Mahakaleshwar Temple – Love spirituality? and love to roam around the ancient temples? Then you must visit the iconic place for temples – Ujjain. This is the place where you can see temples all around you. We may call it Ujjain – City of Temples. The place where you find Shivalinga everywhere. This is a city located in Madhya Pradesh on the bank of the river Shipra. And Skanda purana says that Shiva and Shakti exist there. It is believed that this is one of the shaktipeeth from 12 jyotirlingas which comes under pilgrimage.
Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple – Shrine from 12 Jyotirlingas History & Detailed Information.
As I have personally visited this place and felt divine energy there, I recommend every human being to visit this holy place once in a lifetime. Before you go just go through this article it will help you to plan this trip with ease. So in this article we have covered below Topics.
- Mahakaleshwar Temple Ujjain History and Story
- What is the importance of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh?
- Mahakaleshwar Temple Bhasmarti importance and Booking details?
- What can we offer to Shivalinga in Mahakaleshwar Temple?
- Rules to follow while aarti?
- How can we reach Ujjain?
- Best places to stay during Ujjain Trip?
- What are the food options in during Trip?
- Places to visit in Ujjain city of Temples?
- Specialty of the Ujjain city?
- What can you bring from there as souvenirs?
Also Read – Dandoba Hill Temple Bhose, Sangli – Trekking Guide
Story behind Mahakaleshwar Temple Ujjain.
Mahakaleshwar is one of the sacred shrine of Shiva called Jyotirlinga, It is believed that lord shiva visited this place. So this place has special place in hearts of devotees. So here is the story of Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple – It is believed that the king Chandrasena was a great ardent follower of lord Shiva. someday he was praying to lord shiva then a young boy named Shrikhar asked to pry along with him, he was denied and also sent outskirts of the city.
There he get to know about attack on city by enemy kings Ripudamana and Singhaditya with the help of Rakshasa named Dushanan. Shrikhar started to pray Lord Shiva to protect Ujjain from enemy attacks. Vrihi a priest was also there and heard his prayers and also started praying shiva for saving city. Meanwhile rival kings attacked the city. The rival kings were about to conquer Ujjain but Lord Shiva arrived in his Mahakal Form and saved city. From the day Lord Shiva lives in famous Mahakaleshwar temple in the form of Linga. Mahakal is also called as God of Time and Death.
History of Mahakaleshwar Temple.
In Purana it is mentioned that this temple was built by Prajapita Brahma, Purana is proof of ancient existence. It is said that temple is built in 6th century AD by Kumarasena, The son of Chandpradyot – Former King of Ujjain.
Further it was reconstructed in 12th century AD under King Naravarman & King Udayditya. Later in 18th century AD Maratha commander Ranoji Shinde under Peshwa Bajirao-I renovated Mahakaleshwar Temple.
What is the importance of this place – Ujjain?
Ujjain is the place considered the most spiritually active city. Everywhere you can see the people are worshipping god in temples. Long lines to take blessings from Mahadev. This Mahakaleshwar temple has great history from puranas. It is one of the most important Shivalinga from 12 Jyotirlingas. Mahakaleshwar Mandir is the most Jagrut devasthan of Mahadeva also called as Mahakal Temple.
In the early morning of everyday people worship Shiva with Bhasma called as Vibhuti and in the great rhythm of damru. People says, the wish gets fulfilled if we ask something towards God while Bhasmarti.
Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple Bhasmarti importance and How to book?
Bhasmarti is the daily ritual taken place by all devotees present in temple and this is the thing which you should not miss ever when you visit Ujjain – City of temples. Also, Bhasmarti is the biggest attraction towards tourists in the Mahakaleshwar temple.
Bhasmarti starts on the stroke of clock by 4 till 6 in the morning. But you must go and stand in line from 1 or 2 am midnight. Also, you must book passes from admin office at least one day prior to attend Bhasmarti. Another option to book passes for Bhasmarti is to visit the website at 7PM one day before Bhasmarti and book online slots. Please carry your original ID proof along with booking passes confirmation while attending the Bhasmarti. Click her to Book Mahakaleshwar Bhasmarti Online.
After Bhasmarti – you can enter the garbhagruh and take darshan of Shivalinga by touching it with your own hands. Please maintain the silence and rules assigned by the Mahakaleshwar temple.
Rules to follow during Mahakaleshwar Bhasmarti: Dress & Prohidbited Items.
Wearing traditional clothing (For Men – wear Dhoti or Pajama and for women – wear saree or Panjabi Salwar suit) is the basic rule for every devotee. Mobile phones, Camera and any digital applications are strictly not allowed while Bhasmarti. Also, when you enter in the temple premises security checks are conducted by the team assigned by temple management.
There is the availability of lockers on Gate 1 to keep your things safe. Arati starts at 4AM but generally people start to stand in line from 1AM midnight. If you want to attend Bhasmarti by seating in front row, then don’t forget to stand in line as early as possible. All kinds of passes and VIP passes will end up in the same line.
Only in the month of Sawan we cannot allowed to enter in garbhagruh and touch the Shivalinga.
Offerings to Shivalinga of Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple.
Shiva is the most soft-hearted god and accepts every small pure hearted offering towards him from his devotee. Outside of the temple you will get lot of stalls for flowers, belpatra, garlands, Bhasma, sweets as prasad, coconuts, camphor, Dhoop incense sticks etc. to offer in pooja.
Offering Milk and water towards shiva is the most liked offering to him. Also, Dhatura is the favorite flower to him and Belpatra is must when you go for pooja.
How to reach Ujjain from Pune?
Ujjain Travel from Pune By Bus – It will take 16-17 hours by bus with one stop change of bus from Indore. You can book bus from Pune till Indore first and then take another bus from Indoe to Ujjain. Initial Pune to Indore journey will be for 12-13 hrs. and then it will take 2-3 hours from Indore to reach Ujjain.
Pune to Ujjain by Flight- If you have less time and you are planning quite early, then you also schedule flights to reach Ujjain. There are flights available from Pune till Indore. And will take only 1-2 hrs by flight. And then you can take the bus from Indore to Ujjain. So, your complete journey from Pune to Ujjain will take only 4-5 hours.
Pune to Ujjain by Train Journey – One best option I can suggest you is Take Train from Pune junction, and it will drop you directly on the Ujjain station. I generally prefer train journeys. It takes 13-14 hours to reach Ujjain by train from Pune. Train is available from Pune junction to Ujjain Junction once daily.
Where can you stay in Ujjain? Best budget stay in Ujjain
I would suggest you book Madhav Seva Nyas – Bhakta niwas rooms a little prior. I stayed there for 3-4 days, and it was an amazing experience there. Yes of course it was not 3 star or 5star service, but Mahakaleshwar Temple Trust provided all best required facilities in Bhakta niwas at minimum rates.
There is double sharing, 3 sharing, Family 4 bed sharing room available also with clean washrooms per room. Air conditioning is also available in rooms. Benefits to staying in Bhakta niwas is it is settled in the campus of Mahakal temple itself. So, you can visit temple anytime even by walking only 50-60 footsteps. A canteen facility for breakfast and tea is available in Bhakta niwas.
Apart from Bhakta niwas there are many Hotels and Home stays are available near Mahakaleshwar temple.
The food famous in Ujjain- To rejuvenate your taste buds:
I prefer to eat local food when I visit any place. So, I went to local food market near Mahakal Temple and found great taste of typical MP food fried with Ghee. And I recommend you visit Mahakal Road just behind the Mahakaleshwar Temple and you will find line of hotels, Restaurants, sweet shops and Food Stalls.
After a day of Darshan of Mahadev, I was so much hungry, and I went to the perfect location of food street. I started with typical MP famous Poha with world famous Indori Shev. Then Dal Bafla also called as Litti Choka. This dish completed my hunger, and I was so happy to have that dish. And I ended my meal with mouth leaking sweet Crunchy jalebi and Gulab jamun.
Apart from local food, there are various type of options available like, Punjabi dishes, Thali meal etc.
Places to visit near Ujjain City of Temples.
Now this is the most exciting description paragraph for every tourist who is willing to visit Ujjain – City of Temples. As I said Ujjain is the city of temples and home for gods. You will only get spiritual places around. Lot of temples and river ghats.I have mentioned here a list of nearby places where you can visit within 2-3 days of span.
Pilgrimage Mahakaleshwar Temple – Attend Bhasmarti early in the morning
– Start your day by Shiva’s blessings and Bhasmarti.
Harsiddhi Temple – This is the goddess shakti mata temple also it is one of the shaktipeeth. The purana says, this is the place where Sati mata’s elbow got dropped after Shiva carried away her burning body from sacrificial fire from daksh’s yagya.
Kalbhairav Temple – This is the temple where alcohol got offered by devotees to God and this the most famous ritual in Ujjain.
Mangal Grah Temple – This is the only one temple which is specially dedicated to Magal Grah in the MP.
Ghadhkalika Mata Temple – it is the temple of goddess Kali. People say that Maa Kali rested some time while returning from Mahabharat war.
Chintaman Ganesh Temple – This is the temple from 11th and 12th centuries since Ramayana. And Seeta Mata created this, Ganesh Temple.
Bada Ganesh ji Mandir – It is situated just behind the Mahakal Temple. And you will see the huge Ganesh murti inside the temple.
Bharat Mata Temple – It is just in the campus of bhakta niwas and architecturally so beautiful.
Sandipani Ashram – This is the ashram where Bhagvan Krishna and Sudama were taught by Guru Sandipani. It’s school for Kanha and his best friend Sudama.
Gomti Kund – It has been located there since 3000years.
Vedh Shala – Jantar Mantar – This the place was built by Maharaja Jai Singh 2 in the year 1725 to help Astrologers.
Kaliadeh Palace – It is the most ancient palace in Ujjain and various kundas are inside the palace.
Ram Ghat – It is a nice place on the bank of the river Shipra.
Shipra River Evening Arati – You can worship the river Shipra by attending Arati for Shipra Mata in the evening on Ram Ghat.
Bhartihari Caves -These are the old caves where many Monks and Aghori meditates inside the caves.
Mahakal Lok – It is situated just behind the Mahakal Temple. Multiple and huge sculptures are carved with great beauty. You will enjoy their views in the evening till night because you can witness the soft music and Lightings as well.
Specialty of the city – Ujjain:
Spirituality and Temples are the biggest specialty here. There are 6-7 salvation ancient temples born in the Ujjain – City of temples. This city Ujjain not only has spiritual but historical background too. So many kingdoms ruled over the city and kept many footprints behind like Cave Bhartari found in Ujjain and believed that there is existence of lord Vishnu.
Apart from places, Food is also major specialty of Ujjain.
Things to buy in Ujjain as souvenirs to your loved ones:
In the topic of gifts and souvenirs, always go with local people’s suggestions.
1. You can buy their Silk sarees; fabric is very famous there.
2. The purses they stitch in the kundan stones and designer less are really beautiful called as
‘Batua’. I bought 3-4 quantities for my mother.
3. Thappa Thussa Jewelry is also famous. You can buy it.
4. Gond paintings are the traditional paintings from Madhya Pradesh.
5. Handmade Mats called Galicha and Dhurries are also outstanding there.
Hope you have enjoyed the virtual tour to the Ujjain! When are you planning to Visit then?
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