The Maha kali Temple at Ujjain is one of the 18 major Shakti Peethas. Accorging to the scriptures Devi’l upper lip fell here and according to the locals her elbow fell here.
The locals call her Hara Sidhi Mata. She is also called Rakt Dantika or Chamnuda.
According to scriptures a powerful demon called Andhakasur was the ruler of ancient Ujjain. He had the boon that with every drop of his blood that touched the ground another new Andhakasur will be produced. Lord Shiva fought the evil demon and pierced him with his Trishul and Devi Mahakali appeared and drank all the blood and the demon was killed.
According to another legend in the Skanda Purana two demons called Chand and Prachand tried to enter the prohibited Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva and Devi. Shiva requested Devi Chandi to destroy them and she killed them and aquired the name Harsiddhi.
During the Maratha period the temple was reconstructed. Two beautiful pillars which are lit with lamps are a special attraction Of this temple. An ancient well and a beautiful pillar are another attraction.
The great king Vikramaditya used to worship Devi here. Kalidasa also worshipped HER here and became a great poet.
Ujjain Mahakali Shakti Peeth celebrates the following festivals.
Chaitra Navratri
Ashwin Navratri
Durga Puja
Shivratri
Magha Purnima
Falguna Purnima
Paush Purnima
Shravan Month
Maha Kumbh Mela
Temple Timings: Opens at 3:30 am and closes at 11:00 pm.
How to reach: Indore 49kms away is the nearest airport.
By Train & bus: Many regular trains and busses to Ujjain from other major cities.
Accommodation: Many 1 to 5 star hotels are available.
Other things to see:
Ujjaini Mahakaleswar, one of the famous 12 Jyotirlingas is a must see here. The Shiva Linga in this temple is quite unique as it is the only one that faces south (All other Shiva Lingas face North) hence it is called called Dakshinamurti.
Chintaman Ganesh: A beautifully carved Ganesha temple of the Paramara period.
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir : It has a rare huge idol of Ganesha and also an idol of Pancha Mukhi(5 faced) Hanuman.
Mangalnath temple: According to the Matsya Purana this is the birth place of Mars. A nice place to offer homage to Mars if it is afflicted in your horoscope.
Vikram Kirti Mandir: Built to celebrate second millennium of the Vikram era, it has an archaeological museum, an art gallery and a great reference library which has rare manuscripts in Prakrit, Arabic, Persian and other Indian languages.
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