DN Darshan: Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain

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New Delhi/ 21 July 2016. The holy month of Shravan began on Wednesday. According to mythology this month is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. 

 Dynamite News brings you a series of most glorious places of Lord Shiva.  Today we take you to Shri Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh:

Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is considered to be one the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. 

Located in the ancient city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, the temple is situated by the side of Rudra Sagar Lake. 

The presiding deity, Lord Shiva in the lingam form is believed to be Swayambhu, deriving currents of power, Shakti, from within itself as against the other images and lingams that are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti.

Ujjain is also famous for Kumba Mela held here every 12 years.

Everybody millions of devotees come here to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva to seek His blessings. But during Maha-Shivaratri that falls during February- March a great number of devotees come here from around the globe.

History
The present structure was built by the General of Srimant Peshwa Baji Rao and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of the Hindu Pad Padshahi---Srimant Raanojirao Shinde Maharaj Scindia in 1736.

Further developments and management was done by Shreenath Mahadji Shinde Maharaj also known as Madhavrao Shinde the First (1730–12 February 1794) and Srimant Maharani Bayzabai Raje Shinde (1827–1863).

Architecture
The temple is three-storied and dominates the skyline of southern part of Ujjain. The curved structure is festooned with motifs on its all sides, intensifying above the pillared porches. 

The corridor walls are garlanded with the old statues and sculptures, whereas the courtyard comprises remnants of ancient shrines.

The floors are decked with pricked railings, while the balconies are festooned with splendid roofs festooned in Rajput architectural style.

How to reach
Ujjain is very well linked with Indore city and can be reached easily by road and train. The nearest airport is Indore which is about 60km from Ujjain.