Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Ujjain

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Ujjain is dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. This Mahakal temple is located in the ancient city of Ujjain of Madhya Pradesh state, India near the Kshipra river. In this temple, Lord Shiva is situated in the form of lingam and it is believed to be Swayambhu. Swayambhu means "self-manifested" or "self-existing". The present structure of the temple is developed by Ranoji Shinde in 1734 who was Maratha general.

Story of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga:

Once Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu had an argument over who is supreme in the creation in this world. Lord Shiva was listening to their argument. In order to test them, Shiva created an endless bright pillar that does not have any end. Lord Vishnu and Brahma decided to find the end of this pillar. Lord Vishnu traveled downside of the pillars as far as they can but they not able to find it and accepted his defeat. However, Lord Brahma lied by saying that they found the end of the bright pillar in an upwards direction. Then Shiva appeared immediately and cursed Lord Brahma that he would have no place in ceremonies whereas Lord Vishnu will be worshipped till the end of eternity. The Jyotirlinga (a pillar in story) through which Lord Shiva appears becomes one of the popular shrines in Ujjain.

Mahakal Bhasma aarti:

Temple authority does Bhasma aarti after Jal Abhishek every day and it started in the morning from 4 am to 5 am. You need to strictly follow dress codes defined by the authority of the temple for Mahakal darshan for Jal Abhishek. Security checks the dress code and only after that they will allow you to enter Garbgrah (inside the temple). Men need to wear dhoti and saree for women. You can take dhoti on rent from the shops available in temple premises.