Mahakaleshwar Corridor
Context:
- The Prime Minister is set to inaugurate the Mahakaleshwar Corridor, constructed in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain at a cost of Rs 350 crore, on October 11.
About the Project:
- The Mahakaleshwar temple and the surrounding region in the Ujjain district are the subject of the Mahakal Maharaj Mandir Parisar Vistar Yojna, a plan for their growth, beautification, and congestion reduction.
- According to the plan, the 2.82 hectare Mahakaleshwar temple grounds will be expanded to 47 hectares and developed by the Ujjain district administration over two phases.
- Rudrasagar Lake, which covers 17 hectares, will be a part of this. The initiative is anticipated to boost city foot traffic from the existing 1.50 crore to about three crore annually.
- Lord Shiva is referred to as Mahakaleshwar, which is Sanskrit for “Lord of Time.” According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma built the temple, which is now situated next to the revered Kshipra river.
- One of the 12 jyotirlingas, which are regarded as Shiva’s holiest residences, is the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain.
- According to chronicles, the Mahakal Lingam in the temple is thought to be Swayambhu (self-manifested), and in contrast to other jyotirlingas in the nation, the idol of Mahakaleshwar faces south.
- In order to awaken the god, anoint him, and make the first fire offering for him, the bhasma-aarti is the first ritual performed at the temple in the morning.
- Across the nation, it draws hundreds of devoted followers. One of India’s 18 Maha Shaktia Peeth, the shrine is highly regarded.
