Mahakaleshwar: Divine Experiences in Ujjain

Ujjain, located in Madhya Pradesh, is a divine land where one can find solitude and immerse in the calming divinity. Known as the temple town of Madhya Pradesh, the city boasts more than 100 temples and numerous pilgrimage sites spanning different eras. Among its alluring attractions is Mahakaleshwar, housing one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, situated beside Rudra Sagar Lake. Legend has it that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati reside in this Temple as protectors and bestowers of prosperity.

The History of the Temple:

According to the Varaha Purana, Mahakaleshwar is situated at the centre point (Nabhi) of the earth, which is Ujjain.

The legend goes that King Chandrasena of Ujjain was a follower of Lord Shiva. While he was praying, a young boy named Shrikhar wanted to join him in prayers but was denied and sent away to the outskirts of the city. There, he overheard a plot by enemy kings, Ripudamana and Singhaditya, to attack Ujjain with the help of a demon named Dushanan.

Shrikhar prayed to Lord Shiva to protect the city, and a priest named Vridhi also joined in the prayers for the city's safety. The demons launched their attack and nearly succeeded in conquering the city when Lord Shiva appeared in his Mahakal form and saved Ujjain. Since that day, at the request of his devotees, Lord Shiva resides in the renowned Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain in the form of a Shivlinga.

Mesmerising Events and Procession at Mahakaleshwar

The Shahi Mahakal Sawari:

The month of Shravan, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is considered highly auspicious. It marks the beginning of the Kanwar Yatra, where devotees from various parts of the country walk barefoot to offer water, milk, honey, etc., to Lord Shiva.

During this auspicious time, Ujjain hosts a special procession called "Mahakal ki Sawari," a majestic sight to behold. Baba Mahakaleshwar is taken out for a ride around Ujjain during this occasion. The procession first reaches the sacred Ramghat at the banks of the Shipra River, where 'Abhishek' and 'Puja' are performed. Then, the procession continues its splendid tour before returning to the Mahakaleshwar temple.

This grandeur can be witnessed every year during the Shravan month on Mondays.

The Magnificent Bhasma Aarti:

In the early hours of the morning, before the world awakens, the Lord is ceremonially "awakened" with the Bhasma Arti, a ritual using sacred ash. The ceremony begins with bathing the Shivalinga with a mix of water, milk, honey, and curd. The linga is then adorned with sandalwood and turmeric paste, decorated with bael leaves and fragrant flowers, setting the stage for the first Aarti of the day.

The Bhasma Arti at Mahakaleshwar Temple follows an age-old tradition, captivating the hearts of numerous devotees who flock to Ujjain to witness this divine spectacle. In the past, the ritual was done using Chita Bhasm or ash from the first funeral cremated at night. However, today, fresh ash prepared from cow dung is used.

Witnessing the Bhasma Arti is a deeply moving and overwhelming experience. Devotees claim to feel an extraordinary spiritual connection as the divine light (Jyoti) emanates from the linga during this sacred ceremony. The calming divine ambience, transports visitors to a realm of pure devotion.

In Ujjain, the Mahakaleshwar Temple shines as a symbol of the city's spiritual charm, cradling the revered Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. Its beginnings, woven with devotion and touched by divine grace, stand as a reminder of faith's power in overcoming challenges.

From the captivating Shahi Mahakal Sawari in the sacred month of Shravan to the awe-inspiring Bhasma Aarti, these vibrant rituals invite us to establish a deep connection with the divine.

Stay tuned for part two of Divine Experiences in Ujjain, where we'll explore more spiritual sanctuaries that strengthen your bond with the divine. Don't miss out on this enriching journey!