Jai Shri Mahakal!
After years of anticipation, my soul finally found its way to the revered Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. With every minute I spent there, I felt the weight of my longing lift, replaced by an overwhelming sense of gratitude and awe. In the sanctum of this ancient abode, time seemed to stand still as I embraced the culmination of my pilgrimage with reverence and joy.
About Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple
The exact date or period of The Lingam at Ujjain Shri Mahakaleshwar temple is unknown. The Lingam is Swayambhu or self-manifested, which means born by itself. One among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, the lingam at the temple derives power (Shakti) from within. The lingam here is facing south, thereby known as ‘Dakshinamurti’. This is unique among the 12 Jyotirlingas. In the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine, the idol of Omkareshwar Shiva is consecrated.
Quick Information
| Nearest Airport | Indore (IDR) Approximately 55 Kms |
| Travel Time from Indore | Approximately 1 hr 30 mins |
| Travel Option from Indore | Uber from Indore Airport or from within the city / Train from Indore Railway Station / Private Taxi cabs |
| Nearest Railway Station | Ujjain (Station Code – UJN), Approximately 1.5 Kms |
| Travel Options | Taxi, Rikshaw / Tuk Tuk |
| Nearest Bus Station | Ujjain Bus Station is well connected with all the nearby cities |
| Dress Code | Devotees to the Mahakaleshwar Temple are expected to adhere to a traditional dress code |
| Temple Timings | 04:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
Architecture
Shri Mahakaleshwar temple is a stunning example of the Maratha, Chalukya, and Bhumija architectural fusion. Marathas temple architecture, with its 5-story building structure and elaborate carvings, represented a revival of the Bhumija and medieval-western Chalukyan styles. The lingams of Mahakaleswar, Omkareswar, and Nagachandreswara occupy three floors of the edifice, respectively. The Nagachandreswara lingam is accessible for devotees only on the occasion of Naga Panchami. There is also a kunda (tank) on the premises called Koti Tirtha that has been built in the sarvatobhadra (meaning, auspicious on all sides) style.
Darshan / Aarti
A day at Shri Mahakaleshwar temple starts with Bhasm Aarti. The most well-known and important Aarti is the Bhasm Aarti. In this, the Shiva Lingam is covered with holy ash (Bhasm) as the temple priests recite Vedic mantras. The immense vibration you get during this darshan cannot be described in words.
The Rudrabhishek which is performed post Bhasm Aarti is a powerful and intricate puja honouring Lord Shiva. It entails singing Vedic mantras as the Shiva Lingam is ritualistically bathed in a variety of sacred liquids, such as milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and water. It is said that by performing this puja, one can obtain Lord Shiva’s blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual development.
A unique puja known as the Shringar Darshan entails dressing the god in a variety of garments, accessories, and flowers. It gives devotees an opportunity to see Lord Shiva in his adorned avatar and often occurs at midday.
Lingam and Rituals
The Shiva Lingam is bathed in a concoction of five sacred liquids (yogurt, milk, honey, ghee, and sugar) during the Panchamrit Abhishek.
One important ritual that happens in the evenings is the evening Aarti. This ritual, which includes the chanting of devotional songs in honour of Lord Shiva and the waving of big oil lamps, draws crowds of devotees.
The last Night Aarti (also called Shayan Aarti) is the last Puja performed post which the temple will be closed for Darshan till next morning when Bhasm Aarti is performed.
Usually, entry to the temple is free, however, due to the number of devotees who visit the temple, there will be a long queue and wait time is longer. There is a VIP Darshan ticket counter open for the darshan. The cost is 250 per person. However, to get darshan for Bhasm Aarti, one needs to wait in queue starting at midnight and get the ticket from the counter which opens at 8:00 AM. There are however alternative ways to get the ticket. One of which is to book the ticket online at https://shrimahakaleshwar.com/. Whichever way you choose, the Bhasm Aarti is worth all the efforts you take.
Important: Do carry ID card when visiting the temple.
Cultural Impact
Shree Mahakaleshwar Savari
Shri Mahakaleshwar Baba takes a ride out in the month of Shravan-Bhado. Every Monday, when the month of Shravan begins, the ride begins. Finally, there’s the regal ride. Each year, Shri Mahakaleshwar Baba visits the city on the Mahakal Ride and blesses the devotees.
Panchkroshi Yatra
Celebrated in the month of May, the annual Panchkroshi Yatra, which has immense religious significance, is held at Ujjain. Thousands of people travel to the city of Mahakali to participate in this pilgrimage event. During this yatra, devotees offer prayers at several Shivlingas. Given that Ujjain is the city of Shri Mahakal, Shivalinga can be found here everywhere. Devotees can find 84 energetic Shivalinga at the Panchkroshi Yatra, where it is believed that prayers are crucial to a successful and obstacle-free existence.
Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is the only day when Shri Mahakal Baba gives darshan to devotees in the form of a groom. This Swaroop is also called Sehra Darshan. A nine days celebration takes place in Ujjain during Maha Shivaratri and this is when devotees get darshan of nine different Swaroop of Shri Mahakal baba.
Accommodation
There are multiple options available for devotees at Ujjain. The best option is to take accommodation which is near to the temple. Few good options are
- Hotel Abika Elite
- Hotel Anjushree
- Hotel Bholenath
Exploring the Surrounding
Shipra Aarti
The Shipra Aarti is performed at the Ram Ghat near Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. The Aarti is performed between 6.00 pm and 7.00 pm every day. Ram Ghat has great religious significance as it is one of the four locations where Kumb Mela takes place every 12 years. It is a bliss to watch the Aarti on the banks of this Moksha Dayini river, Shipra.
Kal Bhairav Temple
The temple devoted to Kal Bhairav honours the city’s guardian deity. Hundreds of devotees attend this bustling temple every day, which is situated on the banks of the Shipra River, one of the busiest in the city. The must-see Kal Bhairav Temple in Ujjain is well-known for its unusual custom of providing alcohol to the deity. The priest of the temple claims that the Avanti portion of the Skanda Purana contains a description of this temple.
This temple is also linked to several legends. One legend has it that Kal Bhairav was assigned here by Lord Mahakaal of Ujjain to guard the city. As a result, Kal Bhairav is often referred to as the city’s Kotwal. The Kapalika and Aghora sects are thought to have practiced worshiping Kaal Bhairav. A significant hub for both of these cults was Ujjain. There remain only remnants of the temple’s exquisite Malwa-style paintings that originally covered its walls.
Harsiddhi Mata Temple
Famous Hindu pilgrimage destination Harsiddhi Temple in Ujjain was constructed in honour of Goddess Harsiddhi by King Vikramaditya. The temple, also called the Harsiddhi Mata Mandir, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas situated in Ujjain next to the Shipra River. It is believed by devotees that when Lord Shiva was carrying Sati’s burning corpse and performing tandav, her elbow fell at that location in the city. The red sandstone Harsiddhi Mandir in Ujjain is a reflection of Maratha architecture. It honors three goddesses arranged one above the other: the goddess of riches, Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati and the goddess of nutrition, Annapurna.
Mangalnath Temple
Numerous devotees visit the sacred shrine Mangalnath, which is thought to be mokshadayani and is situated on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on a regular basis. In accordance with the Matsya Purana, Mangalnath Mandir in Ujjain is the birthplace of Mars and is one of the busiest temples in the city. The Mangalnath temple is also famous for the clear view of the planet.
** There are many other temples (names of a few are given below) that you can visit by hiring an auto rikshaw from the north gate of Shri Mahakaleswar temple. The driver may charge around ₹800-₹1000 to visit 6-8 temples including Shri Kal Bhairav temple.
Shri Mahakaleshwar corridor
A corridor that stretches for more than 900 meters gives a captivating narrative through multiple sculptures to the devotees.
List of other temples other than the above 3 temples one can visit which is nearby –
- Runmukteswar Temple
- Bhartrihari Caves
- Gadkalika Mataji Temple
- Vikrant Bhairav Temple
- Siddhanath Temple
- Angareswar Temple
- Char Dham Temple