Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is one of the major pilgrimage sacred place for Hindus. It is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peeth where upper lip of Sati has fallen here and derived Shakti as “Mahakali”. The Temple is one of the 12 “Jyotirlingas” temple of Lord Shiva, surrounded by the “Rudra Sagar” lake.
Mahakaleshwar Temple Is One Of 12 Joytirilingas
Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the 12 Joytirilinga Temple. The Idol of Mahakaleshwar is known as “Dakshinamukhi” (Facing toward South), and it is very rare in Hindu Shastra. Only Mahakaleshwar is found to be Dakshinamukhi among 12 joytirilingas. It is called ” Tantric Shivnetra” tradition which is only found in Mahakaleshwar joytirilinga.
Mahakaleshwar is considered as Deity of Time, Eternal Shiva Shakti Who is only exist in Universe and nothing is there. It is a Hindu Mandir with Deity Joytirilinga Shiv which is believed to be appeared with it’s own in the current of power or Shakti. That’s why it is called “Swayambhu” or born with it’s own Shakti, the power of Shiva.
Mahakaleshwar Joytirilinga is most sacred in Hindu religious. It is situated in the bank of holy river Shipra in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh in India. It is said and believed that Ujjain is always under observation of Mahakaleshwar and nothing harm could be happen with the people of Ujjain, Mahakal Shiva own take care of it. People Get Salvation after death if worship Mahakaleshwar once in lifetime.
History Of Mahakaleshwar Temple
Mahakaleshwar Temple is said to be as old as 25 lac years, at the time of Pre Historic era, it has been established by Prajapita Brahma according to the evidence of ancient books. Pre Historic Age was in existence before 2.5 to 3 million years. It is found in the ancient books that 600 AD, some Princa Kumarsen was employed as supervisor by then crowed king Chanda Prodyot to take care of the Temple. there is also evidence of coins which is embed with deity of Shiva in the age of Two- Three Centenary Before Christ.
From ancient evidence it is found that Mahakaleshwar Temple was built in stones in it’s base and stood on the wooden rods. Before Gupta Dynasty there was no pointed dome system on the top of the temple and the Temple also found in Kalidas’s Famous epic “Raghubangsham”, as “Niketan” or “Flattened Top”.
The description of Mahakaleshwar Temple also found in famous epic of Kalidas, “Meghdutam”. The Temple was multistoried covered with gold, decorated with magnificent sculptures of Gods and Goddesses presented originally classy outlook. The main door of the Temple was covered with high wall and decorate lightings on the wall and magic of multiple musical instrument every evening transformed in to a heavenly atmosphere of power.
Such a royal Majesty of Mahakaleshwar Temple was targeted and broken several times by outsider trespassers. But also rebuilt it many times by several kings of Ujjain. A minister of Gajnabi attacked on the time of 600 to 1100 AD, in Ujjain (then Malwa) and destroyed many temples, idols of Gods and Goddesses with Mahakaleshwar Temple also. After that Parmar dynesty rebuilt it again very soon.
It is known in 1200 AD, Muslim trespassers Iltutmish also attacked and destroyed Mahkaleshwar Temple with others. He also tried to destroy all evidences of old age temples. Hindu kings Udayaditya and Naba Barman was restuctured the Mahakaleshwar Temple again with Bhumija style of Vaastu Shastra which established it’s Shikhar or pointed dome to the sky.
The history told in 1734 AD Ujjain was under Maratha Dynasty when famous Mahakaleshwar Temple was rebuilt. According to historical evidence Iltutmish had broken the Joytirilinga and drop it in to the “Kotitirtha”. Maratha dynasty rebuilt the temple with reestablished joytirilinga and Kotitirtha again on it’s place.
Top of the Mahakaleshwar Temple is crafted with 118 “Shikhar” or pointed dome which is covered with 16 kg Gold plated for beautification and attraction of the temple.
Mahakal Corrodor Of Mahakaleshwar Temple
Mahakal Corridor of Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain was also a dream project for PM Narendra Modi. One of the largest corridor in the country which is 900 meter long. The first phase of Mahakaleshwar Temple development project, completed 900 meter long Mahakal Corridor and inaugurated by PM Modi on 11th October 2022..
The Significance Of Mahakal Corridor In Mahakaleshwar Temple
Mahakal Corridor is being developed under the project Mahakaleshwar Redevelopment for increase tourism and beautification of the famous ancient temples and it’s surroundings. The total areas of the Temple was 2.82 hectares which is expanded reportedly 47 hectares including Rudra Sagar Lake. It is expected to increase tourist attraction will be 1.5 lakhs to around 3 crores in Ujjain.
Mahakal Corridor is decorated with 200 beautiful Sculptures of Shiva and Shakti along with other deities, 108 elegant pillars, Fountains and paintings describing the tales of “Shiva Puran”.
The largest 900 meter long Mahakal Corridor Entrance is decorated with “Nandi Dwar” and “Pinaki Dwar”. In first phase total corridor and inner decorations are constructed beautifully for inauguration.
The stucture of Maharajwada will be renovated and placed in to the complex of Mahakal Temple. Kumbh Museum and Heritage Dharamshala also be constructed in other phases. There are many things to do including Rudra Sagar renovation and beautifications with separate storm water pipelines and other mandatory security repairing. Also plans for developing entertainment zone with yoga center, plantation for flowers and greenery.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Ques 1. What is special about Mahakaleshwar Temple ?
Ans 1. The idol of Mahakaleshwar is known as ‘Dakshin Mukhi’ which is unique and evidence of Tantric tradition, which is only found in Mahakaleshwar Temple among 12 Jyotirilinga Temple.
Ques 2. Why Mahakaleshwar Jyotirilinga is powerful ?
Ans 2. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirilinga is ‘Swambhu’ or self originated and the power derives it’s own also. It is believed that the power of the deity of it’s own, which is ultimate inner strength of Shiva.
Ques 3. Are ladies allowed in ‘Bhashma Aarti’ ?
Ans 3. Yes. Ladies also allowed in ‘Bhashma Aarti’. According to rule ladies should wear a veil during the Aarti.
Ques 4. In Which place is Mahakaleshwar Temple is situated ?
Ans 4. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirilinga Temple is situated in the sacred city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, India.
Ques 5. Which are the three Jyotirilinga near Ujjain ?
Ans 5. The three Jyotirilinga near Ujjain is Mahakaleshwar, Omkareahwar and Kaal Bhairab Jyotirilinga Temple.