BHAGAVAN MAHAKALA OF AVANTIKA

INTRODUCTION

Ironical it may appear that compassion embodies in itself annihilation - Samhara abides in Karuna. They are inseparable and so exist not in isolation at any time; where there is sweetness, there exists pungency, like the object associated with shadow. Doesn't the phenomenon of night following day embody this universal truth? Obverse and reverse do exist and then only life commands dignity, gains mobility, acquires beauty, why it becomes life as such and makes itself live- worthy. This Law of Nature is represented by Lord Maheswar. He is the personification of this eternal, immunable law. Although he is omnicompassion by nature and action, he holds the office of Destruction along with Brahma, in charge of creation - Sristi, Vishnu looking after protection lokrakshana. Siva is the destroyer - layakara by virtue of his post, and hence some odium is attached to his profession - rather certain amount of aversion darts involuntarily at the mention of the word itself; for, every living creature deems life as sweet and desires to be chiranjivi-his living to be extended to eternity, if permitted; but not; yet the Lord is carrying on his duty with dignity; for he is not the killer, but he only snaps the bonds of moha-tying mankind down to earth. Lord Maheswar, the Karunaikasindhu assuming the aspect of destroyer is adored as Mahakala - the samharakartha at Avantika. It is a standing testimony of this universal truth. Avantika became one of the premier metropolitan cities of ancient India and trailed a blaze of light across the page of history due to Lord Maheswar's taking his seat here, and it is still continuing so, on account of preserving certain relics in the form of sculptural monuments, besides adorning the pages of literature with purple patches of descriptions of infinite variety by immortal poets such as Kalidas, Bana etc, whose creative artistry invested the place with grandeur that surpassed Amaravathi, the first word in the inimitable grandiose splendour. This city went by the magniloquent name of Ujjaini - the victorious city in mythology, Ujeni in history, Avanti in literary master-pieces and Ozene in the travelogues of foreigners. The history of its past is vast and magnificent.

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