Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, shrines which are said to be the most sacred abodes of Shiva. It is located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on the side of the holy river Shipra. The presiding deity, Shiva in the lingam form is believed to be Swayambhu, deriving currents of power (Shakti) from within itself as against the other images and lingams that are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti.
Historical background and Architectural splendor
Shiva was pleased with the worship and believed to have appeared in two forms, namely Omkareshwar and Amaleswara. Since the mud mound appeared in the form of Om, the island came to be known as Omkareswar. There is a shrine for Parvati and Ganapati in the temple.
Constructed during the mid-18th century, the current temple stands as a five-storey architectural marvel. It exhibits a combination of Bhumija, Chalukya, and Maratha styles. Particularly noteworthy are its marble walkways, meticulously restored in the latter half of the 19th century under the patronage of the Scindias.
Religious Significance
The shrine is revered as one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peetham. Shakti Peethas are shrines that are believed to have been enshrined with the presence of Shakti due to the falling of body parts of the corpse of Sati Devi, when Shiva carried it.
Festival and Celebrations
Here the festivals celebrated are Mahashivaratri,Shravan Maas,Kartik Maas,Nag Panchami,Holi,Navratri and Diwali.
Surroundings area & attractions
- Basukinath Temple : Located about 43 km from Deoghar, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a significant pilgrimage site.
- Naulakha Mandir : A prominent temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, offering panoramic views of Ayodhya.
- Trikuta Parvat : A hill with temples dedicated to different deities, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding region.
- Shiv Ganga : A natural spring believed to have medicinal properties, attracting visitors seeking its therapeutic benefits.
- Pagla Baba Ashram : A tranquil ashram where devotees can engage in prayers and experience spiritual solace.
FAQ
The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. It is located in Ujjain in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The temple is also known as Mahakal Mandir.
The exact date of construction of the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is unknown. However, it is believed that the temple was built in the 9th century.
The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself resides in the temple. Millions of devotees visit the temple every year to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is open from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Devotees are expected to dress modestly when visiting the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. Men are required to wear a dhoti or kurta-pajama, while women are required to wear a sari or salwar kameez.
There are a number of facilities available at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, including cloakrooms, restrooms, and a food court. There are also a number of shops selling religious artifacts and souvenirs.
The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, which is located about 55 kilometers from the temple. The nearest railway station is Ujjain Junction, which is located about 5 kilometers from the temple.
There are a number of hotels and guesthouses located near the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. There are also a number of dharamshalas, which are budget-friendly accommodation options.
There are a number of other places to visit near the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, including the Ram Ghat, the Chintaman Ganesh Temple, and the Harsiddhi Temple.
The major festivals celebrated at the temple include Mahashivratri, Bhasma Aarti, and Sawan Somwar.
The Bhasma Aarti is a special ritual performed at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga every morning. The ritual involves the application of ashes (bhasma) to the lingam of Lord Shiva. The Bhasma Aarti is a very popular ritual and attracts a large number of devotees.
The Sawan Somwar is a festival celebrated in the month of Sawan (July-August). On this day, devotees visit the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The Sawan Somwar is a very auspicious day and is believed to be a time when Lord Shiva is especially pleased with his devotees.
You can book puja at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga online from our website itself. The cost of the puja varies depending on the type of puja you want to perform.
The Mahakaleshwar temple might offer volunteer opportunities for various tasks, such as assisting pilgrims or maintaining the temple premises. It’s best to inquire with the temple authorities or local organizations for information about volunteer programs.
Visitor information
Entry Fee: No fee
Timings :
- 8 AM to 11 PM
Darshan Days- All days
Address:
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India
Notable Events and Incidents
- 1. UNESCO Creative Cities Network: Recognized as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for its cultural significance.
- 2. Ujjain Simhastha Fair: The Kumbh Mela in Ujjain, known as the Simhastha Fair, is a major event that takes place once every 12 years.
- 3. Fire Incident in 1984: In 1984, a major fire broke out in the Mahakaleshwar temple, causing damage to a portion of the structure.
Connectivity :
- By Air: The nearest airport is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore, approximately 57 km away from Ujjain.
- By Rail: Ujjain Junction is well-connected to various cities across India. Regular trains operate to and from Ujjain and Mahakaleshwar Temple is situated at a short distance from the railway station.
- By Road: Ujjain has a well-maintained road network, and buses and taxis connect it to neighboring towns and cities. National Highway 52 passes through Ujjain, facilitating convenient road travel.
- Local Transportation- Auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and taxis are readily available for local travel within Ujjain.