Situated on the banks of the holy river Shipra in Ujjain, the Mahakaleshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most famous shrines in the country. The presiding deity of this ancient temple is the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, a Swayambhu, meaning a self-originated Linga. It derives strength from itself, and the need to infuse powers by performing the mantra shakti is not necessary.
Interestingly, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is Dakshinamukhi, meaning it faces the south, unlike the rest of the Jyotirlingas. Temple idols usually don't face the southern direction, and hence the speciality. The main temple complex is a three-storeyed structure with the Lingas of Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar and Nagchandreshwar installed in lower, middle and upper tiers respectively.
Devotees can worship the Nagchandreshwar Linga only on Nag Panchgami, and it remains inaccessible to the common public on a regular day. One can also find a Kunda named Koti Teertha inside the temple complex. For the unversed, the presence of a kunda (a small water body or a pond) is a common feature in the ancient temple complexes. 
Jai Shri Mahakal ~ Shubh Prabhat
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