Mahakaleshwar Temple

The Mahakaleshwar temple complex was destroyed by Sultan Shas-ud-din Iltutmish during his raid of Ujjain in 1234-1235. The present structure was built by Peshwa Baji Rao and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj in 1736 AD. Further developments and management was done by Shreenath Mahadji Shinde Maharaj (Mahadji The Great) also known as Madhavrao Shinde the First (1730–12 February 1794) and Srimant Maharani Bayzabai Raje Shinde (1827–1863).

In the regime of Maharaja Shrimant Jayaajirao Saheb Shinde Alijah Bahadur until 1886, major programs of the then Gwalior Riyasat used to be held at this mandir. After Independence the Dev Sthan Trust was replaced by the municipal corporation of Ujjain. Nowadays it is under the collectorate.

The idol is a Dakshinamurti, which means that it faces the south. This unique feature is found only in the mahakaleshwar temple. The idols of Ganesh, Kartikeya, Parvati are installed in the western, eastern and northern corners of the temple. The temple has 5 levels of which one is located underground. The temple is situated in a massive courtyard, surrounded by high walls and a lake. It is believed that the prasada offered in this temple can be re-offered, a belief that is not found in any of the other 12 Jyotirlinga.