Context:
Prime Minister to inaugurate the Mahakaleshwar Corridor, constructed in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain at a cost of Rs 350 crore.
Relevance:
GS I: History
Dimensions of the Article:
- What is the Mahakal corridor?
- Significance of Mahakaleshwar temple
What is the Mahakal corridor?
- Mahakal Maharaj Mandir Parisar Vistar Yojna is a plan for the expansion, beautification, and decongestion of the Mahakaleshwar temple and its adjoining area in Ujjain district.
- Under the plan, the Mahakaleshwar temple premises of around 2.82 hectares is being increased to 47 hectares, which will be developed in two phases by the Ujjain district administration.
- This will include the 17 hectares of Rudrasagar lake.
- The project is expected to increase annual footfall in the city from the current 1.50 crore to nearly three crore.
Significance of Mahakaleshwar temple
- Mahakaleshwar, which means the ‘Lord of time’, refers to Lord Shiva.
- As per Hindy mythology, the temple was constructed by Lord Brahma and is presently located alongside the holy river Kshipra.
- Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain is one of the 12 jyotirlingas considered the most sacred abodes of Shiva. As per records, the temple’s Mahakal Lingam is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested) and unlike any other jyotirlingas in the country, the idol of Mahakaleshwar faces south.
- The bhasma-aarti is the first ritual conducted at the temple in the morning to wake the god, anoint him, and make the first offering of fire for him. It attracts thousands of devotees across the country.
- The shrine is revered as one the 18 Maha Shaktia Peeth in India.
- The temple in its present form was built by the Maratha general Ranoji Shinde in 1734 CE.
- Before Independence, the Dev Sthan Trust used to look after the temple.
- This was replaced by the municipal corporation of Ujjain post-Independence. The collectorate office of Ujjain district now manages the administration of the temple.
-Source: Indian Express
