Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Know, why it is called, Mahakal ?

The ancient city of Ujjain is home to the Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Every year, millions of devotees visit this sacred site to seek the blessings of Baba Mahakal, the Lord of Time. The Mahakal form of Lord Shiva is described in detail in the Shiva Purana. This place is said to grant desired outcomes and absolve all sins.

The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain holds great mythological significance. According to legend, Lord Shiva slew the demon named Dushan here to protect his devotees. After this, he took residence at this place in response to the prayers of his devotees.

Story of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga: -

According to mythological stories, there was a beautiful city named Avanti, which was very dear to Lord Shiva. A learned man named Vedapriya resided in this city. He was wise and an exceptional devotee of Lord Shiva. He would daily create a Parthiv Shiva Lingam and worship Lord Shiva. Vedapriya established a sacred fire at home and performed Agnihotra every day, remaining ever faithful in his worship of Shiva. Because of his deeds and devotion, he attained salvation, which is accessible only to saints.

Vedapriya had four sons who followed their parents' commands and always walked the path of truth. The names of his sons were Devapriya, Priya Medha, Sukrit, and Suvrat. The virtues of these four sons were increasing day by day. Consequently, due to their selfless worship, the holy city of Ujjain also became more radiant with their brilliance.

At that time, a demon named Dushan, who resided on the Ratnamal mountain, had received a boon from Lord Brahma. Empowered by this boon, he would always attack the Vedas, dharma, and righteous individuals. Because of this boon, he decided to attack the righteous people of Ujjain. With the help of his army, he started oppressing the Brahmins of Avanti (Ujjain). Under his command, fierce demons spread in all directions.

At that time, all the righteous people of the city became alarmed, but they were not fearful. Instead, they all continued to worship Lord Shiva. The demon tried to stop the righteous people from performing their rituals, but they did not pay attention to him. The demon began to harass them every day. Disturbed by this, all the righteous people began to pray to Lord Shiva for protection.

At that time, Dushan, along with his army, ordered to either take those righteous people hostage or kill them. Vedapriya's sons and the righteous people did not listen to the demon because they were absorbed in the meditation of Lord Shankar. As soon as that wicked being intended to kill the righteous people, a pit appeared with a loud noise at the place of the Shiva Lingam. From that pit, Lord Shankar appeared immediately in a fierce form, known as Mahakal. Lord Shankar is known to be the destroyer of evil and the protector of righteous people. He said to the demon, "Oh wicked one! I have appeared as Mahakal for the likes of you. Flee from the sight of these righteous people."

Lord Mahakal, the divine form of Shankar, instantly reduced Dushan and his army to ashes with his roar. Some of the army were killed by Lord Shankar, while others fled in fear. Lord Shiva defeated Dushan, and upon his appearance, the demon army became invisible. Following this, the celestial conch shells were sounded, and flowers began to rain from the sky.

Lord Mahakal, the Supreme Lord Shiva, assured the righteous people and said, "Ask for a boon." The righteous people, folding their hands and bowing with devotion, replied, "O Mahakal Mahadev, Lord Shambhu, who punishes the wicked! Kindly grant us liberation from the cycle of worldly existence. Always protect people and deliver those who come to seek your blessings.

Upon hearing the Brahmins' prayer, Lord Mahakal granted their request and took his residence in the pit. The Brahmins attained liberation, and the land extending one yojana around that area became the sacred place of Lord Shiva's Lingam. He became renowned on Earth as Mahakaleshwar. Devotees who worship Mahakal with their desires have all their wishes fulfilled and attain liberation in the afterlife as well.

Verified from Puran……..

Writer :- krishna