Mahakaleshwar Temple, located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state associated with Madhya Pradesh, Ujjain Temples has been one of the most divine and outstanding places regarding pilgrimage for Hindus until date. The place associated with Lord Shiva, it is on the banks of the Rudra Sagar Lake and it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. In modern day and hectic lifestyles, typically the temple continues to provide devotees unmatched peace of mind and calmness.

History of Mahakal Temple 

The Mahakal Temple Ujjain was demolished by Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish during his attack on Ujjain. The current temple was constructed by Peshwa Baji Rao and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj in 1736 AD. Further developments and organization was done by Madhavrao Shinde. It's also considered as one of the top 10 Tantra temples of India, and has the one and only bhasm aarti (ash ritual) of its kind in the world.

What Is the Ash Ritual?

Typically the bhasm aarti is the particular first ritual conducted each day on the temple. It's carried out to wake the Lord Shiva up, do shringar and carry out the initial offering of fire to be able to him (by circulating lamps, incense, and other items). The unique thing regarding this aarti is the inclusion of ash, which usually is ash from funeral furnaces. Mahakaleshwar is a title for Lord Shiva and even means the god of your time or Death. This may possibly be a primary explanation for the inclusion involving the funeral ash.

Things to Know Before You Go For Bhasm Aarti

Typically the bhasm aarti begins from 4 a. m. of course, if you want to perform your own prayer independently, you'll have to perform it after the aarti and you might spend hours in waiting. Men have to wear a dhoti and women should wear a sari. Phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple premises, and security bank checks are conducted. There is a storage stand where you can leave your stuff. Ujjain is one of the most fascinating cities with a lot of faith and devotion attached to it. While you’re exploring the city, don’t miss to visit any tourist places in Ujjain.

The idol is a Dakshinamurti, which means that it looks like the south. This exclusive feature is found only in the mahakaleshwar temple. The idols of Ganesh, Parvati, Kartikeya are put in in the western, eastern and northern corners of the temple. The mahakal temple has 5 levels of which one is located underground. The temple is located in a huge ground, surrounded by high walls and a lake. It is believed that the prasad offered in this temple can be re-offered, a belief that is not found in any of the other jyotirlinga temples.