The Mystery And Significance Of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Of Ujjain

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Mahakaleshwar Ujjain or Avanti in Madhya Pradesh is the place where Adi Shankara composed Shivananda Lahari. Located on the banks of Shipra, the Lingam at Mahakal is one of the series of 12 Jyotirlingas which is self-manifested or Svayambhu. In Sanskrit language, Kala means both time and death. So the God who defeats time and death is known as Mahakal.

The Five Level Construction

The Mahakaleshwar temple has been built at five levels, in three architectural styles of Maratha, Bhumija and Chalukya styles. One of these five levels is under the ground wherein there are images of Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Nandi in each direction. On the second floor, above the Mahakaleshwar linga, we have Omkareshwara Linga. On the third floor there is an image of Nagchandreshwar where Lord Shiva is seated with Goddess Parvati on a ten hooded snake amongst other structures.

The five level construction of Mahakaleshwar has a tall intricately carved spire (shikhara). Nagchadreshwar is open to the public only on the day of Nag Panchami, that is only once a year. Bhasm Aarti is a very popular ritual here where Abhishek is done with ashes which has a nonperishable element. A Nandi Akhand Diya is installed in the sanctum sanctorum which has a huge south facing Shivling of Lord Mahakaleshwar.

This temple has a history of a series of renovations made at different periods. Although it is known to be built by Brahma himself, it was supposed to have been built in the 6th century by the king of Ujjain. Again it was renovated further in 12th century by Kings Udayaditya and Naravarman. Much later, Peshwa Bajirao undertook the final renovation in 18th century.

The Legend Behind Mahaleshwar Linga

King of Ujjain, who was a devotee of Mahakal. A small boy named Srikar also evinced interest in praying along with the king which was refused by the king and the finally the boy was sent to the outskirts of the city. After reaching the outskirts, the boy overheard about a nefarious plot by kings Ripudamana and Singhditya who wanted to use a demon to achieve their purpose.

The boy along with a purohit by name Vridhi, started praying to Mahakal fervently to save their city. In the meanwhile, the enemies attacked the City of Ujjain and were on the verge of success. It was at this time, that Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Mahakal, and chased the enemies of Ujjain away from the place and saved the city. As per the request of his devotees, Lord Mahakaleshwar stays here in the Ujjain temple in the form of a Linga. It is best to visit this temple in winter months.

Significance And Mystery

Lord Shiva conquers time and death and hence he is said to be the God that governs it. The Mahakal worship is beneficial in reducing the effects of death, disease and in eliminating sin. By worshipping Mahakal, we can avail relief from problems, stress and ego.

Lord Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling is also the most powerful of all the 12 jyotirlingas. It is all powerful and does not require to be activated by the source of mantras. It is self-energized and self-activated. This is the only Linga that faces the Southward direction while the rest of the lingas face East direction. Lord Shiva in this Linga has a control over South direction which represents death. Lord Shiva is worshipped here for escaping from the fear of death.

There is only one king for Ujjain and that is Mahakal and hence no king or chief minister or Prime minister can stay here overnight. If someone stays here forcibly, he would immediately lose his kingship. After King Vikramaditya no ruler stays here overnight. Also the specialty of Ujjain is that Planet Mars originated here.

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