The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a renowned Hindu temple, devoted to Shiva and one of the twelve esteemed Jyotirlingas. It lies in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India – an ancient metropolis settled alongside the holy Shipra riverbank. The enshrined deity here is none other than Lord Shiva himself in his lingam form; this unique figure is believed to be Swayambhu i.e., it radiates immeasurable power (Shakti) from within itself rather than being ritualistically established and charged with mantra-shakti like many others are!
The Mahakaleshwar idol is distinctively oriented dakshinamukhi, meaning that it faces the South – an anomaly observed only among all twelve Jyotirlingas in accordance with tantric shivnetra custom.
In the Mahakal shrine, a consecrated idol of Omkareshwar Mahadev resides in its sanctum. On each side of this holy chamber are three images – Ganesh to the west, Parvati to the north and Karttikeya to the east. To conclude this set-up is Nandi, Shiva’s vehicle located southbound. Moreover, on Nag Panchami (the fifth day of Hindu lunar calendar), devotees can enter into an underground level which houses an image of Nagchandreshware for their darshan. The temple comprises five levels altogether!
Surrounded by mighty walls, right next to a lake lies the awe-inspiring temple. Its peak is festooned with carvings and embellishments while brass lamps lead visitors to its mystical underground sanctum. It’s said that any offering made here can be reoffered – something only found in this particular place of worship!
In Ujjain, the presiding deity of time – Shiva – reigns majestically and eternally. The Mahakaleshwar temple stands tall against the skyline with its imposing facade and soaring shikhar that evokes a sense of primordial awe in those who witness it. Despite modern preoccupations, Mahakal dominates life for both city-dwellers and visitors alike; offering an unbreakable connection to ancient Hindu traditions along every step.
Every year, on the day of Maha Shivaratri, a giant celebration is held near the temple and continues throughout the night in honor of Shiva.
Counted amongst the eighteen monumental Maha Shakti Peethams, the shrine is held in highest regard.
The Shakti Peethas are venerated sites, believed to have been graced by the divine presence of Shakti due to pieces from Sati Devi’s body falling there when Shiva carried it. Each of these 51 locations has a shrine for both Kalabhairava and Shakti. It is said that Sati Devi’s upper lip fell here, and thus the associated deity is known as Mahakali.
In 1234–35, Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish ruthlessly demolished the temple complex of Ujjain. Reportedly, he even went as far as dismantling the Jyotirlinga and throwing it into a nearby pond known as ‘Kotiteerth Kunda’. Furthermore, his raid also resulted in him stealing the Jaladhari – a structure that supported the Lingam.
