Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Introduction
Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga has special significance as the third Jyotirlinga among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This holy and divine pilgrimage is located on the banks of the Kshipra river in the city of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. In ancient times, Ujjain was known as “Avantika Puri” and in Hinduism, it is ranked among the seven Puris that bring salvation.
Shri Mahakaleshwar is a form of Lord Shiva who has authority over time, death and even time. The word “Mahakal” means – the time of time. Therefore, devotees worship Lord Mahakal as the God who destroys all the fears, sorrows and evil forces of life. It is believed that the sight and devotion of Mahakaleshwar destroys sins and the devotee attains spiritual peace and salvation.
The story of the appearance of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
According to mythological stories, a learned and pious Brahmin named Vedapriya lived in ancient Avantikapuri. He used to make a terrestrial linga of Lord Shiva every day and worship it and was constantly involved in Vedic sacrifices and offerings. His four sons – Devapriya, Priyamedha, Sukrit and Suvrat were also devotees of Shiva and endowed with virtues like their father.
During that time, a tyrannical demon named Dushan had become extremely powerful after receiving a boon from Brahmaji. He started destroying sages, sacrifices and religious places. When he saw the light of religion and devotion in Avantikapuri, he attacked the entire city.
The people were terrified by the fear of the asura, but the sons of Vedapriya remained fearless and immersed in the worship of Lord Shiva. They also asked the other townspeople to be free from fear and started meditating on Lord Shiva.
Dushan got angry and ordered his demons to destroy these Brahmins. At that moment, with a terrifying roar, a huge fiery pit appeared from the place of the Shivling and Lord Shiva appeared from it in the form of Mahakaal.
Lord Shiva addressed Dushan and said, “O unrighteous demon! I have appeared in the form of Mahakaal only to destroy sinners like you.” Then Lord Mahakaal with his mighty roar reduced Dushan and his entire army to ashes.
The gods, seeing this divine form, showered flowers from the sky. Lord Shiva asked the Brahmin sons to ask for boons, but they did not ask for anything for their own selfish interests. They requested the Lord to reside at that place forever for the welfare of the devotees.
Accepting the request of the devotees, Lord Shiva settled there in the form of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. Since then, this place in Ujjain is worshipped as a world-famous Shivdham.
Spiritual significance of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga has a special place among the twelve Jyotirlingas, because it is a south-facing Jyotirlinga. This form of Lord Shiva, facing south, is considered very important for Tantra Sadhana and spiritual power.
The famous Bhasma Aarti held here is known all over the world. It is considered very auspicious to witness this aarti performed by offering ash to Mahakal in the early morning. Thousands of devotees come to witness this divine aarti every day.
Description of Mahakaleshwar Temple
Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple is a beautiful example of magnificent Shaivite architecture. The Jyotirlinga installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is considered very ancient and powerful. There are also temples of many deities in the temple premises, which give a spiritual experience to the pilgrims.
Located on the holy banks of the Kshipra river, this pilgrimage site is also world famous for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. Every twelve years, a huge Kumbh Mela is organized here, in which lakhs of devotees participate.
Major Temples Associated with Mahakaleshwar
There are many holy temples located around the Mahakaleshwar pilgrimage site, the main ones being the Kalabhairav Temple, Harisiddhi Mata Temple, Gadhkalika Temple, Vridhkaleshwar Temple, Saptarishi Temple and Avantika Devi Temple.
Mahakaleshwar Mantra
To obtain the grace of Lord Mahakal, devotees chant the following mantra:
“Om Mahakaleshwaraya Namah”
“Om Namah Shivaya”
Festivals associated with Mahakaleshwar
Special pujas and festivals are held at the Mahakaleshwar temple during Mahashivratri, Shravan month, Nag Panchami and Sawan Monday. On these occasions, lakhs of devotees reach Ujjain to have darshan of Lord Mahakal.