Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Special Features

Foundation Year: 1000 - 2000 years old

Sthala Puran

A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain is third in line. Set on the banks of Rudra Sagar lake, the lingam here is consider to be Swayambhu and it derives its powers from Shakti within.The temple suffered atrocities at the hands of Muslim invaders and was destroyed by Sultan Shams-ud-dinu00a0Iltutmishu00a0during his raid ofu00a0Ujjainu00a0in 1234-1235 AD. It wasnu2019t until 1736 that the great Maratha general Ranoji Scindia undertook to restore the structure and rescued it from ruin. Subsequently, many further developments and improvements were carried out by other members of his dynasty. These include Mahadji Scindia and Daulat Rao Scindia's wifeu00a0Baiza Bai, who managed the temple with great zeal and pride. The temple enjoyed great polical and economic status under the reign of Jayajirao Scindia, when many major programs of the erstwhile Gwalior State were held in its premises. Soon after India gained Independence, the affairs of the temple were transferred from the Dev Sthan Trust to the Municipal Corporation of Ujjain. Today, the temple comes under the aegis of the collectorate office of Ujjain District.

Architecture

Shikhar of the temple built in a very creative manner with the utmost expertise of architecture and sculpturing. This sculptural finery of the shikhar offers a majestic appearance to the temple. When we reach the gate of the Mahakaleshwar Temple during winter vacation. We saw a huge crowd of devotees in the queues for darshan. The arrangements for proper queue and comfort of devotees are good there.All the queues moved smoothly without any hassles. When we entered the primes, we could see the pictures of all 12 Jyotirlingas on the walls inside. The interior architecture was very grand and delightful; also the environment was divine enough to offer calmness to our body and soul.We had the pleasure of Lord Darshan without any complications. The exit of the temple led us towards the open area in the temple premise. Some small temples are there with a speculating view have the same design as the main temple. In front of every temple, a miniature of a black marble bull is made called Nandi. It believes that saying your wishes in the ear of Nandi makes your wish become true.

Prayers and Benefits

Festivals

Social Activities