Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Shri Mahakaleshwar of Ujjain is one of India’s twelve great Jyotirlingas. Mahakaleshwar temple’s splendour has been brilliantly depicted in several Purans. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a Hindu temple devoted to Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, Shiva’s most holy abodes. It’s in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, in the old city of Ujjain.

The lingam at the Mahakal is said to be swayambhu (born of itself), receiving currents of power (Shakti) from within itself, as opposed to other images and lingams that are ritually formed and infused with mantra-shakti. It is one of India’s 12 Jyotirlingas.

What makes Mahabaleshwar temple stand different from all other adobe of Mahadeva is that Mahakaleshwar’s idol is Dakshina Mukhi (i.e. facing south), unlike all the other Jyotirlingas. Considered no less than a Hindu pilgrimage. This is a tantric tradition-held trait that can only be found among the 12 jyotirlingas in Mahakaleshwar.

In the sanctuary above the Mahakal temple, Omkareshwar Shiva’s idol is consecrated. The images of Ganesh, Parvati, and Karttikeya are situated in the centre, north, and east corners of the sanctum sanctorum, respectively. The picture of Nandi can be found to the south.

In Ujjain, Shiva, the reigning deity of time, rules eternally in all his glory. Even in the middle of the hectic routine of modern preoccupations, the Mahakal dominates the life of the city and its inhabitants, providing an unbroken link with previous traditions.

The foremost attraction of the Mahakaleshwar temple is the Bhasm Aarti, which takes place every day at the Mahakaleshwar Temple, and is a must-see. Each day, before dawn rises, the Aarti begins. The statue of Lord Shiva is worshipped with sacred ash obtained from the ghats, and the ash is then placed in the lingam before conducting the holy prayers during this religious rite. The temple at Mahakaleshwar is the only Jyotirlinga temple where this Aarti is done, which adds to the thrill and enjoyment of visiting it.