According to Shiva Purana, there was once a debate between Brahma and Vishnu over who is supreme in the universe. To test them, Shiva pierced the three worlds in the form of an endless pillar of light, the Jyotirlinga. Vishnu and Brahma decide to travel down and up along the pillar respectively to find out the end of the light. Brahma lied that he had found the end, while Vishnu accepted his defeat. Shiva appeared as the second pillar of light and cursed Brahma that he would have no place in ceremonies while Vishnu would be worshiped for eternity. The Jyotirlinga is the supreme part less reality, from which Shiva partially appears. Jyotirlinga temples, thus, are the places where Shiva appeared as a flaming pillar of light.It is said that only Tarak Shivling in the sky, Hatkeshwar Shivling in Patal and Mahakaleshwar Shivling on earth are valid. There are three and a half periods in Ujjain. The first Mahakal, the second Kalabhairav, the third Gadkalika and Aadhe Ardhakal Bhairav, after the darshan of Mahakal are considered to be the darshans of Juna Mahakal.
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Darshan and Aarti Timing of the Mahakaleshwar Temple..
The doors of the temple open at 4 am in the morning and close at 11 pm. During this, many rituals continue in the temple. Devotees happily take part in these rituals, such as the morning, afternoon and evening aartis. Also, most of the temples are closed at meal time but there is no such thing here.
- Bhasm Aarti:This aarti is unique to the Temple. The priest applies Vibhhoti (Bhasm) to the Shiva Linga every day at 4:00 AM. Only, pilgrims holding a VIP pass can enter the Sanctum or the Garbhagraha for the aarti. Women cannot witness Bhasma decoration during the Aarti.
- Maharudrabhishek :In the Abhishek, Aecitations of Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and Atharva Veda is done in front of the deities of the Mahakaleshwar Temple.
- Laghurudrabhishek:This Abhishek is done to resolve issues related to health and wealth. It is also done to remove the harmful effects of planets in the horoscope.
- Mahamrityunjaya Jaap:The Mahamrityunjaya abhishek increases longevity and immortality of the person. It is also known as the Rudra mantra and has miraculous effects in the lives of the people who perform it. Chanting this mantra helps relieve the individual from the cycle of death and rebirth. Hence, this Mantra is also known as the Moksha Mantra.
Festivals Celebrated at Mahakaleshwar Temple
- Kumbh Mela:This Mela has the distinction of being the largest religious gathering on the planet. It takes place once every 12 years in Ujjain, Allahabad, Haridwar, and Nashik. Also, the festival continues for about one and a half months. The pilgrims and sages (sadhus) take a ceremonial dip in the River Ksipra. Religious discourses, Ramlilas, Raslilas as well as the grand procession of sadhus are the main features of the Kumbh Mela.
- Mahashivaratri:Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple to celebrate the day Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It occurs on the 13th or 14th day of the Magha month (February / March).
- Karthik Mela:It occurs every year in the Hindu month of Karthik (November / December).
- Harihara Milana:The celebrations of this festival take place on Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, which signifies the meeting of two Lords – Lord Krishna as well as Lord Shiva at midnight.
How to reach the Mahakaleshwar Temple
- Air: The nearest airport is Indore which is 53 km away from Ujjain.
- Train: Direct trains are available to Ujjain from major cities .
- Road: Bus services are available.
