Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
మహాకాళేశ్వర్
Lord Shiva as Mahakal (the great destroyer of time) · Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 sacred manifestations of Lord Shiva as a self-manifest pillar of light (jyoti-linga). Located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The only south-facing Jyotirlinga (Dakshinamukhi). Famous Bhasma Aarti at 4:00 AM (Lord adorned with sacred ash from cremation grounds). Considered the most powerful for time/death-related karmas.
Significance
The only south-facing Jyotirlinga (Dakshinamukhi). Famous Bhasma Aarti at 4:00 AM (Lord adorned with sacred ash from cremation grounds). Considered the most powerful for time/death-related karmas.
Mythological Origin
Shiva manifested here to destroy a demon named Dushana who was tormenting his devotee Sri Kara, a Brahmin in Avantika (modern Ujjain).
About the 12 Jyotirlingas
The 12 Jyotirlingas are the holiest Shiva pilgrimage sites in India. Per the Shiva Mahapurana, when devotees compete to claim Lord Shiva's primacy, he manifested as an infinite pillar of light (jyoti-stambha) at 12 sacred locations. Devotees visiting all 12 in a single lifetime is one of the highest pilgrimages (Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Yatra). Reciting the 12-line Jyotirlinga Stotra ("Saurashtre Somanatham...") daily is said to grant the merit of physical pilgrimage to all 12.