Why is Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga so famous?
The Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the most prestigious Jyotirlingas in India. One unique fact about Mahakaleshwar is that the idol faces south, which is opposite to the direction of all the other Jyotirlingas.The daily Bhasma Aarti (ash ritual) performed at the Mahakaleshwar Temple is a major attraction. The Aarti begins before sunrise every day, and the sacred ash is brought from the ghats (steps) and applied to the Lingam before the holy prayers. Mahakaleshwar is the only Jyotirlinga temple where this Aarti takes place.
Mahakaleshwar Temple as a Shakti Peetha:
The temple is revered as one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas. It is said that the upper lip of the goddess Sati fell here, and she is worshipped as Mahakali, the embodiment of power.Architecture of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga:
The Mahakaleshwar Temple complex is a vast courtyard with intricate sculptures and decorations inspired by the Maratha, Bhumiya, and Chalukya styles of architecture. It is adorned with magnificent Lingam sculptures of Mahakaleshwar and also features inscriptions of Omkareshwar and Nagchandreshwar, along with images of Ganesh, Kartikeya, and Parvati. The temple, spread over five levels, witnesses a huge crowd of devotees during the Mahashivratri festival.In front of this Kund (tank), there is a massive veranda that serves as the entrance to the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), where smaller images of Lord Rama and Devi Avantika are worshipped. The concealed silver plate covering the sanctum's roof adds to the grandeur of the temple. The walls display traditional hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. In the northern part of the veranda, in a chamber, the images of Shri Rama and Devi Avantika are worshipped.
The Mythological Story of Mahakaleshwar:
Mahakaleshwar, meaning the Lord of Time, refers to Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology. He is one of the significant Trimurtis (trinity) of Hinduism, along with Brahma and Vishnu. Mahakaleshwar is the temple where Mahakal, another name for Lord Shiva, is worshipped. It is also known as Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, where the story of Shiva is depicted as an endless pillar of light, put to test by Brahma and Vishnu.The narrative of Mahakaleshwar is based on various principles and mythical accounts. Here are a few familiar stories:
It is believed that when Sati, in her rebellion against her father, jumped into the fire, she had objections to Shiva's marriage. Later, she became furious and started performing the dance of death, known as Tandava. At that time, she was called Mahakali or the Powerful One.Another legend says that when the demon Dushan captured four Shiva devotees, Shiva became furious and tilted the earth. This is when he manifested as Mahakaleshwar.
Major Festivals:
All rituals, including worship, offerings, and Aarti, are performed regularly at the temple throughout the year. The major festivals celebrated here are:On the day of Maha Shivaratri, a grand fair takes place near the temple, and the night is filled with continuous prayers and worship.
Savari (Procession): The holy procession of Lord Shiva attracts a massive crowd as it passes through the streets of Ujjain every Monday for a specific duration of time. The final Savari during the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada is especially captivating and celebrated with great pomp and show. The procession during the Vijayadashami festival is equally grand and fascinating.
Ujjain, the home of the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, is well-connected to other cities, making it easily accessible for devotees.