Ujjain is one of the oldest and most sacred cities in India, located on the banks of the Kshipra River in Madhya Pradesh.
It is also known as the city of temples, as it is home to hundreds of ancient and medieval shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities. Among them, the most famous and revered is the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas or manifestations of Lord Shiva.
The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple is a magnificent structure that attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists every year, who come to witness the divine power and glory of the Lord of Time. Explore the various aspects of this temple, such as how to reach, what to worship, when to visit, and what to see around. We will also learn about the history, legends, and rituals associated with this temple, and why it is considered one of the most important places to visit in Ujjain.
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How to Reach Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Ujjain?
The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple is located in the heart of Ujjain city, on the Harsiddhi Marg. It is easily accessible by road, rail, and air from various parts of India.
- The nearest airport is Indore Airport, which is about 55 km away from Ujjain. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Ujjain.
- The nearest railway station is Ujjain Junction, which is about 2 km away from the temple. From there, one can take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle rickshaw to reach the temple. One can also hire a car or a bike to explore the city at their own pace.
What to Worship Mahabaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple?
- The main deity of the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple is Lord Shiva in his lingam form, which is believed to be self-manifested and deriving power from within itself. The lingam is also known as Dakshina mukhi, which means that it faces south, unlike most other Shiva lingams that face east.
- This is a unique feature that signifies the destructive and regenerative aspects of Shiva. The lingam is adorned with various ornaments and offerings by the devotees, such as flowers, sandalwood paste, vermilion, milk, honey, etc. The lingam is also covered with a silver snake and a silver umbrella.
- The temple complex also houses several other shrines dedicated to other deities, such as Goddess Parvati (Shiva’s consort), Lord Ganesha (Shiva’s son), Lord Kartikeya (Shiva’s son), Lord Hanuman (Shiva’s devotee), Goddess Annapurna (Goddess of food), Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of learning), etc. There are also idols of various forms of Shiva, such as Nataraja (the cosmic dancer), Ardhanarishwara (the half-male half-female form), Panchamukhi (the five-faced form), etc.
When to Visit Mahabaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple?
- The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple is open for darshan (worship) from 3:00 am to 11:00 pm every day. The best time to visit the temple is during the early morning hours when one can witness the famous Bhasma Aarti (ash ritual).
- This is a special ritual that involves offering ash from a funeral pyre to the lingam as a symbol of Shiva’s power over death and rebirth. The Bhasma Aarti starts at 4:00 am and lasts for about an hour. Only a limited number of devotees are allowed to attend this ritual every day, so one has to book their slot online in advance from the official website or through an authorized agent.
- Another auspicious time to visit the temple is during the month of Shravan (July-August) when thousands of devotees flock to Ujjain to offer water from the holy river Ganga to the lingam. This is done as a gesture of gratitude and devotion to Shiva, who holds the Ganga in his matted locks. The devotees carry pots of water on their shoulders and walk several kilometers from various places to reach the temple. They also chant hymns and songs in praise of Shiva along the way.
- The temple also celebrates various festivals throughout the year, such as Mahashivaratri (the great night of Shiva), Nag Panchami (the festival of snakes), Kartik Purnima (the full moon day in November-December), etc. These festivals are marked by special rituals, ceremonies, processions, cultural programs, etc., that showcase the rich heritage and tradition of Ujjain.
What to See Around Mahabaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple?
Ujjain is not only a religious destination but also a cultural and historical one. The city has been a center of learning, art, and astronomy since ancient times. It was also the capital of the legendary king Vikramaditya, who is said to have started the Vikram Samvat calendar, which is still used in India today. The city has many places of interest that one can visit after paying homage to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, such as:
- The Kal Bhairav Temple, which is dedicated to the fierce form of Shiva, is said to have chopped off one of Brahma’s heads for lying. The temple is famous for its unique offering of liquor to the deity, which is believed to be consumed by him.
- Ram Ghat, is a sacred bathing spot on the banks of the Kshipra River, where many pilgrims take a dip to cleanse their sins. The ghat also hosts the Kumbh Mela, which is a massive religious gathering that takes place once in 12 years, when millions of people come to Ujjain to take a holy bath in the river.
- Ved Shala is an ancient observatory that was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century. The observatory has several instruments that are used to measure the movements of the sun, moon, planets, and stars. The observatory also has a museum that displays various models and charts related to astronomy.
- Bhartrihari Caves, which are believed to be the place where the poet and philosopher Bhartrihari meditated and wrote his famous works on grammar, logic, and ethics. The caves also have a temple dedicated to Bhartrihari, who is considered to be an incarnation of Shiva.
- Kaliadeh Palace is a beautiful palace that was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. The palace is situated on an island in the middle of the Kshipra River and has Persian-style architecture. The palace also has a sun temple that was restored by Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia in the 19th century.
These are some of the attractions that one can explore in Ujjain after visiting the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple. Ujjain is a city that offers a blend of spirituality, culture, and history and is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the essence of India.
