Pujya Sri Swamiji in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Pilgrimage to Madhya Pradesh - Mahaa Kaalam Namaamyaham

By another pleasant and surprised decision, Sri Swamiji undertook the pilgrimage to Two famous Jyotir Lingas in the pre-historic mythological Region of Maalava in present day Madhya Pradesh. For many years, Sri Swamiji had spoken in detail about Mahaa Kaala Linga & Maha Kaali in Ujjain and Omkareshwara/ Amaleshwara Lingas. Prior to Maha Shivaratri. Sri Swamiji wished to complete this Yatra. Accordingly arrangements were made in two days, for the visit.

Kaala is Time. Mahaa Kaala denotes a concept greater than time, which is eternity. A great temple built on the banks of River Kshipra (also known as Shipra) is dedicated to Lord Maha Kaala, the eternal God. Mother Goddess, Kaali is worshipped as Hara Siddhi. Hara Siddhi is a curious name, which is defined in many ways. First Definition (हरः सिद्धिः यस्यास्सा) refers to Goddess Paarvati, who had obtained Hara (Shiva) as husband the result of her penance. Second definition (हरस्य सिद्धिः) also refers to Mother Goddess; as the result of Shiva’s penance. A great hymn exemplifies this unique concept. परस्पर तपस्संपत्फलायित परस्परौ। प्रपञ्च मातापितरौ प्राञ्चौ जायापती स्तुमः।।
The primordial parents of the Universe are the cause and effect of each other’s Abnormal penance in the Transcendental State. This Kshetra, signifies this concept.

Kaali is the feminine form of the term Kaala. Kaala also means black and time. Once upon time, prior to the creation, the entire Universe was in the state of delusion; like a black hole. That was the state of Tamas. Kaali represents the dormant delusive state. Kaala is the Principle force, denoting changes. Hence, Mahaa Kaala and Kaali are worshipped as the first couple of causes for the creation.

Explanation of the terminology:
• The combination of creative forces is evident in the successful creation of this Universe. This Great Triumph is witnessed by this city of Mahaa Kaala and Mahaa Kaali; hence the name – UJJAYINI. In other words, it is the place which causes the great triumph in the form of cosmic wisdom and physical strength. (This place is currently called as Ujjain).
• Understanding this eternal concept would protect the seeker from mortality. As a place, standing as testimony to divine protection, this is termed as Avantee or Avantika.
• Lava is severance. Maa Lava is Non- Severance. This is further explained in the Mrutyunjaya Mantra. A devotee, meditating on Mahaa Kaala & Kaali is protected from mortality, with Self Realisation. Hence, this region is also known as Maalava earlier.
• Thus Lord Mahaa Kaala is worshipped as Mrutyunjaya here in Ujjain. A devotee could also overcome Mrutyu (Mortality) by His worship.

All Time Great Astrologers, Astronomers, Litterateurs, Administrators such as Dhanvantari, Kshapanaka, Amarasimha, Shanku, Vetaala Bhatta, Ghatakarpara,Kaali Daasa, Varaaha Mihira and Vararuchi were graded as Nava Ratna (Nine Gems). They Worked on various departments of science, medicine, philosophy and astronomy in the empire of Vikramaarka. Due the advancement in astronomy, this place Ujjain was the counterpart of Greenwich (Present day meridian centre of Universal Meridian Time, located in England). The Emperor has become so popular that an era was referred in his honour as Vikrama Saka, which is even prevalent in some parts of India.

Kshipra River – Kumbha Mela
Kshipra River is one of the four places of Kumbha Mela, where 20 million people congregate to take a holy dip. (Kumbha Mela is signified by the transition of Jupiter (Guru) in the zodiac sign Leo (Simha Raashi). Mythology explains that Garuda, had spilt few drops of elixir at four places, while carrying the sacred pot. Haridwar, Kurukshetra, Ujjain and Nasik are the places where Kumbha Mela is held alternatively every three years.

Upon arrival, Sri Swamiji has offered Archana to Kshipra River. Local devotees, invited Sri Swamiji for the next Kumbha Mela in 2016 and offered complete support for any program to be held on that occasion by Datta Peetham.

Eighth Consecration Anniversary of Puruhootika Devi
The day of worship was Maagha Suddha Dashami. Exactly, eight years ago, Sri Swamiji had consecrated another important Shakti Kshetra in Pithapuram town in Andhra Pradesh. Goddess Puruhootika was consecrated in Sripadavallabha Anagha Datta Kshetram. Recalling the great event, Sri Swamiji Himself worshipped Goddess Kaali (Hara Siddhi), for the sake of all the Datta Devotees.

Abhishekam to Mahaa Kaala
After this, Sri Swamiji, offered Archana and Abhishekam to Lord Mahaa Kaala. Panchamruta Abhishekam, Bilwa Archana were performed to Lord Shiva by Sri Swamiji. Shukla Yajurveda Scholars officiated as priests for the Puja. Accompanying devotees, sung Jyotir Linga Bhajans.
In the evening, Sri Swamiji visited Chintaaman Ganapati, a prehistoric temple. Here, Ganapati has three dimensions. One dimension is said to be Chintaaman (One who causes thought), Other aspect is Icchaaman (one who causes desires) and another win is Siddhi (Attainment of the good desires). His Holiness gave rare blessing by tying the Raksha (made of colourful red threads) akin to Swetarka Raksha to the wrists of accompanying devotees.

Enroute to Kaala Bhairava Temple, Sri Swamiji visited the site of construction of Maharshi Sandeepani Rashtreeya Veda Vidya Pratishthan, a premier institution of Government of India, based in Ujjain. The officials, Prof. SK Mishra and Prof. Kedarnath Shukla respectfully welcomed Sri Swamiji and sought blessings for the timely completion of the project, after explaining the features of the construction. Sri Swamiji was happy to visit the place, where several monumental buildings including Four Special buildings of Yaga Shala (in authentic Vedic Tradition), Pond for Avabhrutha, Veda Pathashala, Administrative Block, Training Centre, Research Centre and Conference Blocks are being constructed. He accepted the invitation of the officials to grace the site, after completion.

Sri Swamiji offered worship at Kaala Bhairava temple, dedicated to Bhairava, a ferocious chieftain among the warriors of Shiva. Bhairava is assigned with the duty to protect Shiva Kshetra and devotees. (Another typical custom in this temple is to offer intoxicants such as wine, which is also given to devotees)

Another important place of pilgrimage was Sandeepani Ashrama where Lord Sri Krishna, Bala Raama to have studied. Guru Sandeepani, has accepted the plea of Vasudeva to admit Lord Krishna in His Guru Kula. Local Pundits explain that it was during this 64-day period, Krishna had followed the tradition of Guru Kula, to learn 64 types of arts, science and faculties.

Lord Shiva was worshipped as Kundeshwara at this place by Sandeepani Guru Kula. Gomati Kund is the place, which was used by Krishna. Sri Swamiji prayed here in the dusk for few minutes in the peaceful environment.

Deepotsava in Harasiddhi Mandir
This is the special Service offered to the Goddess, by lighting One Thousand and Eleven Oil Wick Lamps atop the giant twin stone posts, which Sri Swamiji witnessed the Deepotsava in the evening. The expertise, with which four persons professionally mounted the 52 ft high twin posts to light all the lamps in less than 6 minutes; was simply amazing.

After this Puja, Sri Swamiji blessed the priests and temple officials and bid adieu to Ujjain. Local devotees Ms Mrunalini Sharma, Priyangi Maheswari, Sailaja, Kartikeya from Indore and Prof. Sri Kishor Mishra, Sri Kedarnath Shukla, Swadesh Agarwal from Ujjain were instrumental in the arrangements.

Jaya Guru Datta