The Mahakaleshwar temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the country and is one of the most popular places to visit in Ujjain. As the most revered temple in this holy city, it is easy to see why this five-story temple is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ujjain.
About the Temple
The Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of Lord Shiva's 12 Jyotirlingas. The primary deity of the temple, Lord Shiva, is believed to be in the form of Swayambhu, emitting streams of energy or Shakti from inside. The top lip of Devi Sati is also reported to have fallen at the Mahakaleshwar Mandir.
Mahakaleshwar Temple Darshan Timings
The temple is open from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. During this period, the temple also performs different rituals. Devotees can participate in various rituals, such as aarti in the morning, midday, and evening. Furthermore, unlike other temples, which close for lunch in the afternoon, there is no afternoon break in between.
Timings:
| Ritual | From | To |
| Darshan | 4:00am | 11:00pm |
| Bhashma Aarti | 4:00am | 6:00am |
| Morning Aarti | 7:00am | 7:30am |
| Evening Aarti | 5:00pm | 5:30pm |
| Shree Mahakaal Aarti | 7:0pm | 7:30pm |
Entry Fee: There is no entrance fee
Mahakaleshwar Temple's History
Mahakaleshwar Temple Ujjain has a fascinating and engaging history. King Chandrasen is said to have governed the city of Ujjain in the past. Lord Shiva was a devout follower of the monarch. Shrikhar, a young man, was inspired by his dedication and wanted to participate in his prayers. Unfortunately, the royal cavalry turned him down.
Incidentally, several neighbouring kings were preparing an attack on Ujjain at the time. When Shrikhar and the village priest, Vridhi, learned of it, they began praying fervently. Lord Shiva heard their pleas and chose to protect the city as a lingam for all time. The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple was then built by the reigning king and his descendants.
The Ujjain Mahakal Temple was attacked several times and was eventually damaged and razed. However, in the nineteenth century, the Scindia family assumed control of its repair.
Legends of Mahakaleshwar
Lord Shiva, also known as Maheshwara, is the primary deity worshipped at the Mahakaleshwar temple. The Hindu trinity consists of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara, with Lord Shiva being referred to as Maheshwara. The term Mahakaleshwar means "Lord of Time," and Lord Shiva is the God of Time in Hinduism. Mahakal is another name for Lord Shiva. Locals believe in two tales about Lord Shiva, who is known as Mahakaleshwar.
According to one of these legends, Sati stepped into the flames when her father, Daksha, opposed her marriage to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was enraged when he heard about it and conducted the Dance of Death, or Tandava, as a result of which he was given the names Mahakal or Mahakaleshwar and was also referred to as the God ahead of time. According to another mythology, when the demon Dushan wronged Shiva's worshippers, he became enraged and split the world in half, earning him the name Mahakaleshwar.
Mahakaleshwar Temple's Architecture
Another noteworthy feature of the temple is its architecture, which is a seamless combination of Bhumija, Maratha, and Chalukya tradition, making it a worthy addition in your Ujjain tour package. The Omkareshwar Mahadev idol, as well as the images of Ganesh, Parvati, Lord Rama, Avantika, and Karttikeya, and the Sikhara, are all worth visiting. This magnificent temple is built on five storeys and is located beside a lake. Eulogies honouring Lord Shiva are carved into the walls of this beautiful temple. The following is a description of each level, which is devoted to a different God. There are many hotels in Ujjain near Mahakaleshwar Temple if you are visiting to worship and witness the beautiful architecture of the temple.
Ground Level
Because Mahakaleshwar's idol is located on the ground floor and faces south, it is known as Dakshinmukhi.
Other Floors
Nagachandresvara's lingam is on the top level, and it is only open for Darshan during Nag Panchami. The Omkaresvara Lingam was constructed on the second floor. A huge Kunda, known as a Koti Tirtha, was also built in the compound. Near Koti Tirtha, there are idols of Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Parvati. The silver-plated statues of Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Parvati contribute to the temple's enchantment.
Mahakaleshwar Temple's Bhasma Aarti
The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Bhasma aarti, which takes place every day at 4 am, is one of the main attractions of the Mahakaleshwar Mandir. Worshipping the idol with holy ash obtained from the ghats and applied with sacred chants is part of the divine rite. According to the locals, visiting the Mahakaleshwar temple without attending the Bhasma Aarti is not a good idea, therefore you should go to see this spectacular ritual. The only Jyotirlinga temple where this aarti is done is Mahakaleshwar Temple. To attend the Ujjain mahakal bhasm aarti you can do online booking and attend live Darshan today.
Festivals Celebrated at Ujjain, Mahakaleshwar Temple
While there are many temples to visit in Ujjain, the Mahakaleshwar Temple stands out simply by the virtue of how immense it is.
Festivals are celebrated grandly at Mahakaleshwar Temple, and many visitors schedule their visits around that period. Nitya Yatra and Sawari are the two primary festivals celebrated at this temple. These temples hold festivals such as:
Kumbh Mela
This Mela has the title of being the world's biggest religious gathering. It takes place at Ujjain, Allahabad, Haridwar, and Nashik once every 12 years. In addition, the event will last around one and a half months. A ceremonial plunge in the River Ksipra is taken by pilgrims and sages (sadhus). The Kumbh Mela is known for its religious talks, Ramlilas, Raslilas, and the magnificent procession of sadhus.
Mahashivratri
Thousands of people go to the temple during Mahashivratri to commemorate Lord Shiva's marriage to Goddess Parvati. In the Indian Hindu calendar, it falls on the 13th or 14th day of the Magha month (February / March).
Karthik Mela
Every year, in the Hindu month of Karthik (November/December), the Karthik Mela takes place.
Harihara Milana
This festival is observed on Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, which commemorates the midnight meeting of two Lords, Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva.
Nitya Yatra
The primary Yatri bathes in holy Sipra and then seeks blessings from the idols of goddess Mahakalesvara, Harasiddhi, Nagachandresvara, goddess Avantika, Kotesvara, and Agastyesvara.
Sawari
Every Monday, the sacred procession travels through the streets of Ujjain. This procession is devoted to Lord Shiva, and the one held during the Bhadrapada fortnight is filled with fervour and excitement.
Best time to visit Mahakaleshwar temple
The Mahakaleshwar Temple has a special pull among all the places to visit in Ujjain. From October to March is the perfect time to visit Ujjain and explore its attractions. The weather is breezy and nice throughout these months. During these months, the city has a nice temperature of approximately 20° C, which allows visitors to comfortably enjoy Ujjain's tourist attractions. It's also an excellent idea to go during the winter, especially in March, when the Kumbh Mela takes place once every twelve years.
What is the best way to get to Ujjain?
You must visit Ujjain soon to see the Bhasma Aarti. Here's how to go to the temple!
By air
The nearest airport is Raja Bhoj Airport (BHO) in Bhopal, which is 172 kilometres distant from Ujjain. It has links to places such as Delhi and Mumbai.
By train
The city is served by its own rail station. Direct trains are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Varanasi, Nagpur, Patna, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, among other places
Tips
Before visiting the Mahakaleshwar Temple, there are a few things you should know. Take note of these suggestions to get the most out of your vacation.
- Stay at the temple nearby or make reservations at one of the hotels in Ujjain near Mahabaleshwar Temple prior to attending the renowned Bhasma Aarti.
- Make your reservations for the Aarti in advance.
- Bring your photo ID proof with you. No Pan cards are accepted.
- Wear appropriate clothing and attempt to keep your head covered during the aarti.
Mahakaleshwar temple is one of the most famous tourist spots to visit in Ujjain. So don't wait any longer; take a trip to Madhya Pradesh for a really heavenly experience.
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Visiting today at Mahakaleshwar.