Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. This ancient temple holds immense spiritual significance and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years.
The Mahakaleshwar temple has been mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Puranas and epics like the Mahabharata. The temple’s prominence grew during the Paramara dynasty (9th–12th century CE), when Ujjain was a flourishing center of learning, trade, and spirituality.
In the 12th century, Sultan Iltutmish of the Delhi Sultanate destroyed the original temple during his invasion. However, the temple was later reconstructed by various Hindu rulers, most notably the Marathas in the 18th century under the patronage of Ranoji Scindia, who contributed significantly to its restoration.