Mahakaleshwar

Mahakaleshwar refers to a form of the Hindu god Shiva and to the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the sacred self-manifested shrines of Shiva, and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Shaivites. The temple houses the Mahakaal Linga, believed to be swayambhu (self-manifested) and notable for facing south, a feature known as Dakshin Mukha that distinguishes it from other Jyotirlingas.

The temple complex sits on the banks of the Shipra River and has ancient origins. Over the centuries it has undergone several reconstructions and expansions under various rulers and communities, with the present structure reflecting traditional North Indian temple architecture. The principal deity is worshipped as Mahakaleshwar, and the temple is known for daily rituals, including the Bhasma Aarti, in which the lingam is anointed with sacred ash.

Pilgrims travel to Ujjain to visit Mahakaleshwar as part of broader Hindu pilgrimage practices. The site also forms a central part of Ujjain’s religious life, which hosts the Simhastha Kumbh Mela on a 12-year cycle. Within the temple complex are additional shrines to related deities, and the city’s Kal Bhairav Temple nearby is another well-known Shaivite site.