Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain

Significance

Mahakaleshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, in the ancient city of Ujjain on the Shipra river. Its linga is believed to be swayambhu, self-manifested, and it faces south. It is the only one of the twelve worshipped as Dakshinamurti, the south-facing form.

History and legend

Shiva here is Mahakala, the lord of time, and the temple dominates the life of Ujjain. The temple has five levels, one of them underground. A shrine of Omkareshwar sits above the main sanctum, and the image of Nagchandreshwar on the third level is opened for darshan only on Nag Panchami.

The temple was rebuilt and revived under Maratha rule in the 18th century.

Before you go

• The pre-dawn Bhasma Aarti is the best-known ritual here; places are limited, so check the booking rules on the temple’s official site well ahead.
• Omkareshwar, the other Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh, is about 140 km south and is often visited on the same trip.
• Ujjain is very crowded during Shravan and at the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.