Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is situated in Ujjain, the historical
capital of Central India. This Temple is situated near a lake. The idol
in the temple is known as Dakshinamurti, facing the south. The idols in
the temple are all strategically placed like the images of Ganesh,
Parvati and Karttikeya installed in the west, north and east direction
respectively. The image of Nandi is situated in the south direction. The
idol of Nagchandreshwar is situated in the third storey and pilgrims are
allowed to pay homage to the diety only on the day of Nagapanchami.
Among the 12 Jyotirlingas, the Mahakal Jyotirlinga is believed to be
swayambhu, meaning 'born of itself'. It is believed that the holy powers
of the Jyotirlinga are self derived from within and unlike other
Jyotirlinga, they are not ritually established through Mantra Shakti. The Mahakaleshwar temple is made in five levels, one of which is underground. The Temple is surrounded by huge walls. The Temple peak is decorated with fine sculptures. The underground sanctum is lightened by brass lamps. The prasada in the temple can be re-offered unlike other temples. According to the legends, a demon called Dushana tormented the people of Avanti and then Lord Shiva appeared from the ground and rescued the people and then on the request of the people, Lord Shiva permanently settled there as Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. The glory of the Mahakaleshwar Temple has been mentioned in the Tamil hymns of the Nayanmar saints of the 1st millenium CE. The Parvati - Harasiddhi temple is also situated in Ujjain. A huge fair is held on the day of Mahashivratri near the Temple and the worshiping of Lord Shiva goes on through out the night.