Ujjain Kal Bhairava Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Ujjain Kal Bhairava Temple, Goyala Buzurg, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh 456003

Diety

Kal Bhairava

Introduction

The Kal Bhairav temple is located in the Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Kal Bhairav, the guardian deity of the city. Located on the banks of the Shipra River, it is one of the most active temples in the city, visited by hundreds of devotees daily.. The temple is dedicated to Kal Bhairav (or Kala Bhairava). The deity’s image is a face in form of a rock layered with kumkuma or vermilion. The deity’s silver head is adorned with a Maratha-style pagri, a tradition dating back to the days of Mahadaji Shinde. It is also believed by some that the temple is almost 6000 years old. The huge religious significance of Kal Bhairav Temple among people makes it one of the top Ujjain.

Puranic Significance

The present-day temple structure was built over the remains of an older temple. The original temple is believed to have been built by an obscure king named Bhadrasen. It has been mentioned in the Avanti Khanda of the Skanda Purana. Images of Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu and Ganesha belonging to the Paramara period (9th-13th century CE) have been recovered from the place. The temple walls were once decorated with Malwa paintings. However, only traces of these paintings are visible now. The present-day temple structure shows Maratha influence. According to the local tradition, after the Maratha defeat in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761 CE), the Maratha general Mahadaji Shinde offered his pagri (turban) to the deity, praying for victory in his campaign to restore the Maratha rule in North India. After successfully resurrecting Maratha power, he carried out restoration of the temple. Lord Kal Bhairav is the manifestation of Lord Shiva who is said to oversee the time ahead. It is also said that the “Time lost is lost forever”, so one should make a good use of time in Life. The Kal Bhairav Temple is the place where Lord Kal Bhairav is being worshipped. This is a must see for the devotees of the Shaivaites. people go to the Kal Bhairav temple in order to worship Kal Bhairav, Kal Bhairav is also known as Khetrapala and he is regarded as the guardian of the temple that is why the keys of the Kal Bhairav temple is to be kept at the temple premise at night and no one should carry it elsewhere. Since Kal Bhairav is also the protector of the travelers, one should make a garland of Cashew nuts and give it to the God along with lighting a lamp so that he is pleased and save the traveler from any danger. This is to be done especially if the journey is at night. Since dog is the vehicle of the Lord, it is very auspicious to feed dogs which show our respect to Kal Bhairav. All the offerings to the Kal Bhirava Lord are to be done at the day of Kal Bhairav Ashthami, when the lord is being worshiped with care and dedication. The Shaivites worship eight Bhairavs and the Kal Bhairav is the most important. It is thought that the temple of Kal Bhairav has been erected by the King Bhadrasen. This was done at the banks of the river Shipra, whose iridescent view rejuvenates the traveler and sanctify him of his sins. The Kapalika and the Aghora sects usually worship Kal Bhairav. The temple of Kal Bhairav is therefore very important to them. Liquor is offered to the lord as a part of the worship and the temple exhibits beautiful Malwa style of architecture. The paintings on the wall of the temple are however only visible in part. This temple has a unique tradition to offer liquor to god. Temple has a deep stambh also, which is enlightened by the devotees regarding their wishes.

Special Features

Kal Bhairav is the guardian deity of Ujjain: he is considered Senapati (Commander-in-Chief or Chief General) of the town. Kal Bhairav Temple Ujjain is a must visit temple famous for its unique tradition of offering liquor to god. History of this temple at Ujjain is very interesting and the Pagdi (Crown) which Lord wearing is of King of Shinde or Schindia of Gwalior. The worship of Ashta Bhairava (“eight Bhairavas”) is a part of the Saivite tradition, and the Kal Bhairav is considered their chief. The worship of Kal Bhairav was traditionally popular among the Kapalika and Aghora sects, and Ujjain was a prominent centre of these sects.