BHAGAVAN MAHAKALA OF AVANTIKA

THE TEMPLE

The famous temple of Mahakala lies in the heart of Ujjain - situated beside a lake of unusual dimensions. And it is infront of Devi temple. It is a three-storeyed shrine with a massive compound wall. The garbhagriha enshrining the Mahakala jyotirlinga is located in the ground floor over which two storeys are erected. This three-storeyed temple is beautified with sculptural adornments of many kinds. The archamurthi is about 3 feet in height and its pedestal is made of brass and silver with artistic adornments. The decoration of Mahakala with flowers and sandal paste feasts the eyes. The frontal view with sandal paste make up, beautified with two broad eyes between the long nose over the charming mouth adorned by the twisted moustaches is quite enchanting and the brass lamps lighting up the spacious garbhagriha heighten the glory of the Lord and leave an indelible impression. The architectural design though of antique type, its huge dimensions with, spacious verandahs and grand pavilions for several adorable deities detain the visitors for hours and lifts their souls. There are certain strange traditions here-one amongst such peculiar traditions is that whatever is offered to the Lord Mahakala can be offered again and again after duly washing. This kind of offering of the same item for the second time is honoured and accepted. No where such practice is observed in India; for, once if anything is offered to God it is final and only the giver receives it back as mahaprasad, and deemed unfit for further offering to any god. Is not Mahakala combining karuna and samhara in himself, the most strangest among the strangest? Some reoffer the bilva leaves after duly washing them again. Sivapurana deals this topic at length and justifies it with proof. The visitors usually taking bath on the Ratnaghat of the river Sipra flowing nearby, worship the Lord with great devotional fervour accompanied by 'Harahara Mahadev' slogans which reverberating the entire region rend the skies to reaching the Kailas to awaken him, as it were to grant them boons.

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