Mahakal Jyotirlinga - The Lord worshipped by all Community

Mahakal Jyotirlinga - The Lord worshipped by all Community

History of thousand years Back

In the Eighth decade of Eleventh century AD, one Gazanavide commander invaded Malwa, looted it brutally and destroyed many temples and images. After his attack, very soon the Paramaras rejuvenated every thing during the later Eleventh c. and early twelfth c., the Mahakala temple was re-built during the reign of Udayaditya and Naravarman. A contemporary Mahakala Temple was built in the Bhumija style of architecture. The temples of this style had been either Triratha or Pancharatha in plan. Every part of the temple was built with decorative images. Horizontally, the shrine from front to back was respectively divided in Entrance, Ardhamandapa, Sanctum, Antarala (vestibule) Garbhagrha and Pradaksanapatha. 

Mahakal of Ujjain - After Decoration

According to the contemporary Silpa-Sastras, Upper components of the temple rested on the strong and well-designed pillars and pilasters. Such temples are contained the images of various Gods and Goddesses, Nava Grahas (Nine planets), Apsaras (celestial damsels), Female dancers, Anucharas (attendants), Kichakas etc. 

The temple complex was fully destroyed by Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish during his raid of Ujjain in 1234-1235. He was very cruel and wicked sultan of that time, The Jyotirlinga, was dismantled and thrown into a nearby 'Kotiteertha Kunda' (a pond neighboring the temple) with  the Jaladhari (a structure supporting the Linga) stolen during the invasion.  Then he destroyed the Ujjain city and looted the wealth of Ujjain.

Mahakal Temple

The temple is three-storeyed building, the lingas of Mahakalesvara, Omkareshvara and Nagachandresvara are installed in the lowest, middle and uppermost parts of the temple respectively. Only on the Nagapanchami festival, devotees can have the glimse of Nagachandresvara Linga. In the temple-complex, Koti Tirtha, a very large-sized Kunda also exists. This Kunda was built in the Sarvatobhadra style. The water of this Kunda is treated as very celestial. In the east of the Kunda is a large-sized Veranda, in which there is the entrance to go to the Garbhagrha. In the northern side of the verandah, in a small cell, the images of Sri Rama and Goddess Avantika are installed and worshipped daily. In the southern side of the main temple, there stand many small Saivite temples built during the Shinde regime, among these the temple of "Vraddha Mahakaleshvara, Anadi Kalpeshvara and Saptarshi" are prominent and are the remarkable pieces of architecture with its classical outlook.

The sculptural art of the temple had been very classical and multifarious according to the Bhumija Style. Now the temple includes the Saivite images of Nataraja, Kalyanasundara, Ravananugraha, Gajantaka,  Sadasiva, Andhakasura-slayer, Lakulisa  with the images of Ganesa, Paravati, Brahma, Visnu, Surya (Sun-god), Sapta Matrkas (Seven mother-goddesses) etc. These images had been very proportionate, well-decorated, sculpturally perfect and carved according to classical and Powranic texts. The worshipping and the conduct of rituals continued in some way or the other. Prabandha Chintamani, Vividha Tirtha Kalpataru, Prabandha Kosha all composed during 13th-14th century AD. It was same as that of Vikramacharita and Bhojacharita composed in 15th cecntury AD. According to the text Hammira Mahakavya written by Hammira, Hammira, the ruler of Ranathambor worshipped Lord Mahakala while his stay in Ujjain.

The Admixture of Mahakal Temple

The speciality of the temple of Mahakalesvara is a planned admixture of the Bhumija, Chalukya and Maratha styles of architecture and art with the Vastu which emit positive vibration. The sikhara with the mini-srngas is very peculiar and covered with gold plate.

The linga of Mahakaleshvara is very big. The silver plated Naga Jaladhari was the dedicated and specilly made silver-plate covering the roof of the Garbhagrha add extra beutiful attraction to the Shrine of Mahakaleshvara. Besides Jyotirlinga, attractive and small-sized images of Ganesa, Kartikeya and Paravati can be seen in the Garbhagrha. All around the walls classical Mantra in the praise of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati are exhibited. The Nanda Dipa means "a light of Deepa that lit in the til oil 24X7 and throughout the year". In the exit-path, there is a wide hall in which a most attractive metal quoted stone Nandi, who is the "Vahana"(vehicle) of Lord Shiva and the symbol of "Paramanada" in the sitting position with a great humble pose. 

The courtyard just opposite to the Omkaresvara temple add much to the beuty and attraction of the temple-complex. Just adjoining to this temple, there are two pillared projections facing the east and adding a lot to the architecture and art of the temple.

Lord Shiva - Abhisheka Priya

During this period many ancient traditions such as worship of Mahakala Linga with Nitya Abhisheka "Lord Shiva is Abhisheka Priya means by using 'Pancha Vastu'  such as Ghee, Curd, Milk, Sugar and any Fruit a Panchambrut is going to prepare and worship Lord Shiva, this process is called Abhisheka or Rudrabhisheka, during this period 'Rudrabhishek Mantra also chant that is Namaka and Chamaka'", Arati, Pallaki Sawari (Procession in Palaquin) in the month of Sravana, Harihara-milana etc, were took place regularly. These are still continued with great joyful ceremony and devotional enthusiasm. The "bhasma Pooja" and "Bhasmarti" in early morning, Mahasivaratri, Pancha-Krosi Yatra, Somavati Amavasya etc. are special religious occasions are added with the rituals of the temple. 

Mahakal - Bowed by Muslim Rulers

During Muslim period, a few systems are made by the Sultans of Malwa and Mughal emperors have come to light in Ujjain, which testifies that during the mediaeval period these Islamic rulers contributed some donations to priests for conducting worship of Mahakaleshavra, lighting the lamps and offering the prayers to Divinity for the safety of their reign because they were believed in Mahakala Jyotirlinga blessings. Thus it is evident that these Islamic rulers also had a respect and devotion for Mahakaleshvara and they issued financial assistance for the appeasement of Hindu subjects too. 

Present Temple was build by Tha Maratha Rulers

Maratha regime, "who were powerful warrior as well as devotees of God and Hindu Dharma" was established in Ujjain in the fourth decade of Eighteenth century. The administration of Ujjain was assigned by Peshwa Bajirao-I to his faithful commander Ranoji Shinde a great warrior, The diwan of Ranoji was Sukhatanakar Ramchandra Baba Shenavi who was very wealthy but unluckily issueless and no thought of development of society. On the suggestions of many learned Panditas and wel-wishers, he decided to invest his wealth for religious purposes. as well as the development of Ujjain city.  After this suggestion, he re-built the famous Mahakala temple in Ujjain during the 4th-5th decades of Eighteenth century,AD. The religious-minded nobles of Maratha community also built many small temples in the temple-complex.

Mahakal with Kunda at Ujjain

The present structure of Mahakaleshvara temple was built by the Maratha general Ranoji Shinde in 1734. Other members of his dynasty, including Mahadji Shinde, who show interest for the further developments and management of Mahakala Temple in Ujjain during the period of 1730 to 12 February 1794 and Daulat Rao Shinde's wife Baiza Bai, during the period of 1827 to 1863 continued all the religious activities of Mahakaleshvara temple without stoping by any reason. During the reign of Jayajirao Shinde until 1886, major programs of the then Gwalior State used to be held at this temple with all worship and "Dharmik activites". 

After Independence

After Independence the Dev Sthan Trust was replaced by the municipal corporation of Ujjain. Nowadays it is under the collectorate office of Ujjain districrt.

Proper repairs and rejuvanation of the temple-complex is done at the time of the Kumbha Mela  .In the year 1980, a separate mandapam was constructed to facilitate the devotees and visitors of Kumbha Mela. In 1992, Madhya Pradesh Government and Ujjain Development Authority exclusively contributed special repairs and made provisions for the stay of pilgrims. The same process is also being followed at the time of the Simhastha.

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Milan Tomic

Hi. I’m Designer of Blog Magic. I’m CEO/Founder of ThemeXpose. I’m Creative Art Director, Web Designer, UI/UX Designer, Interaction Designer, Industrial Designer, Web Developer, Business Enthusiast, StartUp Enthusiast, Speaker, Writer and Photographer. Inspired to make things looks better.

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