Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain – History

Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain – History

Puranas narrate that it was first established by Prajapita Brahma. There is reference to the appointment of prince Kumara Sena by king Chanda Pradyota in 6^th Century BC for looking after the law and order situations of Mahakala temple. The punch-marked coins of Ujjain, belonging to 4^th - 3^rd Century BC, bear the figure of Lord Siva on them. Mahakala temple is also mentioned in several ancient Indian poetic texts. According to these texts, the temple had been very magnificent and magnanimous. Its foundation and platform were built of stones. The temple rested on the wooden pillars. There had been no sikharas on the temples prior to the Gupta period. The roofs of temples had mostly been flat. Possibly due to this fact, Kalidasa in Raghuvamsa described this temple as ‘Niketana’. The palace of the king had been in the vicinity of the temple. In the early part of the Meghadutam (Purva Megha), Kalidasa gives a fascinating description of the Mahakala temple.

After the downfall of the Gupta empire, several dynasties including the Maitrakas, Chalukyas, Later Guptas, Kalachuris, Pusyabhutis, Gurjara Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas etc. dominated the political scenario in Ujjain one after the other. It also appeared that during Paramara period, a series of crisis prevailed over Ujjain and the Mahakala temple. The temple complex was destroyed by Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish during his raid of Ujjain in 1234-5. A contemporary Mahakala Inscription testifies that the Mahakala temple was re-built immediately after destruction during the reign of Udayaditya and Naravarman. It was built in the Bhumija style of architecture, very favourite to the Paramaras. Remains available in the temple-complex and the neighboring places authenticate this fact.

Prabandha Chintamani, Vividha Tirtha Kalpataru, Prabandha Kosha all composed during 13^th - 14^th Century reveal this fact. Similar mention is made in Vikramacharit and Bhojacharita composed in 15^th Century AD. According to the epic Hammira Mahakavya, Hammira, the ruler of Ranathambor worshipped Lord Mahakala while his stay in Ujjain. A few Sanads issued by the Sultans of Malwa and Mughal emperors have come to light in Ujjain which testifies that during the medieval period these Islamic rulers contributed some donations to priests for conducting worship, lighting the lamps and offering the prayers to divinity for the safety of their reign. Thus, it is evident that these Islamic rulers also had a respect for Mahakalesvara and they issued financial assistance for the appeasement of Hindu subjects too.

Maratha regime was established in Ujjain during 18^th Century. The administration of Ujjain was assigned by Peshwa Bajirao-I to his commander Ranoji Shinde. The diwan of Ranoji Scindia was Sukhatanakar Ramchandra Baba Shenavi who was very wealthy he decided to invest his wealth for religious purposes. The present structure was built by him in 1734 CE. Further developments and management was done by other members of his dynasty, including Mahadji Scindia (1730–1794) and Daulat Rao Scindia's wife Baiza Bai. (1827–1863). During the reign of Jayajirao Scindia (until 1886), major programs of the then Gwalior State used to be held at this temple. After Independence the Dev Sthan Trust was replaced by the municipal corporation of Ujjain. Nowadays it is under the collectorate office of Ujjain District.