Anadikalpeshwar Mahadev Temple Ujjain (5/84) – Eternal Shiva Shrine in Mahakaleshwar Complex

Location

Situated: Inside the Mahakaleshwar Temple complex, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
Position: Southwest corner of the Mahakal premises.
Accessibility: Easily reached while visiting Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, making it a natural part of the pilgrimage circuit.

Deities

Main Deity: Lord Shiva, worshipped as Anadikalpeshwar Mahadev.
Lingam: Ancient red-brown stone, ~1.5 feet high, installed in a sanctum of ~100 sq. ft.

Significance

Eternal Form: The name Anadikalpeshwar means “Shiva without beginning or end.”
Spiritual Belief: It is said that when the cosmic cycle ends, the entire world dissolves into this lingam, symbolizing Shiva’s timeless nature.
Pilgrimage Importance: As part of the 84 Mahadev circuit, darshan here is believed to grant liberation and spiritual merit.

History & Legends

Puranic Roots: Ujjain (ancient Avantika) is described in the Skanda Purana as a city where Shiva manifests in multiple forms.
Legend: The lingam of Anadikalpeshwar is said to embody Shiva’s eternal essence, existing before creation and persisting beyond dissolution.
Mahakal Connection: Being within the Mahakaleshwar complex, it reinforces the idea that Mahakal (time) and Anadikalpeshwar (timelessness) coexist.

Rituals

Daily Worship: Abhishekam with water, milk, curd, honey, and bilva leaves.
Special Offerings: Devotees chant mantras emphasizing Shiva’s eternal nature.
84 Mahadev Yatra: Pilgrims include Anadikalpeshwar as a mandatory stop in the circuit.

Festivals

Mahashivaratri: Celebrated with grandeur, including night-long abhishekams and chanting of Shiva Panchakshari mantra.
Shravan Month (July–August): Devotees undertake the 84 Mahadev Yatra, with Anadikalpeshwar being a vital shrine.
Simhastha Kumbh Mela (every 12 years): The temple witnesses massive pilgrim footfall during this sacred gathering.

Getting Here

Location: Inside the Mahakaleshwar Temple complex, southwest corner, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
By Road:

Ujjain is ~55 km from Indore, ~190 km from Bhopal.
Local autos and taxis are available from anywhere in Ujjain city to Mahakaleshwar temple.

Tips

Combine Darshan: Since Anadikalpeshwar is inside the Mahakaleshwar complex, plan darshan of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga first, then visit Anadikalpeshwar and other shrines in the premises.
Best Season: Shravan month (July–August) and Mahashivaratri are spiritually powerful times to visit.
Offerings: Bilva leaves, milk, curd, honey, and chanting of Shiva Panchakshari mantra are considered auspicious.
84 Mahadev Yatra: Anadikalpeshwar is the 5th shrine in the circuit; many devotees undertake the full yatra during Shravan.
Travel Comfort: Early mornings are less crowded and ideal for peaceful worship.
Nearby Shrines: Within the Mahakal complex, you can also visit Koteshwar, Swarnjwalewshwar, and other Mahadev temples.