Kalbhairav Temple
¤ Temple Also Associated With
The Cult of Tantra
The city of Ujjain has numerous shrines dedicated to Bhairava, a
fierce manifestation of Shiva, the Destroyer of the Universe.The
Kalbhairava Temple is also believed to be associated with the cult of
Tantra, an unorthodox secret cult with strong black magic overtones.
Although Tantra practices on the sly are said to keep the enemy at
bay, missing the target can spell doom to the practitioner.
Many sadhus or holy men with ash-smeared bodies and long matted hair
may easily be spotted around this temple.
Pieces of sculptured stones depict deities from the Hindu pantheon
along with Vishnu, the Preserver of the Universe. A Shiva linga
(symbolic phallus of Shiva) is enshrinedunder a banyan tree inside the
periphery of the temple opposite Nandi the Bull, who is said to have
transported Shiva into battle against the demons. Nandi is the
embodiment of power and loyalty. According to a legend, the bull was
given to Shiva and Parvati as a wedding present from Daksha, Parvati’s
father.
¤ Mahashivaratri Festival Celebrations
Like the beautiful lampstands of the Hara Sidhhi Temple,there are
similar ones at Kalbhairava Temple. The temple comes alive especially
on the festival of Mahashivaratri, when devotees flock to it in great
numbers.
The legend of Lord Shiva commemorating his victory over the demon
ruler of Tripura (the region around Ujjain) by changing the name of
Tripura’s capital, Avanti to Ujjayini, is yet another reason you
find innumerable temples of Shiva and his manifestations around
Ujjain. |
