UJJAIN MAHAKALESHWAR TEMPLE

This historic city situated aa height of 1678 ft. from mean sea level and geographically positioned at 23⁰ 11 north longitude and 75⁰ 50 latitude and the tropic of cancer also passes through Ujjain, and also situated on the bank of river Shipra.Since ages Ujjain has been a centre of religocultural activities of not only the nation but also of the whole world. Since ancient times the basic reference of Hindu panchang time, namely the prime meridian passes through Ujjain. For this reason it was an important referral point on the earth for the ancient astronomers. According to Mahabharata and other Puranas (Skand purana) the Ujjain city came into existence some 3000 yrs. ago. The archaeological evidence also supports this view .

During the time of Chand Pradyot (6^th century B.C.) Buddhism was at its peak in the area of Malwa of which Ujjain was the capital. A little later, the regime of Samprati saw the jainism as a widely followed religion in this area. Later Kalidas of the 2^nd century B.C. had captured the imagination and admiration of not only India but also of the whole world. Ujjain was on the trade route joining the north and the south, the east and the west and hence trade and commerce of this area was highly developed, Coins of different regions in the country have been found in and around Ujjain which proves that the traders and pilgrims from all over the world used to visit this ancient holy city situated on the bank of the pious river Shipra ruled by Mahakala the deity of the deities. There are some landmarks in Ujjain that can find place in the world map of tourism and attract thousands of piligrims and tourisits from all over the world every year. Ujjain has been thriving on pilgrims and tourists since ages and it is likely to be so. in future too. The following is a brief note containing information on the cultural and historical monuments of Ujjain. It throws light on the existing infrastructure available in the town and also covers the new proposals that would enable the township to meet the future need of the growing tourism in this holy heritage city

Mahakala of Ujjayini is known among the twelve celebrated Jyotirlingas in India. The glory of Mahakaleshwar temple has been vividly described in various Puranas. Starting with Kalidasa, many sanskrit poets have eulogised this temple in emotive terms. The tradition of Mahakala in the minds of the people is eternal. Ujjain used to be the central point for calculation of Indian time and Mahakala was considered as the distinctive presiding deity of Ujjain.

This temple has been renovated by successive dynasties – Shunga, Kushana, Satavahana, Gupta, Parihar, Parmara and comparatively modern period of Marathas. Altutmish pulled this temple down in 1235 A.D.

Reconstruction of this temple structure was done at the instance of Ramchandra Baba Shenvi, a Subedar of Malwa under Ranoji Scindia. Renovation and carving facilities in the temple have regularly been looked after in the contemporary period also.

The idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be Dakshina Murti or southfaced. The unique distinction of dakshina murti worship, upheld in the tantric tradition is realised only in Mahakaleshwar among the twelve Jyotirlingas of India. Like the Mahakala shrine installed in the upper sanctum of Omkarshewar temple, the idol of Omkarshewar-Shiva is consecrated in the upper sanctum of this temple. Nagchandreshwar image on the third story is opened for darshan only on Nagpanchmi days. Mahakala worship by Vikramaditya and Bhoja is wellknown but the temple has continued to receive royal grants for its Puja- expenses even in the Mughal period.Presently this temple is under the management of Mahakala Mandir Samiti.