Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, shrines which are said to be the most sacred abodes of Shiva. It is located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on the side of the holy river Shipra. The presiding deity, Shiva in the lingam form is believed to be Swayambhu, deriving currents of power (Shakti) from within itself as against the other images and lingams that are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti.
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India, the lingam at Mahakala is believed to be swayambhu, meaning it is self-born and derives its power (shakti) from within itself. This contrasts with other images and lingams, which are ritually established and endowed with mantra-shakti. The unique nature of the Mahakala lingam emphasizes its inherent spiritual significance and the direct connection it offers to devotees.
The idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be dakshinamurthi, which means that it is facing the south. This is a unique feature, upheld by the tantric shivnetra tradition to be found only in Mahakaleshwar among the 12 Jyotirlingas. The idol of Omkareshwar Mahadev is consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine. The images of Ganesh, Parvati and Karttikeya are installed in the west, north, and east of the sanctum sanctorum.
Madhya Pradesh has two Jyotirlingas, the second one, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, is situated about 140 km south of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.
To the south is the image of Nandi, the vehicle of Shiva. The idol of Nagchandreshwar on the third storey is open for darshan only on the day of Nag Panchami. The temple has five levels, one of which is underground. The temple itself is located in a spacious courtyard surrounded by massive walls near a lake. The shikhar or the spire is adorned with sculptural finery. Brass lamps light the way to the underground sanctum. It is believed that prasada (holy offering) offered here to the deity can be re-offered unlike all other shrines.
The shrine is revered as one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peetham. Shakti Peethas are shrines that are believed to have enshrined with the presence of Shakti due to the falling of body parts of the corpse of Sati Devi, when Shiva carried it. Each of the 51 Shakti Peethas has shrines for Shakti and Kalabhairava. The Upper Lip of Sati Devi is said to have fallen here and the Shakti is called as Mahakali.
The Mahakala temple is referenced in several ancient Indian poetic texts, highlighting its magnificence and grandeur. Its foundation and platform were constructed from stone, and the temple was supported by wooden pillars. Notably, there were no shikharas on temples prior to the Gupta period, and most temple roofs were flat. This absence is perhaps why Kalidasa referred to the temple as ‘Niketana’ in his epic, Raghuvansam. The palace of the king was situated nearby, and in the early part of Meghadutam (Purva Megha), Kalidasa offers a captivating description of the Mahakala temple.
The Chandisvara temple likely exemplified the art and architecture of its time, showcasing the splendor of the main deity’s temple in a town filled with multi-storeyed gold-plated palaces and remarkable artistic achievements. High ramparts surrounded the temple, complete with entry gates. At twilight, the lively rows of shimmering lamps illuminated the temple complex, creating a breathtaking sight.