Author: Rahul (Page 12)

DHRUSHNESHWAR JYOTIRILINGA

It is an ancient pilgrimage site revered as the abode of one of the dwadash Jyotirlinga manifestation of Lord Shiva. The Dhrushneshwar Jyotirlinga shrine is located at a village called Verul, which lies 20 km from Daulatabad(near Aurangabad in Maharashtra) and approximately 100 kms from Manmad station. The Dhrushneshwar Temple was constructed by Ahilyabhai Holkar who also re-constructed the Kashi Viswanatha Temple at Varanasi and the Vishnu Paada Temple at Gaya.The Dhrushneshwar jyotirlinga Temple is also known by several other names like Kusumeswarar, Ghushmeswara, and Grishneswara.

LEGEND BEHIND DHRUSHNESHWAR TEMPLE

According to Shivapuran, in the southern direction, on a mountain named Devagiri lived a Brahmin called Brahmavetta Sudharm along with his wife Sudeha. The couple did not have a child because of which Sudeha was sad. Sudeha prayedand tried all possible remedies but in vain. Frustrated of being childless, Sudeha got her sister Ghushma married to her husband. On the advice of her sister, Ghushma used to make 101 lingas, worship them and discharge them in the nearby lake. With the blessings of Lord Shiva, Ghushma gave birth to a baby boy. Because of this, Ghushma became proud and Sudeha started feeling jealous towards her sister. Out of jealously, one night she killed Ghushma’s son and threw him in the lake where Ghushma used to discharge the lingas.

Next morning, Ghushmas and Sudharm got involved in daily prayers and ablutions. Sudeha too, got up and started performing her daily choirs. Ghushma’s daughter-in-law, however, saw stains of blood on her husband’s bed and parts of the body drenched in blood. Horrified, she narrated everything to mother-in-law Ghushma who was absorbed in worshipping Shiva. Ghushma did not deter. Even her husband Sudharma did not move an inch. Even when Ghushma saw the bed drenched in blood she did not break down and said he who has given me this child shall protect him and started reciting ‘Shiva-Shiva’. Later, when she went to discharge the Shivalingas after prayers she saw her son coming.

Seeing her son Ghushma was neither happy nor sad. At that time Lord Shiv appeared before her and said – I am pleased with your devotion. Your sister had killed your son. Ghushma told Lord to forgive Sudeh and emancipate her. Pleased with her generosity, Lord Shiva asked her another boon. Ghushma said that if he was really happy with her devotion then he should reside here eternally for the benefit of the multitudes in form of a Jyotirling and may you be known by my name. On her request, Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Jyotirling and assumed the name Dhrushneshwar and the lake was named as Shivalaya thereafter.

KEDARNATH JYOTIRILINGA

One of the holiest pilgrimages for the Hindus, Kedarnath Temple Jyotirlinga is located in the pictures que surroundings of Rudra Himalaya Range at a height of 12000 feet on a mountain named Kedar. Near Kedarnath is the source of the river Mandakini that joins Alakananda at Rudraprayag. This place is approximately 150miles away from Hardwar and 132 miles north of Hrishikesh and is accessible by foot. The temple at Kedarnath enshrining the Jyotirlingam of Shiva opens only 6 months a year (April-November) when thesun enters the zodiac sign of Aries and it is closed when the sun enters Scorpio. The priests then go to Ukhimath, wherethe worship of Kedareshwara is continued during the winter season.

Tradition has it that when undertaking Kedarnath Yatra pilgrims first visit Yamunotri and Gangotri and bring with them the holy waters from the sources of the rivers Yamuna and Ganga and offer abhishekams to Kedareshwara. The traditional pilgrim route is Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devaprayag – Tehri – Dharasu – Yamunotri – Uttar Kashi – Gangotri- Triyugnarayan – Gowrikund and Kedarnath. The alternative route to Kedar from Rishikesh is via Devprayag, Srinagar,Rudraprayag and Ukhimath.

LEGEND BEHIND KEDARNATH TEMPLE

Legend goes that Nara and Narayana – two incarnations of Vishnu performed severe penance in Badrikashraya of Bharat Khand, in front of a Shivalingam fashioned out of earth. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Shiva appeared in front of them and said that they may ask for a boon. Nar and Narayan requested Shiva to take up a permanent abode as a Jyotirlingam at Kedarnath so that all people who worship Shiva shall be freed from their miseries.

According to yet another popular legend related to Kedar Temple, Goddess Parvati worshipped Kedareshwar to unite with Shiva as Ardhanareeswarar. Besides, the Pandavas are believed to have visited this area several times. Arjuna isbelieved to have come here to pray to Shiva to obtain the coveted Pasupataastra. The other Pandavas are believed to have come here in search of him, where Draupadi came across the heavenly lotus Kalyana Saugandikam, and requested Bhima to bring here some more of the same. It was during his venturing out to seek these flowers that Bhima met Hanumaan.

SIGNIFICANCE OF KEDARNATH TEMPLE

Located in the lofty Himalayas, Kedarnath Temple is one of the best known Shivasthalams in India and is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers of the country. It is believed that by praying to Kedareshwar, one can get all his desires fulfilled. Importance of the shrine can be further understood from the beliefs that Upamanyu prayed to Lord Shiva in this place in Satayuga while in Dwapar, the Pandavas worshipped Lord Shiva here. Even the spiritual leader Adi Sankaracharya is closely associated with Kedarnath.

STRUCTURE OF KEDARNATH TEMPLE

Kedarnath Shrine is scenically placed amidst the lofty, snow – covered mountains and grassy meadows covering the valleys. Immediately behind the temple is the high Keadardome peak, which can be sighted from great distances. It isbelieved that the temple of Kedarnath was constructed by the Pandavas. At the entrance of the temple is the statue of Nandi, the divine bull of Shiva. Walls inside the temple are exquisitely carved with images. The revered Shiva Lingam housed in the temple is in the unusual pyramidal form.

SHRI TRIMBAKESHWAR JYOTIRILINGA

It is located at a distance of about 30-km from Nasik in Maharashtra near the mountain named Brahmagiri from which the river Godavari flows. Trimbakeshwar Temple is revered as one of the Dwaadash Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva and as the source of the river Godavari. Just as Ganga is known as Bhagirathi and is one of the most important river in North India, in the same way, Godavari is also known as Gautami Ganga and is the most sacred river in South India. According to Shiv Purana, it is because of the earnest request of Godavari, Gautam Rishi and other gods that Lord Shiva agreed to reside here and assumed the famous name Trimbakeshwar. Interestingly, locals refer to the river here as Ganga and not as Godavari. All the heavenly Gods promised to come down to Nasik, once in twelve years, when Jupiter resides in the zodiac sign of Leo. On this a grand fair is organized at this place. Devotees take a holy bath in the Gautami Ganga and then seek the blessings of Trimbakeshwar.

LEGEND BEHIND TRIMBAKESHWAR TEMPLE

Legend goes that a sage name Gautam Muni resided on the Brahmagiri hill with his wife Ahilya. By virtue of hisdevotion, the sage received from Varuna, a bottomless pit from which he received an inexhaustible supply of grains andfood. The other rishis, jealous of his fortune, arranged for a cow to enter his granary and caused it to die as GowtamRishi attempted to ward it off with a bunch of Darbha grass.Gautam Rishi, therefore, worshipped Lord Shiva to bring the Ganga down to his hermitage to purify the premises. Pleased with devotion, Shiva requested Ganga to flow down and make Sage Gautam pure. After that Ganga floweddown. Lord Shiva told Ganga to stay there eternally for the good of everyone. All the Gods started singing the praisesof Gautam Rishi, Ganga and Lord Shiva. On the request of all the Gods, Lord Shiva resided by the river Gautami bythe name Trimbakeshwar (one of the Jyotirlingas). Hindus believe that Trimbak Jyotirlinga is one, which fulfillseveryone’s desires. It emancipates all from their sins and miseries.Another popular legend behind Trimbakeshwar Temple is the legend of Lingodbhava manifestation of Shiva. It saysonce Brahma and Vishnu searched in vain to discover the origin of Shiva who manifested himself as a cosmic column of fire. Brahma lied that he had seen the top of the column of fire and was hence cursed that he would not be worshippedon earth. In turn Brahma cursed Shiva that he would be pushed underground. Accordingly, Shiva came down under theBrahmagiri hill in the form of Tryambakeshwar.Trimbakeshwar Temple is the only place where Shivlinga is not out butit’s inside the floor.

Some scholars say that Goddess Parvati also came down along Lord Shiva and Ganga.The place is therefore calledTryambakeshwa (three lords). Others believe that the place is so called because of the presence of three Shivlinga ofBrahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.The Shivlinga of Lord Mahesh has always-flowing water among the three Shivlingas.

STRUCTURE OF TRIMBAKESHWAR TEMPLE

Trimbakeshwar Temple is an ancient shrine, however the current structure is a result of the reconstruction effortsundertaken by the Peshwa Balaji Bajirao in mid 18th century.The temple is built of black stone in the Nagara style ofarchitecture and is enclosed in a spacious courtyard.The sanctum internally a square and externally a stellar structurehouses a small Shivalingam – Tryambaka.The sanctum is crowned with a graceful tower, embellished with a giantAmalaka and a golden kalasha. In front of the garbagriha and the antarala is a mandap with doors on all four sides.Three of these doorways are covered with porches and the openings of these porches are ornamented with pillars andarches. Curvilinear slabs rising in steps form roof of the mandapam.

The entire structure is ornamented with sculpturalwork featuring running scrolls, floral designs, and figures of gods, yakshas, humans and animals.The Shivalingam is seen in a depression on the floor of the sanctum.Water constantly oozes out from the top of the Shivalingam. Usually, the Shivalingam is covered with a silver mask but on festive occasions a golden mask with fivefaces, each with a golden crown covers it.

KAASHI VISHWANATH JYOTIRLINGA

It is located amidst the crowded lanes in the holy city of Varanasi also known as Kashi and Benares. The Vishwanath Temple enshrines one of the Dwaadash Jyotirlingam of Lord Shiva and is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is believed that Varanasi is the point at which the first Jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of lightby which Shiva manifested his supremacy over other gods, broke through the earth’s crust and flared towards the heavens. More than the Ghats and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remain the devotional focus of Varanasi. Millions of pilgrims converge here to perform an abhishekam to the sacred Jyotirlingam with sacred water of river Ganga.

SIGNIFICANCE OF VISHWANATH TEMPLE

1. Also famous by the name of Shiv Vishwanath Kashi, Shri Vishweshwar Temple is said to be dear to Lord Shiva.

2. Hindus believe that those who come and die here attain liberation. It is said that Lord Shiva gives the Tarak Mantra to the ones who are going to die here.

3. Some also believe that the Lord resides here and is the giver of liberation and happiness.

4. Theone who prays and worships Vishweshwar with devotion attains all his desires and one who incessantly recites his name attains all siddhis and finally gets liberated.

STRUCTURE OF SHRI VISHWANATH JYOTIRLINGA TEMPLE

Shri Vishwanatha Temple is situated amidst the crowded lanes of Varanasi on the banks of the rive Ganga.The templecan be approached from a lane called Vishwanatha lane. Beside its religious significance, the temple is also anarchitectural marvel.The magnificent edifice offers a breathtaking view to the onlooker.The Kashi Vishwanath Templeis also popularly known as the ‘Golden Temple’ due the gold plating done on its 15.5-meter high spire. One tonne ofgold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been used in the gold plating of the spire.Inside the courtyard is the temple of Vishwanatha surrounded by many subsidiary shrines. A well, called Jnana Vapi i.e.‘wisdom well’ located to the north of the main temple.The Vishwanatha temple consists of a mandapa and a sanctum.Inside the sanctum a linga is set into the center of the floor in a square silver altar. The Linga is of black stone.Thoughthe interior of the temple is not large and elaborate it presents the peaceful atmosphere ideal for worship.

HISTORY OF VISHWANATH TEMPLE

The famous Vishwanath Temple has been rebuilt several times. The original was supposed to have been built in 1490.However, the original Jyotirlinga of Kashi Vishwanath is a not available. The old temple was destroyed as a result of theMughal invasion and Aurangazeb built a mosque in place of it.The ancient idol of Vishweshwar is situated in Jnana-Vapi. Even today the western wall of the mosque show the remnants of a temple which had very intricate and fine artwork on it. Both the Kashi Vishwanath and the Gyanvapi Mosque are adjacent to each other.

NAGESHWAR OR NAGNATH JYOTIRLINGA

Temple is located on the route between Gomti Dwarka and the Bait Dwarka Island on thecoast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. The Jyotirlinga enshrined in the Temple of Nagnath is known as Nageshwar Mahadev and attracts thousands of pilgrims all round the year.This powerful Jyotirlinga symbolizes protection from all poisons. Itis said that those who pray to the Nageshwar Linga become free of poison.The Rudra Samhita sloka refers to Nageshwar with the phrase ‘Daarukaavane Naagesham’.

LEGEND BEHIND NAGESHWAR TEMPLE

According to Shiv Purana, a Shiva devotee by name Supriya was attacked by a demon Daaruka while in a boat.Thedemon imprisoned him along with several others at his capital Daarukaavana where he resided with his wife Daaruki.Supriya advised all prisoners to recite the mantra ‘Aum Namaha Shivaya’.When Daruk came to know about this he ranto kill Supriya. Instantly Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a Jyotirlingam and vanquished the demon with the Paasupata Astram.

This Jyotirlinga manifestation of Shiva is worshipped as Nageswara.Two other sites in India, one near Audhgram nearPurna in Andhra Pradesh and another near Almora in Uttar Pradesh also enshrine temples to Nageswara Jyotirlingam. According to the Shiv Purana, any one who ever with devotion reads the birth and greatness of this Jyotirlinga shallbeget all material happiness and divine status in the end.

STRUCTURE OF NAGESHWAR TEMPLE

Nageshwar Mahadev Sivalingam is facing South while the Gomugam is facing east.There is a story for this position. Adevotee by name Naamdev was singing bhajans in front of the Lord. Other devotees asked him to stand aside and nothide the Lord.To this Naamdev asked them to suggest one direction in which the Lord does not exist, so that he canstand there.The enraged devotees carried him and left him on the southside.To their astonishment, they found that the Linga was now facing South with the Gomugam facing east.

RAMESHWARAM JYOTIRILINGA

It is situated in the island of Rameswaram, off the Sethu coast of Tamil Nadu and is reached via thePamban Bridge across the sea.The huge temple is known for its long ornate corridors, towers and 36 theerthams. Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga represents the southernmost of the Dwaadash Jyotirlingams of India and has been a time honored pilgrimage center held on par with Banaras. Rameshwaram Temple Jyotirlinga is associated closely with the Ramayana and Rama’s victorious return from Sri Lanka.

LEGEND BEHIND RAMESHWARAM TEMPLE

According to a popular legend, it was Lord Rama who installed this Linga here. Story goes that when Lord Ram was on his way to attack Ravana, he reached this place where he made a linga of sand and worshipped it. It is said that when Lord Rama was drinking water on the seashore there was a celestial proclamation – “You are drinking water without worshipping me”. Listening to this Lord Rama made a linga of sand and worshipped it and asked to be blessed so that The could vanquish Ravana. Lord Shiva blessed him accordingly. He also requested Lord Shiva to reside eternally here sothat entire mankind should benefit from it. Shiva then manifested himself as the Linga and got installed there foreternity.

According to yet another legend, while returning to Ayodhya, Ram worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of a ShivaLingam made of earth by Sita. It is said that Hanuman was entrusted with the task of bringing an image of Viswanathar from Banaras. Anticipating delay in Hanuman’s return from Benares, Rama offered worship to a Shivalingam at a pre-chosen auspicious moment. This lingam is referred to as Ramalingam and the town is known as Rameswaram. There is yet another Shivalingam here – Viswanathar said to have been brought by Hanuman from Banares.ThisShivalingam is referred to as Kasilingam and Hanumalingam. Prayers are offered to Viswanathar before they are offered to Ramanatha swamy.

STRUCTURE OF RAMESHWARAM TEMPLE

Rameswaram Temple is spread over an area of 15 acres and has lofty gopurams, massive walls and a colossal Nandi. Rameswaram Jyotirlinga also boasts of a 4000 feet long pillared corridor with over 4000 pillars, supposedly the longestin the world. The carved granite pillars are mounted on a raised platform. Worth noticing fact about this corridor is thatthe rock is not indigenous to the island and is said to have been brought in from elsewhere in Tamil Nadu across the sea.The eastern Rajagopuram towers to a height of 126 feet and has nine levels. The Western Rajagopuram is also quite impressive though not as tall as the Eastern one.The temple also has several mandapams with mini shrines to other deities. There is a huge Nandi measuring 12 feet in length and 9 feet in height with the idols of Viswanatha Naicker and Krishnama Naicker. The lingams are housed in the inner section of the Ramalingeshwara. High walls enclose the temple, forming a rectangle with huge pyramidal gopura entrances on each side.

BHIMASHANKAR JYOTRILINGA

It is situated in the ghat region of the Sahyadri hills in the village of Bhavagiri, 50-km north west of Khed, near Pune in Maharashtra. Bhima Shankar Temple lies on the banks of the river Bhima. Bhimashankar is also the source of the river Bhima, which flows southeast and merges with the Krishna River near Raichur. The other Jyotirlinga shrines in Maharashtra are Tryambakeshwar and Grishneshwar. It may be noted that according to the Shiv Purana theBhimashankar Jyotirlinga is situated on the Mountain Brahmapur in district Kamrup, Assam.

LEGEND BEHIND BHIMASHANKAR TEMPLE

According to the legends, once a demon called Bhima lived with his mother Karkati in the dense forests of Dakini, onthe lofty ranges of the Sahaydris. It is said that Bhima was so cruel that every one was scared of him. But what tormented Bhima was his curiosity regarding his own existence. One day, Bhima urged his mother to tell him who his father was and why had he abandoned them in the wilderness of the forest. His mother revealed that he was the son of Kumbhakarna, the younger brother of the mighty King Ravana – the King of Lanka. Bhima’s mother Kartaki also told him that Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Lord Rama annihilated Kumbhakarna. This infuriated Bhima and he vowedto avenge Lord Vishnu. Bhima performed severe penance to please Lord Brahma. The compassionate creator was pleased by the dedicated devotee and granted him immense prowess. With so much power, Bhima began to cause havoc in the three worlds. He defeated King Indra and conquered the heavens. He also defeated a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva – Kamrupeshwar and put him in the dungeons. All this angered the Gods and they along with Lord Brahma beseeched Lord Shiva to come for their rescue to which Lord Shiva agreed.

Tyrant Bhima asked Kamrupeshwar to worship him instead of Lord Shiva. When Kamrupeshwar refused, Bhima raised his sword to strike the Shiva Linga. But as soon as he raised his sword, Lord Shiva appeared before him in full magnificence.Then the terrible war began. Holy sage Narad appeared and requested Lord Shiva to put an end to this war. It was then that Lord Shiva reduced the evil demon to ashes and thus concluded the saga of tyranny. All the God sand the holy sages present there requested Lord Shiva to make this place his abode. Lord Shiva thus manifested him selfin the form of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. It is believed that the sweat that poured forth from Lord Shiva’s body after the battle formed the Bhimarathi River.

STRUCTURE OF BHIMASHANKARA TEMPLE

Bhimashankara Temple is situated in picturesque extreme end of the Sahayadri Ranges and provides a wonderful viewof the forts, the rivers and the hill stations around. The dense forests surrounding the high ranges also play an abode tothe rare species of flora and fauna.Bhimashakara Temple dates back to mid 18th century and is a composite of old and the new structures and is built inthe Nagara style of architecture. the shikhara of the temple was built by Nana Phadnavis. Shivaji – the great Maratharuler is said to have facilitated the carrying out of worship services. As with other Shiva temples in this area, the sanctumis at a lower level.The best time to visit the Bhimashankar Temple is said to be Maha Shivaratri as the temple organizesgrand festivities on the occasion.

BAIDYANATH, ALSO CALLED VAIJNATH TEMPLE AND VAIDYANTH

Temple is located at Deogarh in the Santal Parganas region ofBihar in the south west of Keeul Station. Baidyanath shrine is revered as one of the Dwaadash Jyotirlingam of Shiva. Itmay be noted that some schools of thought believe Vaidyanath near Parali in Andhra Pradesh to be the VaidyanathaJyotirlingam.Devotees of Lord Shiva believe that by sincere worship of Vaijnath Jyotirlinga a person is relieved of all worries andmiseries in life. It is also said that by worshipping in the shrine a person attains Moksha and all types of happiness. As atradition, devotees carry ‘Kanwars’ on their shoulders and complete their travel here.

LEGEND BEHIND VAIDYANATH TEMPLE

Legend has it that demon King of Lanka, Ravana meditated upon Lord Shiva, as he wanted to request him to comeover to Sri Lanka and make his capital invincible. It is said that Ravana attempted to lift Mount Kailash and take it withhim to his capital. However, Lord Shiva crushed it with his finger. Ravana prayed to him and sought his mercy, after which Bhagwan Shiva gave him one of the twelve Jyotirlingams on the condition that if it were placed on the ground itshall fix itself to the ground and shall remain there for eternity. Ravana thanked Lord Shiva and holding the Linga carefully started of to the Lanka. However, Varuna the God of Water, entered his belly and caused him to feel an urgentneed to relieve himself. Vishnu then came down in the form of a lad and volunteered to hold the Jyotirlingam as he relieved himself. Before Ravana returned, Vishnu placed the Jyotirlingam on the ground and it became rooted to the spot. A disappointed Ravana offered severe penance to Shiva here, and cut off nine of his heads. Shiva revived him and joined the heads to the body, as if by the work of a Vaidya or a physician, hence this Jyotirlingam goes by the name Vaidyanath.

According to another legend, Baidyanath is one of the 52 Shakti Peeth shrines of Sati. It is believed that the heart ofSati fell here, when her half burnt body being carried by Shiva at the end of Daksha’s Yagna was chopped to pieces byVishnu’s discus.Some people believe that this temple was re-discovered by a cowherd Baiju and hence named Baijnath.

Baidyanath Temple at Deogarh houses.

OMKARESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA

It is situated on the mountain Mandhata by the banks of Narmada River in the Malva area in MadhyaPradesh. Omkareshwar Temple is one of the Dwaadash Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.The temple is closely linked with Mammaleshwar Temple (situated on the south of river Narmada) as both the forms of Shiva have been counted as one.

LEGEND BEHIND OMKARESHWAR TEMPLE

Shiva Purana describes the greatness of Omkareshwar and Mammaleshwar. It says, two sons of the sun dynastyMandhata – Ambarish and Mucchkund practiced severe penance and austerities here and pleased Lord Shiva.They alsoperformed great religious sacrifices in this place because of which the mountain is named Mandhata.Another popular legend says that once upon a time Vidhya Parvat practiced severe penance and worshippedParthivarchana along with Lord Omkareshwar for nearly six months. As a result Lord Shiva was pleased and blessedhim with the desire boon. On the sincere request of all the gods and the sages Lord Shiva made two parts of the lings.

ONE HALF BEING OMKARESHWARA AND THE OTHER AMALESHWARA OR AMARESHWAR.

STRUCTURE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF OMKARESHWAR TEMPLE

Omkareshwara Temple is located at a distance of about 12 miles from Mortakka in Madhya Pradesh. A special featureof the location of Omkareshwar Temple is that the river Narmada branches into two and forms an island Mandhata orShivapuri in the center.The shape of the island resembles that of the visual representation of the Omkara sound, Om.

There are two temples :

1. Omkareshwar and

2. Amareshwar.

The Omkareshwar Temple is built in the Nagara style and is characterized by a lofty shikhara. There are also shrines to Annapurna and Ganesha here. Before entering the temple one has to pass through two rooms. The Omkareshwar is not affixed to the ground but is naturally installed there. There is always water around it.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF OMKARESHWAR

1. jyotrilinga is not situated below the cupola.

2. The idol of Lord Shiva is situated on the top of the temple.

3. The temple can be reached by ferry from the banks of the river.

4. A huge fair is organized here on the day of Kartik Poornima.

MAHAKALESHWARA JYOTIRILINGA

It is located by the banks of river Kshipra, in the dense Mahakal forests in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Itis an important Shaivaite pilgrimage centre in North India and is revered as one of the Dwaadash Jyotilinga manifestations of Shiva.

LEGEND BEHIND MAHAAKAL TEMPLE JYOTIRLINGAM

According to an episode narrated in Puranas, a five-year-old boy named Shrikar was enthralled seeing the devotion ofKing Chandrasena of Ujjain towards Lord Shiva. Shrikar took a stone and by considering it a linga started worshippingit regularly. Others thought that his worship as merely a game and tried to dissuade him in all ways. But all the effortswent in vain. On the contrary, devotion of Shrikar increased by every passing day. Pleased by the boy’s devotion LordShiva assumed Jyotirlinga form and resided in the Mahakal forest. According to another popular legend related to Mahakal Temple, a demon by name, Dushana tormented the residentsof Avanti. Shiva appeared from the ground and vanquished the demon.Then, upon the request of the inhabitants ofAvanti, Shiva took up a permanent abode here as Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga.

ARCHITECTURE OF MAHAKAL TEMPLE

Bhagwan Mahakaleshwar Temple is located near a lake and has a spacious courtyard surrounded by massive walls.Thetemple has five levels, one of that is underground. Brass lamps light the way to the underground sanctum or GarbhaGriha where the Jyotirlinga is situated.The Linga is quite big in size and is encircled by a snake of silver. On one side ofthe Linga there is the idol of Lord Ganesha while on the other side, idols of Goddess Parvati and Kartikeya are installed. The shikhara of temple is adorned with sculptural finery.

SIGNIFICANCE OF MAHAKALESHWARA TEMPLE

Mahalakesheshwar Temple is consider significant by the Hindus for the following reasons:

1. Mahakaleshwara Temple Jyotirlingam in Ujjain is regarded amongst the seven holy places that can liberate a human.

2. The other six Mukti-Sthal being Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Benares, Kanchipuram and Dwarka.

3. All devotees that come to participate in the famous Kumbh Mela organized year on the banks of the Kshipra Riverconsider it important to seek blessings of Lord Mahakaleshwar.