- Special Features
Foundation YearThough the Mahakaal corridor is newly built the temple and the famous Bhasma aarti if the temple dates back to at least 5000 years in ancient historySthala TreeTheerthamRathamArchitectureOther Speciality
- Sthala Puran
A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain. Set on the banks of Rudra Sagar lake, the lingam here is consider to be Swayambhu and it derives its powers from Shakti within.
The temple suffered atrocities at the hands of Muslim invaders and was destroyed by Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish during his raid of Ujjain in 1234-1235 AD. It wasn’t until 1736 that the great Maratha general Ranoji Scindia undertook to restore the structure and rescued it from ruin. Subsequently, many further developments and improvements were carried out by other members of his dynasty. These include Mahadji Scindia and Daulat Rao Scindia's wife Baiza Bai, who managed the temple with great zeal and pride. The temple enjoyed great polical and economic status under the reign of Jayajirao Scindia, when many major programs of the erstwhile Gwalior State were held in its premises. Soon after India gained Independence, the affairs of the temple were transferred from the Dev Sthan Trust to the Municipal Corporation of Ujjain. Today, the temple comes under the aegis of the collectorate office of Ujjain District.
- Architecture
Shikhar of the temple built in a very creative manner with the utmost expertise of architecture and sculpturing. This sculptural finery of the shikhar offers a majestic appearance to the temple. When we reach the gate of the Mahakaleshwar Temple during winter vacation. We saw a huge crowd of devotees in the queues for darshan. The arrangements for proper queue and comfort of devotees are good there.
All the queues moved smoothly without any hassles. When we entered the primes, we could see the pictures of all 12 Jyotirlingas on the walls inside. The interior architecture was very grand and delightful; also the environment was divine enough to offer calmness to our body and soul.
We had the pleasure of Lord Darshan without any complications. The exit of the temple led us towards the open area in the temple premise. Some small temples are there with a speculating view have the same design as the main temple. In front of every temple, a miniature of a black marble bull is made called Nandi. It believes that saying your wishes in the ear of Nandi makes your wish become true.
- Alankar of Deity
Bhasma Aarti is the most famous alankar form of the lingam.
- Prayers and BenefitsSpecial Vratas and Prayers
People who worship the Lord here, expecially during Mahashivratri are never touched by sorrow and go on to attain salvation. The Lord is said to grant the wishes of those who worship him with faith and devotion. People offer prayers to the Shivalinga for longevity and to remove evil from all creation, with the ultimate aim of achieving peace and prosperity.
Offerings to DeityAll offerings are welcome. Morning Rudraabhishek and Bhasma aarti being the most popular times to visit, anything can be offered to mahakaal form of shive.
Bhaang & Bhasm' (offerings and not prasadam) and 'Panchamrit' (Milk, Curd, Honey, jaggery/sugar and ghee) can also be offered at the lingam.Stotras and MantrasThe Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, also known as the Rudra Mantra or Tryambakam Mantra from the Rigveda can be recited at the temple. It signifies the one who is the keeper and saviour from the major events of Kaal (time or the astrological events).
The greatness of Shiva is described in this Sloka, -“ShmashAneshhvAkrIDA smarahara pishAchAH sahacharaaH
chitAbhasmAlepaH sragapi nR^ikaroTI parikaraH |
amaN^galyaM shIlaM tava bhavatu nAmaivamakhilaM
tathApi smartR^INAM varada paramaM maN^galamasi || ”.
- FestivalsMahashivratriMahashivratri is a major festival observed in the temple and celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. A grand fair is held during this time, when night prayers and worship are offered to the Lord. The entire area comes alive during this time, with devotees from all over the country and the world visiting the temple to participate in the proceedings.
- Sodasha Upcharas
- PrasadhasYou will be receiving the Mahakaleshwar blessings along with the special worshiped laddoos, Rudrasha beads and photo of Mahakaleshwar from Mahakaleshwar Jyothrlinga Temple.
- Social ActivitiesAnnadhanMarriageEar BoringHead ShaveDanaasEducation FacilitiesSocial DrivesOther Activities
- Arjita Seva