Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a famous Lord Shiva temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga at Ujjain

Three-storied Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple, the sacred abode of Lord Shiva, is believed to be built in the 6th century B.C. on the banks of Rudra Sagar Lake. The main deity is placed as Dakshina Murty, i.e., Deity facing the direction of south. Ujjain Jyotirlinga temple is the only one among the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, with the deity facing towards the south side. (Dakshin in Hindi means south, and Murthy means deity. )

12 Jyotirlinga tour packages are available with tour operators across India, for those interested in visiting these 12 holy adobes of God Shiva. Idols of Ganesh, Parvati, and Karttikeya are also present in the West, North, and East sanctums of this holy temple.

The shrine at Ujjain is also one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peeth in India. Shakti Peethams are the places of worship, where the ashes of the goddess Shakti or Sati were placed. They are among the most significant temples and pilgrimage centers.

Maha Shivaratri is the main festival here, and a huge fair is conducted during that time. Tamil Lord Shiva Poets and saints like Tirugnanasambandar, Sundarar, and Tirunavukkarasar have glorified this temple in their works.

The present-day structure of the temple was built in 1736, and renovations were carried out in later years.

How Do I Go To Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple?

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple is the heart of Ujjain City. The city of Ujjain is well connected by roads to all parts of India.

Ujjain Junction railway station is the main railway station in the city.

Indore Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport at a distance of around 55 kilometers, is the nearest airport to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peeth in India.