Prominent Religious Sites In Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, the central state of India is blessed with several prominent religious sites. The religious sites in Madhya Pradesh are popular for their historical significance as well as spiritual acceptance. Places like Ujjain, Khandwa and Khajuraho are a few key religious sites in Madhya Pradesh. Most of these places are famous for the presence of historical Hindu temples. Alongside these sites, there are other famous Jain temples, Gurudwaras and mosques among the religious sites in Madhya Pradesh. Here are a few of the top religious sites in the state.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Ujjain

When it comes to piety, the town of Ujjain effuses immense spiritual significance especially for Hindu devotees. The town is also famous for being one of the four locations where Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years. Apart from that Mahakaleshwar Temple holds a prime spot in attracting tens of thousands of tourists to the town. A pre-historic temple that is believed to be in existence from the 4th BC, the temple is mentioned by several ancient Indian poets. These texts shed light on the grandeur of Mahakaleshwar Temple. Situated by the banks of Kshipra River, the edifice is a window to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of India. Several legends are associated with the building of this architectural Marvel. Exquisite and intricate architectural works dates back to different dynasties. The magnificence of the temple revolves around the towering spire and the entrance adorned with ornate works of art. However, the key factor that attracts devotees is the presence of Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. It is one of such twelve Jyotirlingas considered to be representations of Lord Shiva. Moreover, Lord Shiva in the form of Mahakaleshwar is worshipped as Guardian of Time here. The Bhasma Aarti or the smearing the lingam with sacred ash is a major practise here.

Shree Kaal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain

Another highly popular, ancient temple dedicated to Lord shiva existing in Ujjain is the Kal Bhairav temple. A prominent temple by the banks of the Shipra River, dedicated to Kal Bhairav, who is believed to be the guardian deity of the city. The original edifice built by king Bhadrasen during 9th-13th century is mostly obscure. Renovation works leading to present day temple came to the fore after Marathas came to power in the region in the late 18^th century. Since then, the presiding deity, Kal Bhairav is adorned with a Maratha-style pagri. One of the amusing facts here is liquor being an offering made to the temple deity. A little portion of the liquor then is returned to the devotee as sacred offering. Fragments of Malwa style paintings still preserved are attractive features here. Certainly, it is one of the must-visit religious sites in Madhya Pradesh.

Gauri Somnath Temple, Khandwa

Gauri Somnath Temple, a three-storeyed edifice, is one of the biggest temples in the state. Dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, the temple construction style which is in the shape of a peahen, is quite unique. The key attraction in the temple is the 6-feet Shiva Linga placed in the sanctum Santorum. Made of glassy stone, the Shiva Linga is attributed with several miracles. Gauri meaning white, implies initially the Shiva Linga was white. After the invasion of foreign rules and their atrocities, the colour of the Linga was changed. Apart from that, there is an idol of Goddess Parvati. Facing the Shiva Linga is the idol of Nandi, just outside the main sanctum of the temple. The temple is believed to be constructed in the 11^th century. However, carvings and sculptural works of various deities and scenes from Hindu mythology, suggest there have been renovations. The walls around the temple are beautifully decked with carvings. Climbing 200 steps from the banks of River Narmada to enter the premises of the temple is a beautiful experience.

Omkareshwar Temple, Mandhata

Situated on an island shaped as the word Om (ॐ) in the Narmada River is Omkareshwar Temple. The sacred temple is famous as it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas. In Sanskrit words Om and Kara mean the Lord. The 11^th century temple is believed to be built during Malwa rulers. Although the invaders caused much damage to the original structure, it was restored in the 19^th century. After the colonial rule, Archaeological Survey of India took over the administration to preserve and protect the ancient monument. The Peshwa architectural style and intricate features of the temple are considered to be unique and admirable. And for this reason, a good number of visitors to the temple are archaeologists and connoisseurs of ancient arts. Mahashivaratri, Shravan month, and Kartik Purnima are the main festivals here.

Temples in Khajuraho

The historical monuments at Khajuraho are a group of UNESCO World Heritage designated temples. Built during the reign of Chandelas who ruled between the 9th to the 11th centuries, these monuments have significant importance. Spread across around eight square miles, over 80 temples were built during the aforesaid period by different rulers. Nagara style construction of the temples was one of the defining features of these temples. Most of these temples have been destroyed during the subsequent decades by invaders. However, about 20 of them have withstood the test of times. The entire stretch of land is divided into three areas. These edifices effuse the passion Chandelas had in art and architecture. Relief and sculptures reflect the religious sentiments of Chandelas. They were evidently followers of Shaivism, albeit showing a proclivity towards Vaishnavism and Jainism as well. the carvings in and around the temples portray architectural and sculptural glory. Most of these works showcased Hindu mythology, various arts, music and dance forms, celestial, erotic nymphs and human cycle and more. Chausath Jogini Temple, Devi Jagdamba Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Laxmana Temple, Brahma Temple, Parsawanatha Jain Temple are a few of the temples in the region. It is one of the religious sites in Madhya Pradesh that cannot be missed while touring the state.