Mahakaleshwar Temple: The reason why Bholenath is called Mahakal in Ujjain and interesting facts related to it
Mahakaleshwar Temple: Everyone thinks of the Kumbh Mela and the magnificent Baba Mahakal temple when they hear the name of Ujjain, the ancient city of Madhya Pradesh. Because of its placement between the earth and the sky, Ujjain is significant in astronomy in addition to its religious importance. Each year, thousands of devotees go to this temple dedicated to Baba Mahakal, one of Lord Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlingas, for darshan.
The center of the earth is Ujjain
Are you aware that Ujjain is regarded as the earth’s center? This city is situated precisely between the earth and the sky, according to astronomy. Scripture refers to it as the “navel place” of the nation. It has been characterized as the navel region of the body, where Baba Mahakal governs it, and it is also referenced in the Varaha Purana.
The name Mahakal’s origin
It is believed that Ujjain serves as the primary hub for time computation. It is quite significant from an astronomical perspective because of its geographic position (23.9° North latitude and 74.75° East longitude). The Equator and the Tropic of Cancer converge here. Because of this, this location is said to be ideal for creating calendars and calculating times. The name “Mahakal” is given to Lord Shiva because of the Ujjain custom of time measurement.
Dakshinmukhi Jyotirlinga’s Significance
Of Lord Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlingas, Mahakal Temple is the third. This temple is remarkable for Tantra Sadhana since it faces south, which is its most distinctive feature. It is said that Lord Shiva sat here to protect his followers after slaying a monster called Dushan. It is also said that here is where the Shivlinga first emerged.
Salvation City
It is sufficient to attend the Mahakal temple to be saved. The Puranas further state that going to this sacred location destroys all sins. Offering water to the Shivlinga here is said to put an end to all of life’s problems.
Where Vikram Samvat was born
King Vikramaditya is another reason why Ujjain is well-known. Here, he established the Vikram Samvat calendar, which remains a significant component of the Hindu calendar. The timing of festivals, fasts, and auspicious tasks is determined by this calendar.
What Simhastha Kumbh Means
Ujjain has been selected as one of the four Kumbh Mela locations. Every twelve years, when Jupiter enters Leo and the Sun enters Aries, Simhastha Kumbh is held here. It is known as Simhastha Kumbh for this reason.
Other Ujjain names and temples
“Shipra Nagari” and “Kalidas Ki Nagari” are other names for Ujjain. Kanakashranga, Ujjaini, and Avantika are some of its older names. Numerous important temples may also be found here, including Kal Bhairav Temple, Mangalnath Temple, Gopal Temple, Harsiddhi Temple, and Ganesh Temple.
In addition to being a sacred city, Ujjain is a vibrant representation of Indian customs and culture. In addition to being a location blessed by Lord Mahakal, it is also a magnificent synthesis of history, astronomy, and spirituality.