Mahakaleshwar TempleVerified
Description
The Mahakaleshwar Temple (महाकालेश्वर मंदिर) in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh is one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva in India, making it a highly revered pilgrimage site.
About Mahakaleshwar Temple
                             Located on the banks of the
                            holy Kshipra River. 
                             The presiding deity, Lord
                            Shiva, is worshipped here as Mahakal, the “Lord of Time and Death.” 
                             It is the only Jyotirlinga
                            facing south (Dakshinmukhi), which is considered unique and powerful. 
                             The temple has a five-tiered
                            structure, with deities of other gods and goddesses also enshrined. 
                             The linga of Mahakal is
                            self-manifested (swayambhu), unlike others that were ritually established. 
                        
Special Attractions & Rituals
Bhasma Aarti (भस्म आरती)
                                                 The most
                                                famous ritual of Mahakal. 
                                                 Performed
                                                daily at 4 AM with sacred ash (bhasma). 
                                                 Devotees
                                                need special permission to attend, and a strict dress code applies. 
                                            
Nagchandreshwar Tample
                                                 Located on
                                                the third floor. 
                                                 Open only
                                                once a year on Nag Panchami. 
                                            
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Darshan
The main sanctum where devotees can have darshan of Lord Shiva.
Shikhar & Architecture
Maratha-style architecture with intricate carvings.
Other Visiting Places in Ujjain (near Mahakal)
                            Ram Ghat (Kshipra River) –
                            Famous for evening aarti and Kumbh Mela. 
                            Kal Bhairav Temple – Dedicated
                            to Kal Bhairav, protector of Ujjain. 
                            Harsiddhi Mata Temple – One of
                            the 51 Shaktipeethas. 
                            Sandipani Ashram – Where Lord
                            Krishna, Balaram, and Sudama studied. 
                            Mangalnath Temple – Considered
                            the birthplace of Mars (Mangal Grah). 
                            Kumbh Mela Grounds – Ujjain
                            hosts the Simhastha Kumbh every 12 years. 
                        
How to Reach
                            By Air: Indore
                            Airport (55 km away). 
                            By Train:
                            Ujjain Junction (well connected to major cities). 
                            By Road:
                            Regular buses and taxis from Indore, Bhopal, and other MP cities. 
                        
Tips for Devotees
                            For Bhasma Aarti, book online
                            in advance. 
                            Dress code: Men – Dhoti, Women
                            – Saree (traditional attire). 
                            Best time to visit: Maha
                            Shivratri, Shravan month, and during Simhastha Kumbh Mela.