The tradition of Mahakala in minds of the people is eternal Ujjain used to be centre point of the calculation of the Indian time and Mahaklala was considered as the distinctive presiding deity of UjjainThe presiding deity of time, Shiva, in all his splendor, reigns eternal in Ujjain.
The temple of Mahakaleshwar, its shikhara soaring into the skies, an imposing façade against the skyline, evokes primordial awe and reverence with its majesty. The Mahakal dominates the life of the city and its people, even in the midst of the busy routine of modern preoccupations, and provides an unbreakable link with past traditions.
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, the lingam at the Mahakal is believed to be swayambhu (born of itself), deriving currents of power (Shakti) from within itself as against the other images and lingams which are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti.
Mahakali
The idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be dakshinamurti, facing the South. This is a unique feature, upheld by tantric tradition to be found only in Mahakaleshwar among the 12 jyotirlingas.The idol of Omkareshwar Shiva is consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine.
On the day of Mahashivaratri, a huge fair is held near the temple, and worship goes on through the nightMahakaleshwar temple at Ujjain is located near a holy lake named Rudra Sagar; it is three storied temple. The main sanctum deity is at the ground floor. The temple itself is located in a spacious courtyard surrounded by massive walls.
The shikhara is adorned with sculptural finery. Brass lamps light the way to the underground sanctum. It is believed that prasada offered here to the deity can be re-offered unlike all other shrines.