Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga

Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga: Lord Shiva protecting devotee Veda Priya and brahmanas from the atrocities of demon Dushana:

(Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 16 to 17)

► उज्जयिन्यां महाकालम् (Ujjayinyam Mahakalam)

• Meditation: I meditate on Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga where Lord Shiva protected devotee Veda Priya and brahmanas from the atrocities of demon Dushana.

• About brahmana Veda Priya: In the city of Avanti there lived a brahmana who was very noble. He studied and followed the Vedas. The brahmana (Veda Priya) was a devotee of Shiva and used to worship Shiva daily by making a Parthiva Linga. Veda Priya had four sons - Deva Priya, Parama Priya, Sukrita and Suvrata. The sons were also noble and devoted to Shiva. Due to the nobleness of these brahmanas the entire city was filled with Brahmateja.

• Demon Dushana tormenting the brahmanas: A demon named Dushana lived in the Ratnamala mountain. By getting boon from Brahma he became very powerful. He defeated the devas and drove them out of their abodes. He was of evil nature and was intent upon destroying the Vedic Dharma. To destroy the Vedic Dharma at Avanti, Dushana arrived there with a huge army. He called four of his demons and told them to punish the brahmanas who follow Vedic Dharma. Either the brahmana should leave the Vedic Dharma and worship of Shiva or their lives will be in danger. The four demons started spreading terror in the city.

• Brahmanas worshipping Lord Shiva: The brahmanas did not get distracted and continued to worship Lord Shiva. The people of Avanti became terrified and took refuge of the brahmanas. The brahmanas told them that they neither have weapons nor the strength to face the demons. But they have taken refuge of Shiva. So their disgrace will be the disgrace of Shiva. Therefore let Shiva protect them. So saying they continued to worship Shiva.

• Lord Shiva appearing as Mahakala: Dushana ordered the demons to bind all the brahmanas and beat them. The brahmanas still did not bother and continued to meditate on Shiva. When the demons tried to harm the brahmanas, a pit formed near the Parthiva Linga with a loud sound. Out of that hole Shiva arose assuming the terrible form of Mahakala. Shiva declared that he as Mahakala had come to destroy the wicked. Thus speaking he gave out a Humkara. Dushana and part of his army became reduced to ashes. Part of the army fled. The gods played musical instruments and rained flowers from heaven. The brahmanas offered their salutations to their Lord. Shiva became pleased and told the brahmanas to ask for a boon. The brahmanas requested the Lord to redeem them and abide there for the welfare of all. Shiva bestowed salvation to the brahmanas at his Feet and abided there in the form of a Linga (Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga). From that day Shiva became famous as Mahakaleshwara. By seeing this Linga, a person does not have to face misery. His desires are fulfilled and he finally attains moksha.