Ujjain: Mahakal's court

Episodes and lessons

1. The lord who rose from the earth at Avanti Episode 1 · 12 min · Read along

   In this episode: Four brothers kept up their daily worship of Shiva with an earthen linga.; Shiva rose from the earth as Mahakala, greater than time itself.; The temple is known for its south-facing linga and the Bhasma aarti..

   It begins: "Let us settle for a moment. One breath in. One breath out."

2. The cowherd boy, the king, and the lord of time Episode 2 · 12 min · Read along

   In this episode: The Shiva Purana tells of King Chandrasena and the cowherd boy Shrikara.; The name Mahakala holds time, death, and the great lord beyond them.; Ujjain was a zero line for Indian astronomy and home to an observatory..

   It begins: "Namaste, and welcome back. Let us take one slow breath together before we begin."

3. Ash before dawn, understanding the Bhasma aarti Episode 3 · 12 min · Read along

   In this episode: The Bhasma aarti is the first pre‑dawn worship at Mahakaleshwar, offering ash and lamps.; Ash symbolizes what remains after fire, reminding us that all things change over time.; Attend via the temple committee, follow dress code, health advice, and staff guidance..

   It begins: "Let us begin this sitting in the quiet of early morning. Close your eyes for a moment if you are able, and imagine the city before the sun is up."

4. Around Mahakal, the Shipra, Harsiddhi, Kaal Bhairav and Sandipani Episode 4 · 11 min · Read along

   A slow walk through the sacred city around the temple, the Shipra river and Ram Ghat, the goddess at Harsiddhi, Kaal Bhairav, and the ashram where Krishna is said to have studied.

   It begins: "Namaste, and welcome to our fourth sitting. Let us take a breath and let the day settle for a moment."

5. Simhastha, the great gathering on the Shipra Episode 5 · 9 min · Read along

   What the Simhastha Kumbh at Ujjain is, where its name comes from, the story behind the Kumbh, and what it means for millions of people to gather at one river. A gentle close to our series.

   It begins: "Namaste, and welcome to the fifth and last sitting of our series on Ujjain and Mahakaleshwar."

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