Ujjain Sri Mahakaleshwar (Jyotirlinga) Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Ujjain Sri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Ujjain Madhya Pradesh 456001,India

Deity

Mahakaleshwar(shiva)

Introduction

Here’s a summarized version of the content:

1. Introduction:
   • Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.
   • It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingams and is considered highly sacred.
   • The presiding deity is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested), deriving Shakti from itself.
   • The temple is featured in the History TV18 show “Mahakaleshwar: The Legends of Shiva” (2019).
   • It is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, where the upper lip of Sati Devi is said to have fallen.
2. Puranic Significance:
   • The temple was destroyed in the 13th century by Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish and later rebuilt by Maratha general Ranoji Shinde in 1734 CE.
   • The temple was further developed by Mahadji Shinde and Baiza Bai.
   • After independence, management was transferred to the municipal corporation of Ujjain.
3. Special Features:
   • Ujjain, historically known as Avantika, was a center of devotion and education.
   • Legend of King Chandrasena, a devotee of Lord Shiva, and Shrikhar, a farmer’s boy who prayed to Lord Shiva, leading to Lord Shiva’s appearance in Mahakala form.
   • Lord Shiva, in Mahakala form, is said to protect devotees from enemies and grant them freedom from death and diseases.
   • Bharthari, an ancient king of Ujjain, became a religious mendicant after experiencing the consequences of infidelity, and later achieved salvation at Kalahasthi.
   • Kalidasa, the Sanskrit poet, mentions the temple rituals in his work Meghadūta, describing the nada-aradhana (ritual music and dance) performed during evening rituals.

Festivals

On the day of Maha Shivaratri, a huge fair is held near the temple, and worship goes on through the night.

Century/Period/Age

2000

Managed By

The administration of Ujjain was assigned by Peshwa Bajira

Nearest Bus Station

Jaisinghpura

Nearest Railway Station

Ujjain

Nearest Airport

Indore

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