Ujjayini Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain
* History
The Ujjayini Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the holiest shrines of Shiva in Hinduism. It is located in the city of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is believed to have been built in the 10th century CE by the Parmara king Bhoja.
* Architecture
The Ujjayini Mahakaleshwar Temple is a large, rectangular structure with a pyramidal roof. The temple is made of red sandstone and has a number of intricately carved pillars and doorways. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses a black stone lingam, which is believed to be the Jyotirlinga of Shiva.
* Festivals
The Ujjayini Mahakaleshwar Temple is the site of a number of festivals throughout the year. The most important festival is the Mahashivratri festival, which is celebrated on the 14th night of the lunar month of Phalguna. During this festival, the temple is illuminated with thousands of diyas (oil lamps) and devotees from all over India come to worship Shiva.
* Significance
The Ujjayini Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple is believed to be the place where Shiva performed the tandava dance, the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. The temple is also associated with the legend of the sage Markandeya, who was saved from death by Shiva.
References
* [Ujjayini Mahakaleshwar Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ujjayini_Mahakaleshwar_Temple)
Architecture
Architecture of Ujjayini Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain
The Ujjayini Mahakaleshwar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the city of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred shrines of Shiva.
The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture. It is a large, rectangular structure with a pyramidal roof. The main entrance is on the east side of the temple. The temple has a sanctum sanctorum, which houses the lingam of Shiva. The sanctum sanctorum is surrounded by a pillared hall.
The temple is decorated with sculptures of various Hindu deities. The most famous sculpture is the one of Shiva as Nataraja, the dancing Shiva. The temple also has a number of other sculptures, including those of Vishnu, Ganesha, and Parvati.
The Ujjayini Mahakaleshwar Temple is a popular pilgrimage site. It is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The temple is also a major tourist attraction.
Key features of the architecture of the Ujjayini Mahakaleshwar Temple
* The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture.
* It is a large, rectangular structure with a pyramidal roof.
* The main entrance is on the east side of the temple.
* The temple has a sanctum sanctorum, which houses the lingam of Shiva.
* The sanctum sanctorum is surrounded by a pillared hall.
* The temple is decorated with sculptures of various Hindu deities.
* The most famous sculpture is the one of Shiva as Nataraja, the dancing Shiva.
Significance of the Ujjayini Mahakaleshwar Temple
The Ujjayini Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred shrines of Shiva. The temple is also a major tourist attraction.
References
* [Ujjayini Mahakaleshwar Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ujjayini_Mahakaleshwar_Temple)