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The 3rd Jyotirling is Mahaakaaleshwatr Temple. It is located in Ujjain, on the banks of the river Kshipraa. This is the only Swaayambhoo (self born) Jyotirling of Shiv originating Mantra Shakti (power of Mantra) from within. This is the only Temple of various Jyotirling maintained on Taantrik principles. While Mahaakaleshwar faces south as a Dakshinmoorti, the idols of Ganesh, Paarvatee, Kaarttikeya and Nandee are installed on West, North, East and South respectively. Shree Yantra is perched upside down at the Ceiling of Garbha Griha where the Main Ling is situated.

The Temple has five levels including an underground and on the third level is installed the idol of Naag Chandreshwar open for public view only on Naag Panchamee days. Experience at the time of very early morning of ‘Bhasmaabhishek’ or the spread of ash along with the loud chanting of Mantra of the Deity. The thrilling and reverberating sounds of various percussion and bronze gong instruments played at that time takes one to devotional ecstasy. [It is stated that the Bhasmaabhishek are performed by using the ashes of the first dead bodies of the previous day, sanctified by Mantra from the holy waters of River Kshipraa. Women are not allowed to enter the Sanctum at the time of the Bhasmaabhishek although they could witness the proceedings on close circuit TVs.]

Its story is that once the king of Ujjain was given a valuable and sacred gem called Chintaamani by a Yaksh. Neighboring kings and demons envied the city's prosperity and sought the fabled gem. They attacked Ujjain. The residents led by their king prayed to Shiv for his help. He appeared in the form of a Jyotirling and struck terror in the hearts of the invaders. When they tried to ransack the city, the Ling split open and revealed Shiv as the great destroyer, Mahaakaal, bearing all the weapons of death. He killed the kings, drove away their armies and became the guardian of this city.

Its another story of the mythological background of the Temple is that there was a pious Braahman, well versed in Ved and Scriptures had four learned sons named Devapriya, Priyamedh, Survit and Suvrat. A demon named Dooshan also lived nearby on a hill Ratnmaalaa. He could not tolerate the very concept of Ved and their applications and particularly hated the Braahman brothers. One day the Demon decided to destroy the brothers who were unfazed and continued their worship of Lord Shiv. As the Demon and his cruel followers were about to kill the brothers there was such a 'Hunkaar' or roaring sound of Mahaakaal which itself took away the breath of the entire band of Daanav headed by Dooshan instantly. The Brahman brothers prayed to the Lord who appeared on the spot and implored His manifestation of 'Mahaakaal' to stay put for the greatest benefit of posterity and conducted daily worship from generation to generation.

21 Mahaakaaleshwar no one has ever seen before
According to Hindu scriptures, worshiping Lord Shiv in the month of Shraavan fulfills all wishes. Visiting the 12 Jyotirling during the holy month of Shraavan is also of particular importance. All of these 12 Jyotirling have their own distinct characteristic. But the only one Jyotirling among 12, which faces the south direction, is Mahakaleshwar. This Jyotirling is situated in the capital of Madhya Pradesh in Ujjain. Local residents of this city consider Mahaakaal to be their King. It is their belief that every Saavan, their King Mahaakaal sits on his vehicle and takes the round of the entire city asking for people’s well being. Apart from this, there are many other ancient stories famous about Mahaakaaleshwar. The amazing dressing and makeup of Mahaakaal attracts every human here.

(1) Adradhanarishwar  -  This is the Adradhanarishwar Roop of Mahaakaaleshwar.

(2) Bhang Mahaakaaleshwar  -  This is the Bhang Roop of Mahaakaaleshwar.

(3) Ghataatop Mahaakaaleshwar  -  This is the Ghataatop Roop of Mahaakaaleshwar.

(4) Kesar Chandan Mahaakaaleshwar  -  This is the Kesar Chandan Roop of Mahaakaaleshwar.

(5) Shree Ganesh Mahaakaaleshwar  -  This is the Shree Ganesh Roop of Mahaakaaleshwar.

(6) Rudra Mahaakaaleshwar  -  This is the Rudra Roop of Mahaakaaleshwar.

(7) Seharaa Mahaakaaleshwar  -  This is the Seharaa Roop of Mahaakaaleshwar.

(8) Adbhut Mahaakaaleshwar  -  The Adbhut Mahaakaaleshwar looks like this.

(9) Panchmev Mahaakaaleshwar  -  This is the Panchmev Roop of Mahaakaaleshwar.

(10) Aakarshak Mahaakaaleshwar  -  The Aakarshak Swaroop of Mahaakaaleshwar

(11) Aakarshak Mahaakaaleshwar  -  Another Aakarshak Swaroop of Mahaakaaleshwar

(12) Bhasm Mahaakaaleshwar  -  This is the Bhasm Roop of Mahaakaaleshwar. Everyday Lord Shiva is worshipped in this Roop early morning.

(13) The After Bhasma Mahaakaaleshwar  -  This is the after Bhasma Roop of Mahaakaaleshwar.

(14) Bhasmabhaaratee Shringaar  -  The dressing and makeup of Mahaakaaleshwar after Bhasm Roop.

(15) Panchaamrit Mahaakaaleshwar  -  This is the Panchaamrit Roop of Mahaakaaleshwar.

(16) Vaastavik Mahaakaaleshwar  -  The real Mahaakaaleshwar this is how Mahaakaaleshwar used to look many years ago

(17) The present look of Mahaakaaleshwar  -  In the month of Saavan and Bhaadon, Lord Shiva’s royal ride is extracted. This is the amazing view of the ride.

Mahaakaal’s Sawari

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