Kalbhairav ​​Temple to whom liquor is offered as prasad

The Kal Bhairav ​​Temple located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh is one of the most famous and important Hindu temples in India. Kalbhairav ​​is believed to be an incarnation of Shiva. This ancient temple dedicated to the mighty deity Kal Bhairav, the guardian of the holy city, holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. Located in the heart of Ujjain, the origin of this temple can be traced back centuries ago, and the current structure reflects architectural influences from different eras.

Table of Contents

1. History of Kalbhairav ​​Temple
2. What is offered at Kalbhairav ​​Temple?
3. Architecture of Kalbhairav ​​Temple
4. Festivals Celebrated at Kalbhairav ​​Temple
5. Mangala Aarti at Kalbhairav ​​Temple

History of Kalbhairav ​​Temple

The history of Kal Bhairav ​​Temple in Ujjain dates back several centuries. According to Hindu legends, the temple is believed to have been built by an unknown king named Bhadrasen between the 9th and 13th centuries AD. Idols of Lord Shiva, Parvati, Lord Vishnu and Ganesha belonging to the Parmara period (9th-13th century AD) have been recovered from the temple site. The present temple, which reflects Maratha influence, was built over the remains of the old temple. After the defeat of the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 AD, the Maratha general Mahadji Shinde offered his turban to the deity, praying for victory in his campaign to restore Maratha rule in North India. After successfully reviving Maratha power, he restored the temple to its present glory. The Kaal Bhairav ​​Temple is dedicated to Kaal Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva and the patron deity of Ujjain. The temple is located on the banks of the Shipra River and is one of the most active temples in the city, visited by hundreds of devotees daily.

What is offered at the Kaal Bhairav ​​Temple?

A unique feature of the temple is the offering of liquor (daru) as 'chadhana' to the main deity. Every day, hundreds of devotees offer wine to the deity, which is poured into a shallow cup or plate and placed near the idol's mouth. The wine slowly begins to disappear, and the cup is removed after the deity has consumed it.

The act of offering wine is seen by devotees as a way to give up their sins and bad karma. It is believed that the wine is a symbolic representation of the devotee's vices, which is later drunk by the deity, thereby purifying the devotee.

Architecture of Kalabhairav ​​Temple

Maratha influence: The Maratha influence is clearly visible in the structure of the current temple. This is because Maratha general Mahadji Shinde renovated the temple in the 18th century after the Third Battle of Panipat. The temple's distinctive shikhara is a feature of Maratha architecture.

Remains of the old temple: The current temple was built on the remains of an old temple, which is believed to have been built by King Bhadrasen between the 9th and 13th centuries AD. Relics of this old temple, such as ancient idols and Sanskrit inscriptions, can still be found in the premises.

Malwa Paintings: The temple walls were once adorned with exquisite Malwa paintings, a style of mural painting that flourished in the Malwa region during the mediaeval period. However, only traces of these paintings remain today.

Parmara Period Artefacts: Images of Hindu deities such as Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu and Ganesha from the Parmara period (9th-13th century AD) have been recovered from the temple site, indicating its antiquity.

Riverside Location: The temple is located on the banks of the Shipra River, which has been an important place for Hindu pilgrimage and ritual practices since ancient times.

Festivals Celebrated at Kaal Bhairava Temple

The Mangala Aarti is a ritual in which devotees pray, light lamps and sing hymns to receive the blessings of Kala Bhairava, the main deity of the temple. The ritual is believed to bring good luck, protection and spiritual fulfilment to devotees.
The Mangala Aarti is seen as a way to start the day positively, freeing the mind and body of any negativity or impurities
Mangala Aarti is often a community event, with devotees gathering collectively to offer their prayers and seek the deity's blessings. This shared experience fosters a sense of community and strengthens devotional bonds among devotees.

Kaal Bhairava is a fierce form of Lord Shiva, associated with the destruction of evil and the protection of the righteous. Mangala Aarti is believed to invoke the power and grace of Kala Bhairava, helping devotees overcome obstacles and achieve their spiritual goal.