Mahakaleshwar temple

Why in news?

• The Prime Minister will be inaugurating the Mahakaleshwar Corridor, constructed in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain.

About Mahakaleshwar temple:

• Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. It is located in the ancient city of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
• The temple is situated on the side of the holy river Shipra.
• The temple in its present form was built by the Maratha general Ranoji Shinde in 1734 CE.

Significance:

• Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga 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 shrine is also revered as one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peeth in India.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

‘Mahakaleshwar Corridor’, recently inaugurated by Prime Minister, is located in:

(a) Varanasi

(b) Ujjain

(c) Mathura

(d) Puri

Answer