Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Hindu temple in Ujjain, India
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a Hindu temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India, housing a sacred Shiva lingam inside a three-level structure that combines Maratha, Bhoja, and Chalukya architectural elements. The building includes several courtyards, halls with pillars, and a central shrine reached through stone passageways and carved doorframes.
The site goes back to ancient times and was reshaped under different ruling dynasties, with Sanskrit texts mentioning the location in early centuries. Later rulers added new structures and expanded the temple complex considerably over time.
The name derives from "Mahakala," which refers to Shiva as the lord of time, and pilgrims arrive throughout the year to walk through the temple courtyard and pray inside the sanctum. The space fills with the sound of bells and devotional chants, especially during festival periods when the complex becomes a center of communal worship and prayer.
The temple opens daily from 6 AM to 10:30 PM and offers multiple daily ceremonies, with early arrival needed for special rituals. Visitors should follow the dress code and be prepared for waiting times during religious holidays and festivities.
The lingam faces south, while other Jyotirlinga sites typically point north. This orientation attracts pilgrims who specifically seek out this alignment for their religious practices.
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