Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh is known for the famous
Mahakaleswar
Temple which is among the 12 celebrated
Jyotirlingas in
India. The Mahakaleshwar temple is located near a lake and has five
levels, one of which is underground. Brass lamps light the way to the
underground sanctum of the temple. The glory of this temple has been
vividly described in various puranas. The
lingam at the Mahakal
is believed to be
"Swayambhu" (born of itself),
deriving "Shakti" (power) from within itself as against the
other lingams which are ritually established and invested with
mantra-shakti. The idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be
Dakshinamurti
(facing the South). The idols of Ganesha, Parvati and Kartikeya are
installed in the west, north and east of the sanctum sanctorum. The idol
of
Nagchandreshwar is open for darshan only on the day of
Nagpanchami. On Mahashivaratri, there takes place a huge fair near the
temple, and worship goes on throughout the night. The Mahakal dominates
the life of the people and the city so much that even in the midst of
the busy routine of everyday preoccupations, it provides an unbreakable
link with past traditions.
