Mahakaleswarar and Om kaleswarar Jyothir Lingam Temples.

This time our visit was to Bhopal for a marriage and we availed the opportunity to visit two Jyothirlingas of twelve, nearer to Bhopal. Bhopal stands on the site of the 11th century city of Bhojapal, founded by Raja Bhoja.

1. Bojpur
   
   
   The place is about 28kms from Bhopal.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   We see magnificent Shiva temple of 11th century known as Bhojeshwar temple founded and named after Bhoja Raja. The temple structure is incomplete and the earthen ramp used to rise to dome level, is still incomplete. The massive patterns engraved on the surrounding rocks show a grand architectural plan for the temple.
   
   
   The Shiva linga inside the sanctum is huge in size. The temple is one of the best examples of 11th century architecture.
   
   
   
2. Ujjain:
   
   
   The place is about 205 kms from Bhopal and 55kms from Indore.
   
   
   Modern Ujjain is on the banks of Shipra River, and we see lots of temples in this city. Ujjain is the modern name for Ujjayini.
   
   
   Legend is that the God like Shiva of Avanti Commemorated his victory over the demon ruler of Tripura on the bank of River Naramada by changing the name of his capital Avantipura to Ujjayani.
   
   
   
   Importance:This is one of the places where Kumbamela is celebrated once in 12 years. The great poet Kalidasa is said to have written some of his works from this place. Most of the temples are on the ancient sites, which are renovated over years.
   
   
   
3. Mahakaleswar temple:
   
   
   
   this is One of the 12 Jyothir linga temples.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The temple is rebuilt by Marathas in 18th century. The temple is below the ground level.
   
   
   
   The main deity here is Swayambu lingam known as Mahakaleswar. He is also known as Dakshina moorthy facing south. Near the entrance we see nandi and inside the sanctum, we see Ganesha, Parvathi and Karthikeya. To the outer circle we see Ekadasa linga, Hanuman, Ganasha, andNarashimar. Navagraha here is in the form of 9 lingas.
   
   
   
   
4. Hara Siddhi Matha temple:
   
   
   
   The temple is to the adjacent road to Mahakaleswar temple.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Here Matha Annapoorna is seen seated between the idol of Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswathi. Sri yantra is enshrined in the temple.
   
   
   
   According to Shiva puranam elbow of Sati Devi dropped in this place and it is one of the Sakthi peetam. The stone pillars adorned with lamps are special features of Maratha period. When we go around the temple we see Bala Ganesha, Bala Hanuman, and Maha Maya sanctums.
   
   
   
5. Kala Bairavar:
   
   
   
   The temple of Kala Bairavar was built by the King Bhadrasen on the banks of Shipra. The temple is old and famous one.
   
   
   
   Here wine is poured in the mouth of kalabairavar which he drinks. We don’t see any hole in the mouth. It’s a miracle, which is unique feature of this place.Worship of Kalabairavar is believed to be a part of Kapalika and Aghora sect. Even today liquor is offered as a part of rituals to Kalabairavar and the liquor is given as Prasadam.
   
   
   
   
6. Omkaraswarar:
   
   
   
   This is One of the 12 Jyothir Linga Temples.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The temple stands on an island formed by the fork of Narmada River in the shape of holiest Hindu symbol OM. We have to cross the river to reach the temple that is on hill.
   
   
   
   Nandi here is spoilt due to the river water. The temple is constructed of soft stone with striking carvings. The roof of the shrine is intricately carved and enriching the shrines. We cross the hall with pillars carved with circles, polygons and squares.
   
   
   
   The main deity Omkareswarar is in Linga form which is coarse and shapeless. Goddess Parvathi is seen at the back of Shiva linga.
   
   
   
   To reach the place from Indore it is 75 kms by road, and by rail it is Omkareswarar road 12 kms on Ratlam-Kandwa of western railway.
   

[Jyothir Lingam] [Shakti Peetam]