This is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas located at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. It is believed to be swayambhoo linga. It is very difficult to estimate when this temple was built. It finds reference dating back to 5th century. The idol of Mahakaleshwar is Dakshinamurti, meaning facing south. It is an unique feature upheld by Tantri Shiva Netra tradition. Shiva Netra is a sacred dialogue between Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. This place is revered as one of the Shakti peethas. Ujjain was formerly known as Avanti and we can find many references to it in Puranas. This is the place where poet Kalidasa has wrote his famous works. After 1234/35 A.D. the structure was rebuilt as the earlier structures were destroyed by Mughal invaders. The present temple was maintained by the Maratha kings of Gwalior.
There are number of legends connected with this temple. According to the Puranas, a ruler of Ujjain known as Chandrasena worshiped Lord Shiva. A boy named Shrikhar was attracted by the King's worship. When he tried to enter the palace he was prevented by the guards and they sent him to the banks of river Kshipra outside the city. When the kingdom was attacked by invaders, Shrikhar and priest named Vidhi prayed Lord Shiva on the banks of Kshipra river and Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Mahakala and destroyed the enemies. Lord Shiva manifested here as a Swayambhoo linga. This Jyotirlinga is maintained by Tantrik Principle.
Till date, the custom of Bhasmabhishek is performed in this temple on early morning of every day. Bhasma (sacred ash) for abhisheka is collected from the funeral pyre of first cremated body in the day and then it is purified by mantra and sacred water of river Shipra before using for abhisheka.
There are caves which are known as Bhartrihari caves. Sage Bhartrihari was a step brother of Raja Vikramaditya. It is believed that he performed meditation here after renouncing worldly life.
The Kalabhairava idol in the nearby temple accepts half of any intoxicating liquid and leaves behind the other half as Prasad.
Ujjain is one of the 7 mukti-sthalas.
There are number of legends connected with this temple. According to the Puranas, a ruler of Ujjain known as Chandrasena worshiped Lord Shiva. A boy named Shrikhar was attracted by the King's worship. When he tried to enter the palace he was prevented by the guards and they sent him to the banks of river Kshipra outside the city. When the kingdom was attacked by invaders, Shrikhar and priest named Vidhi prayed Lord Shiva on the banks of Kshipra river and Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Mahakala and destroyed the enemies. Lord Shiva manifested here as a Swayambhoo linga. This Jyotirlinga is maintained by Tantrik Principle.
Till date, the custom of Bhasmabhishek is performed in this temple on early morning of every day. Bhasma (sacred ash) for abhisheka is collected from the funeral pyre of first cremated body in the day and then it is purified by mantra and sacred water of river Shipra before using for abhisheka.
There are caves which are known as Bhartrihari caves. Sage Bhartrihari was a step brother of Raja Vikramaditya. It is believed that he performed meditation here after renouncing worldly life.
The Kalabhairava idol in the nearby temple accepts half of any intoxicating liquid and leaves behind the other half as Prasad.
Ujjain is one of the 7 mukti-sthalas.
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