The Mahakaleshwar Temple is a very scared abode of Lord Shiva.

The Mahakaleshwar Temple is a very scared abode of Lord Shiva. Highly revered by Hindu devotees, The temple is one of the twelve 'Jyotirlingams'. The holy sanctuary is found along the banks of the Rudra Sagar Lake in Ujjain where the main deity is said to have formed on its own, in stone, also known as a Swayambhu.

The highlights of this temple are the practice of ancient rituals undertaken to gratify the God and the ceremonial customs, which promise to evoke spiritual calling. The Mahakaleshwar Temple is also known for its beautiful and rich inscribing that reflects on the grandeur of the Rajput royalties, who once ruled the region.

Legend has it that when the city was ruled by King Chandrasen, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, a young boy named Shrikhar was moved by his devotion. He then wanted to join the ruler in his prayers but was refused by the Royal cavalry and sent away to the outskirts of the city, near the river Kshipra. As Shrikhar wandered off into the countryside he overheard the neighbouring kings discuss a plot to plunder Ujjain. At this time, the young boy began praying to Lord Shiva. Slowly, word spread across town that there were going to be forthcoming attacks. A local priest known as Vridhi immersed into the river Kshipra and began to chant the Lord's name. Meanwhile, the rivals sought the help of a demon called Dushan and they were successful in plundering the city and killed innumerable Lord Shiva's devotees. On hearing this, Shiva himself appeared and destroyed the enemies of King Chandrasen. After pleas from his disciples, Shrikhar and Vridh, Lord Shiva agreed to reside in the city in the form of a "lingam" and guard its people from any affliction. So anyone who surrenders to Lord Shiva with true devotion is blessed and is free from disease and other worldly sufferings.

The structure around the temple was built by various ruling kings but a part of it was destroyed by Sultan Iltutmish, when he invaded the city during 1234 to 1235. During the 19th century, the Scindia Royal family undertook the responsibility of its restoration. Major Attractions One of the major attractions of the place is the 'Bhasm-Aarti'. The 'aarti' commences just before the break of dawn to awaken the deity. It happens just once every day. The ceremony comprises of the anointment of the idol with sacred ash that is brought from the 'ghats' or mountains. This is applied on the 'lingam' before the prayers are conducted. The temple is said to be a five-storey building that has the presence of Shri Ganesha, Maa Parvati, Karttikeya, Nandi and Nagchandreshwar. This is opened only on the Nag Panchami Day.

Jai Shri Mahakal ~ Shubh Prabhat ✨🕉✨🙏🏻