Ujjain, a city in Madhya Pradesh, holds a special place in Hinduism. It is known as the city of Lord Shiva, and the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga located here is considered extremely sacred throughout the country. Thousands of devotees visit here every day for darshan. But there is a unique belief associated with this holy city, which remains a topic of discussion even in political circles.
According to this belief, no Chief Minister spends the night in Ujjain. Whether they come to visit the Mahakaleshwar temple or to inaugurate a government scheme, they return from here before evening. This tradition has been going on for years and has now become a belief.
Mahakal is the King of Ujjain, No One Else Can Stay
In Ujjain, it is an age-old religious belief that only Mahakaleshwar is the king of this city. According to popular belief, when Lord Shiva himself is the ruler of this city, then no worldly person, especially the Chief Minister who acts as the king, has the right to stay here at night.
There is a saying that only Mahakal is the king of Ujjain. Therefore, if any other king stays in this city, his kingdom or position may be in danger. Examples of many old politicians are also associated with this belief, although there is no governmental or historical documentary evidence of this.
This Tradition Remains a Topic of Discussion Even in Political Circles
This tradition is not limited to religious belief alone, but its effect can be clearly seen in the political system as well. Whether it is the Chief Minister or the Prime Minister, while visiting Ujjain, they may make big announcements, inaugurate schemes, or worship at the Mahakaleshwar temple, but they avoid staying at night.
It has been observed that the Chief Minister of the state comes here during the day, participates in Bhasma Aarti or other worship rituals, but leaves Ujjain by evening. Security agencies and the district administration also take care of this arrangement and special arrangements are made so that the leader does not get into a situation of staying overnight.
Belief Related to Vikramaditya is the Basis
This belief is related to the time of Emperor Vikramaditya. It is said that Vikramaditya himself declared Mahakaleshwar as the ruler of Ujjain and he himself only ruled as a representative. Since then, it became a tradition that only Lord Mahakaleshwar will be the king of this city.
Since then, no king, or a person holding a position like Chief Minister in the present time, stays here overnight. It is also said in folklore that whoever breaks this tradition has to lose his position or face political loss.
Some Special Things About Mahakal Temple That Make It Different
Mahakaleshwar temple is not only discussed because of its beliefs, but also because of its grandeur and religious traditions. Let's know some special facts:
- Swayambhu Jyotirlinga: It is believed that the Mahakaleshwar Shivlinga appeared on its own, which is called 'Swayambhu'. It was not established by any king or priest.
- South-Facing Shivlinga: It is the only Jyotirlinga in India that is south-facing, meaning its face is towards the south direction. It is given special importance.
- Tradition of Bhasma Aarti: The Bhasma Aarti performed early in the morning at the Mahakaleshwar temple is famous all over the world. In this, Lord Shiva is adorned with the ashes of the pyre.
- Nagchandreshwar Temple: The Nagchandreshwar temple located on the upper floor of the temple is opened only for one day on Nag Panchami. Devotees can have darshan of it only on that day throughout the year.
- Center for Calculation of Time: In ancient times, Ujjain was considered the central point for the calculation of time. Calculations of solar eclipse, lunar eclipse etc. were done from here.
Does Everyone Believe in the Belief?
Although this tradition is completely based on religious belief, its effect is also seen on the administrative system. Many Chief Ministers themselves believe in this belief and whenever they come to Ujjain, they return after a program of only a few hours. Many times, the timing of the Chief Minister's visit is also kept immediately after Bhasma Aarti or worship.
The administration also takes care that no CM or high-ranking leader spends the night here unnecessarily. In the city of Mahakal, this tradition is not only a matter of faith but is followed like a discipline that has been going on for years.
