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Ujjain Mahakal, also known as Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, is one of the most famous Hindu temples in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is a popular tourist spot, attracting tourists from all around the country. According to the general public, the common benefits of visiting Mahakaleshwar include overcoming the fear of death and the constraints of time. Moreover, there are different tales associated with the history of the temple. Here are some interesting facts you need to know about before visiting the Ujjain Mahakal temple.
Amazing Fun Facts About Ujjain Mahakal Temple
1. The Mahakaleshwar temple is located on the banks of the river Kshipra, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
2. The Varaha Purana states that Mahakaleshwar is situated at the central point or Nabhi of the earth, identified as the state of Ujjain.
3. The temple has five floors.
4. It is believed that Kumarasena, the son of Ujjain’s former king Chandpradyot, built the temple in the 6th century AD.
5. The temple was later reconstructed in the 12th century AD under the leadership of King Udayaditya and King Naravarman.
6. Ujjain Mahakal is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
7. While other jyotirlingas are installed, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is Dakshinmukhi Swayambhu, or a south-facing and self-manifested.
8. It is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas.
9. It is also one of the 7 Mukti Sthalas in India.
10. The legend behind this temple states that the upper lip of Devi Sati fell at this spot, hence the name Mahakali for Shakti.
11. Priests of the temple use the ashes of a recently cremated body while performing the rituals. This is known as the Bhasma Aarti which begins at 4:00 AM.
12. The Omakreshwar Lingam, located on the second floor of the temple, welcomes devotees all year round.
13. Devotees can access the Nagachandresvara lingam, located on the top floor, only on the occasion of Nag Panchmi.
14. The complex of the Ujjain Mahakal temple consists of a big Kunda or Koti Tirtha near which devotees can spot the idols of Kartikeya, Parvati, and Ganesha.
15. Devotees can bathe in the Koti Tirtha to get maximum benefits from its holy water.
16. The temple features a seamless combination of the Bhumija, Martha, and Chalukya architectural styles.
17. The punch-marked coins of Ujjain, belonging to the 4th and 3rd century BC, portray the figure of Lord Shiva.
18. Kalidasa in his Sanskrit epic poem Raghuvansan describes the Ujjain Mahakal temple has Niketana.
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