MAHAKALESWARAM TEMPLE

Mahakaleshwar

Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh is known for the famous Mahakaleswar Temple which is among the 12 celebrated Jyotirlingas in India. The Mahakaleshwar temple is located near a lake and has five levels, one of which is underground. Brass lamps light the way to the underground sanctum of the temple. The glory of this temple has been vividly described in various puranas. The lingam at the Mahakal is believed to be "Swayambhu" (born of itself), deriving "Shakti" (power) from within itself as against the other lingams which are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti. The idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be Dakshinamurti (facing the South). The idols of Ganesha, Parvati and Kartikeya are installed in the west, north and east of the sanctum sanctorum. The idol of Nagchandreshwar is open for darshan only on the day of Nagpanchami. On Mahashivaratri, there takes place a huge fair near the temple, and worship goes on throughout the night. The Mahakal dominates the life of the people and the city so much that even in the midst of the busy routine of everyday preoccupations, it provides an unbreakable link with past traditions.