According to the Shiva Purana, a king named Chandrasena once ruled Ujjayini — the city we know today as Ujjain. He was a devoted follower of Shiva. A small boy in the same city used to fashion clay Shivalingas and offer them his puja.
At that time, kings from neighbouring kingdoms were plotting an attack on Ujjayini. Chandrasena prayed to Shiva with complete devotion. The Shiva Purana tells us that Shiva then appeared as Mahakal and protected his devotees.
It is at this spot that Shiva resides as Mahakaleshwar. Mahakal means the master of time — the deity who stands beyond time's reach. The Avanti Khanda of the Skanda Purana describes the greatness of Ujjayini in considerable detail.
One especially notable tradition at Mahakaleshwar is the bhasma aarti (ritual offering made with sacred ash) performed in the early hours of the morning. Among the twelve Jyotirlingas, this is traditionally considered the only one that faces south.
Among the twelve Jyotirlingas, the Shivalinga at Ujjain is traditionally considered the only one that faces south.
Ujjain is one of the Sapta Puris — the seven ancient sacred cities mentioned in the Puranic tradition, also known by its older names Avanti and Ujjayini. The Mahabharata and several Puranas speak of this city. It is counted among the oldest continuously inhabited cities of India.
The Mahakaleshwar temple stands on the banks of the Shipra river. Ujjain is one of the four sites that host the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, held every twelve years. The temple complex houses several other ancient shrines alongside Mahakaleshwar.
- The temple is open throughout the year, and devotees come daily for darshan.
- The bhasma aarti in the early morning has traditionally been a special observance here.
- Maha Shivaratri and the month of Shravan bring the largest gatherings.
- The temple complex includes several other ancient shrines alongside Mahakaleshwar.