death is believed to be south.

Lord Shiva faces south, as he is believed as master of death. In fact, people worship Lord Shiva to prevent untimely death – to enjoy a long life. Nagchandreshwar Temple located in the premises of Mahakaleshwar temple is open for one day in the year, on Nag Panchami day for devotees or tourists. It remains shut on all the other days of year.

Bhasma aarti (offering with ashes) is a famous ritual occurring at Mahakaleshwar temple. As ash is pure, non-dual, imperishable and unchangeable, so is the Lord.

Best Festival of Mahakaleshwar Ujjain

Mahakal Sawari

Mahakal Sawari means – The ride of Shri Mahakaleshwar Baba (Mahakal Ki Sawari) that is celebrated in the month of Shravan – Bhado which is celebrated as one of the famous rides of the temple celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. One of the main attractions of the Mahakal Sawari is the salute ritual to Rajadhiraj (Mahakaleshwar Baba), given by a contingent of police force outside the temple at the starting of the Sawari.

During the Sawari the devotees leave the temple and carry the Mahakal idol on their shoulders. Devotees sing and dance and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The ride ends at the coast of the Shipra river where many rituals are performed to worship Lord Shiva and to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

Maha Shivratri at Mahakal Temple

Mahashivratri is a famous Hindu festival celebrated annually during February or March. The festival commemorates the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Maha Shivratri is celebrated all over the country.

Mahakaleshwar temple is the only Shiva temple where Shiva Navratri is celebrated for nine days. In these nine days, the Hindu priests worship lord Shiva with a special abhishek and mantra chanting. During the festival, Hindu priests also use Shringaar puja to represent different forms of Lord Shiva and highlight his features.

On the last day of the Mahashivratri, the festival is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. Many rituals and Puja are performed at Mahakal temple. Thousands of Devotees from all over the country visit the temple to attend the ritual during Mahashivratri.

Mahakaleshwar Darshan Timings

Mahakaleshwar temple is open from 4am to 11pm every day without any weekly closer.

Dasrhan Timings- Garbh Grah

• Morning: 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM (All Days)
• Morning: 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM (All Days)

Aarti Timings

• Bhasma Aarti- 4am to 6am
• Shayan Aarti- 10:30pm to 11:00pm
• Bhog Aarti- 10:30am to 11:00am
• Dadyodak Aarti- 7:30am to 8:00am

Best Time to Visit Mahakaleshwar Temple Ujjain

The most ideal time to visit Mahakaleshwar temple is during October to March as the weather is pleasant and windy. It is the perfect time for sightseeing and enjoying. During these months the temperature ranges between 20 to 25 degree Celsius.

How to reach Mahakaleshwar Temple

• By Air- There are no airports in Ujjain. The nearest airport to Ujjain is Indore airport which is 56 km from
  Ujjain.
• By Rail-As Ujjain is an important city in Madhya Pradesh, it is well connected to all the major parts in
  India. Nearest railway station to Ujjain is Ujjain Junction. It is well connected to other major cities
  of the country through regular trains.
• By Road- Ujjain is well connected by roads with other major cities of the country through well constructed roads.

Frequently Asked Question