Ujjaini Peetham-Mahakali Devi Temple

Overview

The Mahakaleshwar Temple is located in Ujjain, which is situated at a distance of 56 kilometres from Indore. Ujjain is among the ancient cities of India and is considered one of the seven sacred places to attain Moksha. The city attracts a great deal of pilgrims, as it is the abode of one of the Jyotirlingas. Ujjain is located on the banks of River Shipra, and has existed since the dawn of the Indian civilization. It once served as the capital of Avanti and as a center of learning. It is also regarded as the Greenwich of Hindu astronomers and astrologers. According to Hindu mythology, Gods and Demons churned the Ocean to acquire Amrit (the immortal nectar).

Once the vessel of Nectar was retrieved, Gods were chased by the Demons and, in the process, some drops of the Nectar fell on Earth. Ujjain is considered to be one of those places. The city, therefore, became an important spot for major religious activities and finds mention in the Atharva Veda and the Skanda Purana. It also served as the host to many renowned historical figures, like King Vikramaditya, Raja Bhoj, Kalidasa and the like. Ujjain is known for the Mahakaleshwar Temple. The temple enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is situated near a lake and has five levels. The lingam of the temple is considered as Swayabhu (itself born). Mahakaleshwar temple is located in a spacious courtyard, surrounded by massive walls. It has a finely sculptured tapering shikhara, which dominates the city. Brass lamps illuminate the underground sanctum. Unlike other shrines, prasada once offered here to the deity can be re-offered. On Shivratri, a huge fair is organized here and worshipping takes place throughout the night. Ujjain is also one of the venues of the Kumbh Melas, the greatest fair that takes place in the country. The fair takes place in every twelve years, in the month of Chaitra. Millions of people come here to take a holy dip in the waters of the River Shipra. It is believed that a dip in the river paves the way to the heaven. Apart from the Mahakaleshwar Temple, the other places worth watching in Ujjain are Bhartrihari Caves, Sandipani (Shri Krishna's Guru) Ashram, Jai Singh ancient observatory, etc.

About the temple

The Mahakali temple is located in Ujjain. The devi is called Hara Sidhi Mata. The Maha kali (hara sidhi mata) was the aradhana devi of The great King Vikramadithya. It is said that King Vikramadithya has offered his head (sirassu) by cutting it 11 times to devi and all those times devi made him live by joining it back. The decoration in the temple is different each day. On top, there is Parvati devi, in the centre Hara Sidhi Mata, in the bottom Maha Kali statues. In Ujjain we will find one more Kali temple which is called Ghat Kali which was the Aradhana Devi of Maha Kavi Kalidas.

About the Deity

Seated between the idols of Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati, the idol of Annapurna is painted in dark vermilion colour. The Sri Yantra, the Symbol of power or shakthi, is also enshrined in the temple. There is the ritual of offering alcohol to the Goddess,just as in Kalbahairav temple. Harsiddi temple (or) Maha kali Temple. The temple occupies a special place in the galaxy of ancient scared spote of Ujjain. The temple was reconstructed during the maratha period and the two pillars adorned with lamps are special features of maratha art. These lamps lit, during navaratri, presents a glorious spectacle. There is an ancient well on the premises, and an artistic pillar adorns the top of it.

There is a small shrine just outside the temple dedicated to mahamaya. This shrine is situated a little below ground level and is approachable by steps, but is closed to visitors. The importance of this shrine is lamp which burns day and night and has been burning so for ages. The only person who enters the sanctum is the pujari who visits it several times a day for offering prayers to the goddess and maintaining the lamp.

Other Dieties in Ujjain

Maaha Kaala literally means the “Grand Time” or “Lord of Time”. The theory seems plausible as Ujjain has been and still is a seat of astrology and Indian astronomy having a “Nava Graha”, a “Nine Planet” temple and an observatory.

The Linga in this temple is also called Dakshinamurti as it is the only one that faces South. Out of the twelve Jyotirlinga's, only Mahakal is known as the Lord of earth and death. The Linga in this temple is also known as Swayambhu as it derives powers from within, quite unlike the other Lingas where the powers are manifested by mantras or hymns deriving the grandeur of Mahakaleswar is indescribable. Chandrasena, the king of Ujjain was not only a scholar, but also a staunch devotee of Lord Siva. Once his friend Maheswari’s follower Manibahdra gave him a beautiful gemstone called Sundara Chintamani. It shone so bright and beautiful when Chandrasen wore it on his neck, that he looked even more glorious than the celestial gods. It would make even them feel jealous. Once, some kings went and asked Chandrasen to part with the jewel and Chandrasen promptly refused to do so. This angered the kings, who in turn attacked Chandrasena’s kingdom. When Chandrasena realized that he was surrounded by the enemy he sought the help of Mahakal. Bhagawan Shiva was pleased with his prayers and showed him a solution for his problem. Just then, by chance, a Brahman woman wandered near Mahakal, carrying her child with her, who was widow. An illiterate boy once saw the king performing Puja in the stone and installed it in his empty house. He imagined it to be an incarnation of Shiva and started worshipping it. The boy became so engrossed in prayer and chanting, that he even forgot all about food. When his mother went to call him, any number of calls had no affect on him. He was silently praying. Angered by this, the mother who was still bound by worldly love, threw away the SivaLinga. She destroyed all the thing of worship. The boy was very sad at what his mother had done. He started to pray to Shiva with his entire concentration. Siva was not long in coming to the rescue of his devotee. This stone SivaLinga which was brought by the son of a cowherd soon became adorned with gemstones and turned into a JyotirLinga. After singing in praise of Lord Siva, when the boy returned to his house, he was amazed to find a beautiful palatial home instead. Thus, with the Grace and Blessings of Lord Siva, the boy became rich and led a very happy life.

Legend and stories

Goddess Mahakali is also known as Rakt Dantika or Chamnuda .mahakali appeared to kill the demon Andhakasur, the ruler of Ujjaini those days, was blessed that touched the ground would produce a new Andhakasur. When Lord Shiva pierced him with his trishul, Mahakali appeared and drank all the blood and ate all the new Andhakasurs. The demon finally accepted his defeat and the world become free of demons. There is an interesting legend in the Skanda Purana about the manner in which the Goddess Chandi acquired the epithet of Harsiddhi. Once, when Shiva and Parvati were alone on Mount Kailash, two demons called Chand and Prachand tried to force their way in. Shiva called upon chandi to destroy them which she did. Shiva bestowed upon her the epithet of 'one who vanquishes all. The Maha Kali (hara sidhi mata) was the Aradhana Devi of great King Vikramadithya has offered his head by cutting 11 times to devi and all those times devi made him live by jointing it back. We will find his portrait a hall next to the temple. This is the kshetra where kalidasa who was an illiterate gained wisdom by the Grace of the Devi.

Festivals

These festival are celebrated at Ujjain Mahakali Shakthi peeth - Chaitra Navratri

Ashwin Navratri
Durga Puja
Magha Purnima
Falguna Purnima
Paush Purima
Shravan Month
Maha Kumbh Mela

Durga Puja

Durga Puja is one of the biggest festival of Hindus in India. The festival is celebrated for a period of nine days in the month of Ashwin or Kartik which corresponds to the month of September or October according to the English Calendar. Though the festival is celebrated with faith and enthusiasm all over India there is no parallel to Durga Puja celebrations as seen in the state of West Bengal. For the Bengalis it is their biggest festival and they celebrate it will full pomp and gaiety. Huge and elaborately decorated idols of Goddess Durga are set in magnificent pandals. These are visited with devotion by the Devi bhakts during the festival.

Legends Behind the Festival

According to Puranic legend, Durga is believed to be an almighty Goddess who symbolizes the united might of the divine forces (Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh) against the evil and wickedness. Goddess Durga is said to have relieved the earth from the buffalo demon Mahishasur who threatened the Kingdom of Gods in heaven. His slaying by Durga represents victory of the spiritual urge of man against his baser instincts.

A legend from Ramayana says that Lord Rama performed 'Chandi Puja' to invoke blessing of Durga Ma to kill Ravana - his wife Sita's abductor and demon King of Lanka. Pleased with the devotion of Rama Durga Ma divulged the secret because of which Ram was able to kill Ravana and rescue Sita. Death of Ravana by Rama is celebrated as Dussehra or Vijaydashmi.

Rituals of Durga Puja

Preparations of Durga Puja begins months before the festival as artists engage themselves in creating new and innovative idols of Goddess Durga. Massive and artistic pandals are erected which are thronged by devotees and visitors on all the nine days of the festival. Greater rush can be seen on the seventh, eighth and ninth day as before that the face of the goddess remain covered. This is because for six days the Goddess is worshiped as Kumari or young girl. She comes in her real form on Sashti, sixth day after the new moon. Thus the greatest fervour for the festival can be seen on Mahasaptami (the seventh day of the moon), Mahastami (eighth day) and Mahanavami (ninth day). On Dashami, the tenth day, the idols are carried in procession to the local river or pond for visarjan (immersion).

Durga Puja Celebrations

The atmosphere is quite jubilant at the time Durga Puja celebrations. People can be seen wearing bright new clothes and enjoying the festival in the best of spirit. Outside the Devi Pandal there is a fair like scene. Several eating kiosks besides those selling toys and trinkets crop up to adding joy to the festivities. Musical programmes are also organised by several societies for the entertainment of the people.

Shri Ammavari Jathara

In Andhra Pradesh Shri Ammavari jathara has become very popular.

Ghatothsavam

In the month of Ashada on first Sunday this celebration will begin. At the Karbala Maidan Ghatam is decorated with flowers etc and then brought in a procession with music and band in the manner of “Vampuja” for the goddess similar to a bridegroom’s procession. This is called “Yedorkolupu”. On reaching, the Ghatam is kept in the temple. From the next day onwards, the Ghatam goes to every house, dwelling of each basti/street for fifteen days with a small procession with music and mangal vadyam.

Kolupu Potharaju Bali

Kolupu takes place on completion of 15 days. This is conducted on Sunday. In olden days “animal sacrifice” was made as a custom for goddess. At one stroke the of the buffalo was cut and fell down. This separated head was kept on the head of a person and went round the temple scattering the bali samagri dancing, jumping, displaying the skill of a potharaju. The entire site was very beautiful to look at when making rounds of the temple. But recently since, 25 years the “animal sacrifice” is prohibited, in its place “Kushmanda Bali” (Gummadikaya Bali) is being done as per the traditional procedure. As per the greatness of goddess “animal sacrifice was done in unlimited number and blood flowed down in various directions. The same night rain would fall and the entire area spread with blood is washed away and the premises got cleaned. (Even today on the day of Jatara rain falls).

Rangam

Rangam is worth witnessing during the period of Ammavari Jatara. Inside the temple in front of the goddess an unmarried woman stand on a unburnt pot looking at the idol with utmost devotion and prayers. The mother goddess immediately responds and pronounce the good events going to take place in the coming year. Thousands of devotees gather near the temple and hear the Rangam with apt attention.

Saganamputa(Farewell)

On Monday the Ghatam is bid farewell with great pomp and show in a procession. At Mettuguda the decoration of the Ghatam is taken away. People who join the Jatara experience in their as a memorable event for ever.

Poojas

As per the Vedas daily poojas are conducted. On Friday special decorated archanas are being performed.Celebration of Navarathris are performed in the month of Ashwayujam with beautiful floral decorations for the goddess. Saptasathi homamas are performed. Thousands of devotees men, women and children will have the darshan of goddess and get blessed.

On the Poornima day every month “Chandi Homam” is performed in the temple for the peace/welfare in the world (Loka Kalyanam). Devotees who wish to participate in this program have to pay Rs.816/- to the temple. During the performance of Homam, Ghotram and names of the devotees are recited and prasadam is given thereafter.

Accommodation

Mahakali temple is located in Ujjain town. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department Hotels "Shipra Residency" and "Hotel Avantika" are ideal for accommodation of tourists. In addition to them some budget category private guest houses and hotels are also there. Mahakalewara trust Dharma sala is neat and clean and close to temple. But difficult to get and better go at 10 AM. Local tourist bus is available which takes 4 hours to cover the above places. MP tourism bus charges Rs50 and private bus charges Rs 36. For food, Poha is available for breakfast. Near the main temple Idlis are available in Hotel Shivam. AC rooms are available in Hotel Satyam.

Best time to Visit

October to March

Significance

There are numerous temple of Mahakali all over the world, and the most prominent temple for the Goddess are Maha Kali devi temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh and Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, West Bengal. The Festival of Navratri is considered to be one of the most prominent and important Festivals associated with the Goddess. The Goddess is widely worshipped in all parts of India but is most fervently revered in the state of west Bengal. Mahakali is considered to protect her devotees from all the evils and fulfill their wishes and desires. Mahakali symbolizes true power, and most primeval force of the world and its existence.

Nearby Places to Visit

Chintaman Ganesh
The temple is built across the river Shipra on the Fatehabad railway line. The Ganesh idol enshrined here is supposed to be swayambhu - born of itself. The temple itself is believed to be of considerable antiquity. Riddhi and Siddhi, the consorts of Ganesha, are seated on either side of Ganesha. The artistically carved pillars in the assembly hall date back to the Paramara period. Worshippers throng to this temple because the deity here is traditionally known as Chintaharan Ganesh meaning "the assurer of freedom from worldly anxieties".

Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir
This temple situated above the tank near the Mahakaleshwar temple, enshrines a huge artistic sculpture of Ganesh, the son of Shiva. An idol of this size and beauty is rarely to be found. The middle of the temple is adorned by an idol of the pancha-mukhi (five faced) Hanuman. There is provision for learning of Sanskrit and Astrology in the temple.

Pir Matsyendranath
This is an extremely attractive spot on the banks of the Shipra quite close to the Bhartihari Caves and the Gadkalika Temple. It is dedicated to the memory of one of the great leaders of the Natha sect of Saivism-Matsyendranath. Since Muslims as well as the followers of the Natha sect call their saints 'pir', the ancient site of Pir Matsyendranath is venerated by both. Excavations at this site have yielded some antiquities which date back to the 6th and 7th century BC.

Bhartrihari Caves
These caves are situated just above the bank of the Shipra near the temple of Gadkalika. According to popular tradition, this is the spot where Bhartrihari, who is said to have been the step brother of Vikramaditya, lived and meditated after renouncing worldly life. He is believed to have been a great scholar and poet. His famous works, Shringarshatak, Vairagyashatak, and Nitishatak, are known for the exquisite use of the Sanskrit meter. These caves are situated just above the bank of the Shipra near the temple of Gadkalika. According to popular tradition, this is the spot where Bhartrihari, who is said to have been the step brother of Vikramaditya, lived and meditated after renouncing worldly life. He is believed to have been a great scholar and poet. His famous works, Shringarshatak, Vairagyashatak, and Nitishatak, are known for the exquisite use of the Sanskrit meter.

Gopal Mandir
This huge temple is situated in the middle of the big market square. It was constructed by Bayajibai Shinde, the queen of Maharajah Daulat Rao Shinde in the 19th century. It is a beautiful example of Maratha architecture. The sanctum sanctorum is inlaid with marble and doors are silver plated. The door in the inner sanctum is said to have been carried to Ghazni from the Somnath temple and from thence by Mahmud Shah Abdali to Lahore. Mahadji Scindia recovered it and now it has been installed in this temple.

Mangalnath Temple
This temple is situated away from the bustle of the city and can be reached through a winding road. The temple looks upon a vast expanse of the Shipra waters and fills the onlooker with an indescribable sense of peace. Mangalnath is regarded as the birth place of Mars, according to the Matsya Purana. In ancient times, it was famous for a clear view of the planet and hence suitable for astronomical studies. Mahadev or Shiva is the deity which is worshipped in the temple of Mangalnath.

Vikram Kirti Mandir
Established on the occasion of the second millennium of the Vikram era, as the cultural centre to perpetuate the memory of Vikramaditya, the Vikram Kirti Mandir houses the Scindia Oriental Research Institute, an archaeological museum, an art gallery and an auditorium. The Scindia Oriental Research Institute has an invaluable collection of 18,000 manuscripts on various subjects and runs a reference library of important oriental publications. Rare manuscripts in Prakrit, Arabic, Persian and other Indian languages cover a wide range of subjects from Vedic literature and philosophy to dance and music. Palm leaf and bark leaf (Bhurja Patra) manuscripts are also preserved in this institute. Apart from an illustrated manuscript of Shrimad Bhagavata in which actual gold and silver have been employed for the paintings, the Institute has a rich collection of old paintings in the Rajput and Mughal style. The museum also exhibits a rich array of images, inscriptions, copper plates and fossils discovered in the Narmada valley. A huge skull of a primitive elephant is of special interest.

Sandipani Ashram
The fact that ancient Ujjain apart from its political and religious importance, enjoyed the reputation of being a great seat of learning as early as the Mahabharata period is borne out by the fact that, Lord Krishna and Sudama received regular instruction in the ashram of Guru Sandipani. The area near the ashram is known as Ankapata, popularly believed to have been the place used by Lord Krishna for washing his writing tablet. The numerals 1 to 100 found on a stone are believed to have been engraved by Guru Sandipani.

Kal Bhairava Temple
The worship of the eight Bhairavas is a part of Saivite tradition and the chief among them is Kal Bhairava, believed to have been built by King Bhadresen, on the banks of the Shipra. There is mention of a Kal Bhairva temple in the Avanti Khanda of the Skanda Purana. Worship of Kal Bhairava is believed to have been a part of the Kapalika and Aghora sects. Ujjain was a prominent centre of these two sects. Even today, liquor is offered as a part of the ritual to Kal Bhairava Beautiful paintings in the Malwa style once decorated the temple walls, only traces of which are visible. These intricate paintings are a speciality of this temple.

Navagraha Mandir
Situated on the Triveni Ghat of the River Shipra, the temple is located away from the old site of Ujjaini town. It is dedicated to the nine planets (Navagraha means nine planets), attracts large crowds on new moon days falling on Saturdays. Its religious importance has increased in recent years though here is no known reference to it in the ancient texts. The ruling planets have always had an important placeIndian rituals and tradition.

Gadkalika Temple
Situated about 2 miles from the city of Ujjain, the deity in this temple is believed to have been worshipped by Kalidasa. The legend goes that he was an idiot and it is by his devotion to the goddess Kalika that he acquired great literary skills. Emperor Harshavardhan had this temple renovated in the 7th century AD. There is further evidence of renovation during the Paramara period. The temple has been rebuilt in the modern times by the erstwhile Gwalior State.

Siddhavat
This enormous banyan tree on the banks of the Shipra, has been vested with religious sanctity as the Akashyavat in Prayag and Gaya, Vanshivat of Vrindavan and the Panchavata of Nasik. Thousands of pilgrims take a dip in the Shipra from the bathing ghat built here. According to one tradition, Parvati is believed to have performed her penance here. It used to be a place of worship for the followers of Natha sect. One legend has it that some Mughal rulers had cut off the Banyan tree and covered the site with iron sheets to prevent its roots from growing. But the tree pierced the iron sheets and grew and flourished. The little village of Bhairogarh near Siddhavat is famous for its tie and dye painting for centuries. In ancient times when trade with other countries flourished, exquisitely printed cloth from Bhairogarh used to find its way to Rome and China.

Accessibility

Air

Indore is the nearest airport, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai Bhopal and Gwalior.

Rail

The railways station in Ujjain connects it with the major cities of the Country.

Road

A good network of road makes Ujjain easily accessible from cities like Bhopal, Delhi, Mumbai, Indore, Gwalior and Khajuraho.

Temple Address

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga,
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh - 456006.