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Source: The post on Mahakal Temple is based on the article “Two dead as wall near Ujjain’s Mahakal temple collapses due to heavy rain” published in “India Today” on 27th september 2024.
Why in the News?
Due to heavy rainfall, it has recently caused the collapse of a boundary wall near the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, killing two people.
About Mahakaleshwar Temple
1. Location: The Mahakal Temple is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It is situated on the banks of the holy river, Shipra.
2. Dedicated to: It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India, which are considered the most sacred abodes of Shiva.
3. Distinctive feature: The temple’s importance lies in its unique representation of Shiva in the form of the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga which is believed to be a Swayambhu (self-manifested) linga, emerging naturally from the earth.
4. Architecture and Structure:
1. The Mahakal Temple is an architectural marvel, blending intricate design elements that showcase the rich cultural heritage of India.
2. The temple complex is expansive, with multiple shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses, including Omkareshwara, Ganesh and Parvati.
3. The main sanctum houses the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, and the temple’s towering Shikhar (spire) dominates the skyline of Ujjain.
4. One unique feature of the temple is the Bhasma Aarti, a ritual performed every morning during which the linga is bathed in sacred ash (bhasma). This ritual is carried out in the early hours and symbolizes the concept of life, death, and rebirth.
5. Spiritual Significance:
The Mahakal Temple holds a special place in Hindu cosmology and mythology.
It is mentioned in several ancient scriptures, including the Puranas where Ujjain (referred to as Avantika) is depicted as a major center for spiritual and scholarly pursuits.
The temple is believed to be the place where time itself is under the control of Mahakala, or Shiva, who is the lord of time and death.
6. Festivals and Celebrations:
The temple is particularly vibrant during Mahashivratri which is an annual festival dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Another important celebration is the Nag Panchami during which special offerings are made to the serpent gods, considered companions of Lord Shiva.
The temple also plays a key role in the Simhastha Kumbh Mela held in Ujjain every twelve years.
UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture
