HARSIDDHI TEMPLE UJJAEN हरसिद्धि मंदिर, उज्जैन

HARSIDDHI TEMPLE UJJAEN 
हरसिद्धि मंदिर, उज्जैन
CONCEPTS & EXTRACTS IN HINDUISM
By :: Pt. Santosh Bhardwaj
ॐ गं गणपतये नम:।
अक्षरं परमं ब्रह्म ज्योतीरूपं सनातनम्।
निराकारं स्वेच्छामयमनन्तजम्॥
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भुर्मा ते संगोऽस्त्वकर्मणि
[श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 2.47]
This temple occupies a special place in the galaxy of ancient sacred spots of Ujjain. Seated between the idols of Maa Maha Laxmi and Maa Maha Saraswati, the idol of Maa Annapurna is painted in dark vermilion. The Shri Yantr, the symbol of power or Shakti, is also enshrined in the temple.
Maa Chandi acquired the epithet of Har Siddhi. Once, when Bhagwan Shiv and Maa Parwati were alone on Mount Kaelash, two demons called Chand and Prachand tried to force their way in. Bhagwan Shiv called upon Chandi to destroy them, which she did. Pleased, Bhagwan Shiv bestowed upon her the epithet of one who vanquishes all.
"नवम्यां पूजिता देवी हरसिद्धि हरप्रिया" 
उज्जयिन्यां कूर्परं व मांगल्य कपिलाम्बरः। 
भैरवः सिद्धिदः साक्षात् देवी मंगल चण्डिका
मध्य प्रदेश के उज्जैन का प्रसिद्ध शक्तिपीठ हर सिद्धि माता मंदिर महाकाल ज्योतिर्लिंग मंदिर के पास ही स्तिथ है। श्री हरसिद्धि मंदिर माता सती के 51 शक्तिपीठों में 13वाँ है।[देवीपुराण]
प्रजापति दक्ष ने अपमानित करने की नीयत से भगवान् शिव और माता सती को यज्ञ में आमंत्रित नहीं किया। माता सती भगवान् शिव की सहमति न होने पर भी यज्ञ में गईं और वहीं पर योगाग्नि से शरीर त्याग दिया। भगवान् शिव ने यज्ञ भंग कर दिया और माता सती के मृत शरीर को लेकर मोहित होकर विचरने लगे, तो भगवान् श्री हरी विष्णु ने सुदर्शन चक्र से माता के शरीर को 51 भागों में विभाजित कर दिया जिनमें से 13 वाँ टुकड़ा माँ सती की कोहनी के रूप में उज्जैन के इस स्थान पर गिरा था। 
जहाँ-जहाँ माता सती के अंग, वस्त्र या आभूषण गिरे, वहाँ-वहाँ शक्तिपीठ अस्तित्व में आये। ये अत्यंत पावन तीर्थस्थान कहलाये। ये तीर्थ पूरे भारतीय उपमहाद्वीप पर फैले हुए हैं। भूत-भावना महाकालेश्वर की क्रीड़ा-स्थली अवंतिका (उज्जैन) पावन शिप्रा के दोनों तटों पर स्थित है। यहीं पार्वती हरसिद्धि देवी का मंदिर शक्तिपीठ, रुद्रसागर या रुद्र सरोवर नाम से तालाब के निकट है।
विक्रमादित्य उज्जैन के सम्राट थे, जो अपनी बुद्धि, पराक्रम और उदारता के लिए जाने जाते थे। माँ हरसिद्धेश्वरी उनकी आराध्य देवी थीं, जिन्हें मांगलचाण्डिकी के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। उन्होंने ग्यारह बार अपने शीश को काटकर माँ के चरणों में समर्पित किया, मगर माँ ने हर बार उन्हें पुनर्जीवित कर दिया। उन्हीं के द्वारा विक्रम संवत की शुरुआत हुई।[स्कंद पुराण] 
नवरात्री का त्यौहार यहाँ विशेष धूम-धाम और आस्था के साथ मनाया जाता है। सैकड़ों दीपक एकसाथ नवरात्री के नौ दिन जलाये जाते हैं, जिससे अद्भुत और दिव्य दृश्य का अवलोकन होता है। 
हरसिद्धेश्वर उन सभी भक्तों और श्रद्धालुओं की मनोकामना पूर्ण करते हैं जो सच्ची आस्था के साथ इस मंदिर में आते हैं और श्री हरसिद्धेश्वर को अपनी श्रद्धा प्रकट करते हैं।
श्री हरसिद्धि मंदिर के गर्भगृह के सामने सभाग्रह में श्री यन्त्र निर्मित है। यह सिद्ध श्री यन्त्र है और इस महान यन्त्र के दर्शन मात्र से ही पुण्य का लाभ होता है। मंदिर के मुख्य पीठ पर प्रतिमा के स्थान पर श्रीयंत्र है। इस पर सिंदूर चढ़ाया जाता है, अन्य प्रतिमाओं पर नहीं और उसके पीछे भगवती अन्नपूर्णा की प्रतिमा है। यहाँ श्रीयंत्र की पूजा होती है। [शिवपुराण]
शुभ फल प्रदायिनी इस मंदिर के प्रांगण में भगवान् शिव का कर्कोटकेश्वर महादेव मंदिर भी है, जो कि उन चौरासी महादेव में से एक है, जहाँ कालसर्प दोष का निवारण होता है। 
मंदिर प्रांगण के बीचों-बीच दो अखंड ज्योति प्रज्वलित रहती हैं, जिनका दर्शन भक्तों के लिए सुख-शांति कारक है। 
प्रांगण के ओर, चारों दिशाओं में चार प्रवेश द्वार है एवं मुख्य प्रवेश द्वार के भीतर हरसिद्धि सभाग्रह के सामने दो दीपमालाएँ बनी हुई है, जहाँ काले स्तम्भ प्रांगण में स्थापित हैं। मंदिर की सीढ़ियाँ चढ़ते ही माता के वाहन सिंह की प्रतिमा दर्शन होते हैं। द्वार के दाईं ओर दो बड़े नगाड़े रखे हैं, जो प्रातः सायं आरती के समय बजाए जाते हैं। मंदिर में जगमोहन के सामने दो बड़े दीप स्तंभ हैं।इनमें से एक शिव है, जिसमें 501 दीपमालाएँ हैं, दूसरा पार्वती है, जिसमें 500 दीपमालाएँ हैं।
ज्योतिषियों के अनुसार शक्तिपीठ का नामकरण किया गया है। स्थान का नाम 13 उज्जैन, शक्ति का नाम मांगलचाण्डिकी और भैरव का नाम कपिलाम्बर है। इस प्राचीन मंदिर के केंद्र में हल्दी और सिन्दूर कि परत चढ़ा हुआ पवित्र पत्थर स्थित है।
गर्भगृह में हरसिद्धि देवी की प्रतिमा की पूजा होती है। मंदिर में महालक्ष्मी, महाकाली, महासरस्वती की प्रतिमाएँ हैं। मंदिर के पूर्वी द्वार पर बावड़ी है, जिसके बीच में एक स्तंभ है, जिस पर संवत 1,447 अंकित है तथा पास ही में सप्तसागर सरोवर है। 
यह मंदिर शिप्रा मंदिर के किनारे भेरूगढ़ में स्तिथ है। इंदौर से यह जगह 50 किमी की दूरी पर है। 
भस्म आरती :: प्रातः 4:00 – 6:00, 
नैवद्य आरती :: प्रातः 7:30 - 8:15,
महा भोग आरती :: प्रातः 10:30 – 11:15,
संध्या आरती :: 6:30 – 7:15 और 
शयन आरती :: 10:30.
अन्य भक्ति स्थल :: बड़ा गणेश, शिप्रा घाट, राम मंदिर, चार धाम, सिधवट, कालभैरव, गढ़ कालिका, संदीपनी आश्रम, भर्तृहरि गुफा और मंगलनाथ। प्राचीन मंदिर रुद्र सरोवर के तट पर स्थित था तथा सरोवर सदैव कमलपुष्पों से परिपूर्ण रहता था। इसके पश्चिमी तट पर देवी हरसिद्धि का तथा पूर्वी तट पर महाकालेश्वर का मंदिर था। 18वीं शताब्दी में इन मंदिरों का पुनर्निर्माण हुआ। वर्तमान हरसिद्धि मंदिर चारदीवारी से घिरा है। 
जातक को इस पुण्य स्थल पर आराधना का मौंका 1973 में प्राप्त हुआ जबकि एक गोष्ठी कार्यशाला में Regional College of Education, Bhopal (now RIE, Bhopal) भाग लेने का अवसर, अपने अध्यापक श्री एम.के.गुप्ता की कृपा से प्राप्त हुआ। तभी महाकाल के दर्शन का सौभाग्य भी प्राप्त हुआ। 
UJJAINYAM MAHA KALI DEVI :: Ujjain (Madhy Pradesh): Dushan a Rakshas-demon tormented the residents of Avanti. Shiv appeared from the ground and vanquished the demon. He made it a permanent abode as Maha Kaleshwar Jyotir Ling. 
Maha Kali temple is situated in Ujjain and Devi here is called Har Siddhi Mata. The main deity is called as Maha Kaleshwar, which is one of the 12 Jyotir Lings. It is present over the bank of holy river Shipra. Ujjain is 50 Km  from Indore. One can drop at Ujjain, while going to Soma Nath by train. 
MAHA KALESHWAR
 JYOTIR LING
The decoration of the Ling is different in the morning and evening. Bhasmarchana of Maha Kaleshwar is performed in the morning. Ashes from the last funeral pyre of previous night, from the cremation ground are used for this purpose. The ashes for this Archna-prayer are taken in a thin cloth. Ladies should not witness this. 
Har Siddhi Mata temple which is one of the Shakti Peeth is very close to main temple. 
Ujjain is place of historical importance.  Ghat Kalika (Kali Das Aradhy Devi) temple, Char Dham Mandir, Betal Peepal-tree, Bhart Hari Guha (elder brother of King Vikrma Dity), temple built by king Vikramadity and Kal Bhaerav temple, where liquor is offered as Prasad, Bada Gan Pati Mandir, Mangal Nath Temple, Gopal Mandir, Iskon Mandir, Sandeepani Ashram and Bhookhi Mata temple are the other places of religious significance. Chintamani Ganesh temple is very famous. Statue of Nandi in standing posture is present in the Shiv temple. Portrait of King Vikramadity is present in the court hall near Har Siddhi Mata temple along with the portraits of Maha Kavi Kali Das and the great Varah Mihir. One can see the rare Portrait of King Vikrma Dity in the court hall near Har Siddhi Mata Temple.
Maha Kaleshwar trust Dharm Shala, which is neat and clean provides idle lodging here. Local tourist bus is available which takes 4 hours to cover all religious places here. 
When Bhagwan Vishnu applied Sudarshan Chakr over the charred body of Mata Sati her upper lip detached and fell here.
MAA MAHA KALI-HAR SIDDHI was the Aradhy Devi of  Veer Vikrma Dity. He offered his head by cutting it 11 times to the Devi to please her.  She made him alive by jointing it back. She is also known as Rakt Dantika or Chamunda. She appeared to kill the demon Andhaka Sur.
Andhak was born when Maan Parwati closed the eyes of Bhagwan Shiv, from behind in the evening playfully. He was adopted as his son by the demon king Hirany Kashipu, Bhagwan Brahma's grandson & son the demon-Rakshas son, of Kashyap. His sight returned thereafter. Unaware of the fact, he longed for Maan with lust.
In due course, he became the ruler of Ujjaini and attained the boon that that every drop of his blood that would touched the ground would produce a new demon-Rakshas. When Bhagwan Shiv pierced him with his Trishul, Maha Kali appeared and drank all the blood and engulfed all the demons born out of the drops of blood. Bhagwan Shiv transformed him in to Bhrangi one of his Gan, after holding him over his Trishul for millions of years.
UJJAINI MAHA KALESHWAR :: Maha Kal-SHIV is  the distinctive presiding deity of Ujjain. Bhagwan killed the demon-Rakshas called Tripur. Maha Kal literally means the Ultimate destroyer-Supreme deity of death. Kal stands for death-end and time. Ujjain has been and still is a seat of astrology and Indian astronomy, having a Nav Grah-Nine Planet temple and an observatory.
CHINTA MANI
SHRI GANESH 
The Ling in this temple is also called Dakshinamurti, as it is the only one that faces South. The Ling in this temple is also known as Swayambhu-which evolved it self, from the earth, as it derives powers from within, quite unlike the other Lings where the powers are manifested by mantras or hymns. Deriving The grandeur of Maha Kaleshwar is indescribable.
Chandr Sen, the king of Ujjain was not only a scholar, but also a staunch devotee of Bhagwan Shiv. Once his friend Maheshwari’s follower Mani Bhadr gave him a beautiful gem stone called Soundary Chintamani. The stone was so bright, glittering and beautiful that when Chandr Sen wore it round his neck, he looked even more glorious than the celestial demigods. It made the demigods feel jealous. Once, some kings went and asked Chandr Sen to part with the jewel and Chandr Sen promptly refused to oblige. This angered the kings, who in turn attacked Chandra Sen’s kingdom. Chandr Sen realized that he was surrounded by the enemy. He sought help of Maha Kal. Bhagwan Shiv was pleased with his prayers and the trouble passed away.
Just then, by chance, a shepherd woman who had suddenly became a widow, wandered near Maha Kal, carrying her son with her. The illiterate boy saw the king performing Puja in front of the Shiv Ling. He too installed a rounded stone as Maha Kal in his house and started worshiping it. The boy became so engrossed in prayer and chanting, that he even forgot all about food. When his mother went to call him, a number of times he had no affect on him. He was silently praying. Angered by this, the mother who was still bound by worldly love, threw away the Shiv Ling. She destroyed every thing pertaining to worship-prayers.The boy was very sad at what his mother had done. He started to pray to Shiv with his entire concentration. Bhagwan Shiv was mobilised by the devotion of the small child. He came running to help the child. This stone Shiv Ling which was installed by boy, who was the son of a cowherd soon became adorned with gemstones and turned into a Jyotir Ling. After singing in praise of Bhagwan Shiv, when the boy returned to his house, he was amazed to find a beautiful palatial home instead. Thus, with the grace and blessings of Bhagwan Shiv, the boy became rich and led a very happy life. He was blessed that Almighty Bhagwan Shri Krashn will take incarnation in his clan to reduce the weight of earth.
CHINTA MANI SHRI GANESH :: The temple is built across  river Shipra on the Fateha Bad railway line. The Ganesh idol enshrined here is supposed to be Swayambhu-born of itself. The temple itself is believed to be of considerable antiquity. Riddhi and Siddhi, the consorts of Ganesh, are seated on either side of Ganesh. Worshippers throng to this temple because the deity here is traditionally known as Chintaharan Ganesh (चिन्ताहरण गणेश),  one who assure freedom from worldly anxieties-tensions.
BADE GANESH JI KA MANDIR :: This temple situated above the tank near the Maha Kaleshwar temple, enshrines a huge artistic sculpture of Shri Ganesh, the son of Bhagwan Shiv & Mata Parwati. The middle of the temple is adorned by an idol of the Panch-Mukhi (five faced) Hanuman. This temple provides teaching of Sanskrat and Astrology.
PEER MATSYENDR NATH :: This is an extremely attractive spot on the banks of the Shipra quite close to the Bhart Hari Caves and the Gad Kalika Temple. It is dedicated to the memory of one of the great leaders of the Nath sect of Shaevism-Matsyendr Nath. Since Muslims as well as the followers of the Nath sect call their saints Peer, the ancient site of Peer Matsyendr Nath is venerated by both. Excavations at this site have yielded some antiquities which date back to the 6th and 7th century BC.
BHART HARI CAVE
BHART HARI CAVES :: These caves are situated just above the bank of the Shipra near the temple of Gad Kalika. This is the spot where Bhart Hari, who is said to have been the step brother of the king Vikrma Dity, lived and meditated after renouncing worldly life. 
GOPAL MANDIR :: This huge temple is situated in the middle of the big market square. The sanctum sanctum is inlaid with marble and doors are silver plated. 
MANGAL NATH TEMPLE :: This temple is situated away from the bustle of the city and can be reached through a winding road. The temple looks upon a vast expanse of the Shipra waters and fills the onlooker with an indescribable sense of peace. Mangal Nath is regarded as the birth place of Mars, according to the Matsy Purana. In ancient times, it was famous for a clear view of the planet and hence suitable for astronomical studies. Maha Dev  Bhagwan Shiv  is the deity which is worshipped in the temple of Mangal Nath.
NAV GRAH
MANDIR
VIKRAM KEERTI MANDIR :: Established on the occasion of the second millennium of the Vikram era, as the cultural centre to perpetuate the memory of Vikramadity, the Vikram Kirti Mandir houses the Scindia Oriental Research Institute, an archaeological museum, an art gallery and an auditorium. The Scindia Oriental Research Institute has an invaluable collection of 18,000 manuscripts on various subjects and runs a reference library of important oriental publications. Rare manuscripts in Prakrit, Arabic, Persian and other Indian languages cover a wide range of subjects from Vedic literature and philosophy to dance and music. Palm leaf and bark leaf (Bhoj Patr) manuscripts are also preserved in this institute. Apart from an illustrated manuscript of Shrimad Bhagwat in which actual gold and silver have been employed for the paintings, the Institute has a rich collection of old paintings in the Rajput and Mughal style. The museum also exhibits a rich array of images, inscriptions, copper plates and fossils discovered in the Narmada valley. A huge skull of a primitive elephant is of special interest.
KAL BHAERAV
GURU SANDEEPAN ASHRAM :: Bhagwan Shri Krashn and Balram attained the knowledge of 64 disciplines in just 32 days from Guru Sandeepan here. Guru became a Parshad (पार्षद) of Almighty Shri Krashn in Gau Lok, thereafter. Sudama became friendly with Bhagwan Shri Krashn and attained Salvation due to his extreme devotion. The area near the ashram is known as Ank Pata, (अंक पता) popularly believed to have been the place used by Bhagwan Krishna for washing his writing tablet. The numerals 1 to 100 found on a stone are believed to have been engraved by Guru Sandipan.
KAL BHAERAV TEMPLE :: The worship of the eight Bhairav is a part of Shaevite tradition and the chief among them is Kal Bhairav. His temple is situated over the banks of Shipra. 
NAV GRAH MANDIR :: Situated on the Triveni Ghat of the River Shipra, the temple is located away from the old site of Ujjaini town. It is dedicated to the nine planets (Nav Grah means nine planets). 
GAD KALIKA TEMPLE :: Situated about 2 miles from the city of Ujjain, the deity in this temple is believed to have been worshipped by Kali Das, an idiot turned into enlightened when he offered his head Maa Kali 9 times.
SIDDH VAT
SIDDH VAT :: This enormous banyan tree on the banks of the Shipra, has been vested with religious sanctity as the Akshy Vat in Prayag and Gaya, Vansh Vat of Vranda Van and the Panch Vat of Nasik. Maan Parvati performed her penance-obeisances here. It used to be a place of worship for the followers of Nath sect. 
NITY YATRA ::  During this Yatra, after taking bath in the holy Shipra, the Yatri, visitor, devotee (Participator) respectively visits Nag Chandresh Vara, Kotesh Vara, and Maha Kalesh Vara, Goddess Avantika, Goddess Har Siddhi and August Vara for Darshan.
SWARI-PROCESSION :: On every Monday during the Shravan month up to the Amavasya in the dark fortnight of the Bhadr Pad, even from the bright fortnight of the Kartik, then to the dark fortnight of Magh Sheersh, the procession of Bhagwan Maha Kal it taken throughout the streets of Ujjain. The procession of Bhagwan Maha Kal on Vijay Dashmi festival at Dashhara Maidan is also very attractive.

HARI HAR MILAN :: On the auspicious occasion of Vaekunth Chaturdashi, Bhagwan Maha Kala visits Mandir in a procession to meet  Dwarka Dheesh Shri Hari, usually during the mid-night. Later then in a similar procession on that very night Dwarka Dheesh  visits Maha Kal temple. This festival is the symbol of oneness between the two great segments of the trinity.
SINGHAST-KUMBH :: It is the great bathing festival of Ujjain. It is celebrated in a cycle of twelve years when Sun and  Jupiter enters the sign of Aries and Leo respectively. It commemorates the falling of nectar into the Shipra river during the fight for Amrat between the demigods and the demons. A dip in the river during the Fair days is considered most holy-auspicious. Ceremonial bathing in the holy waters of Shipra begin with the full moon day of Chaetr and continue in different intervals throughout the successive month of Vaeshakh culminating on the full moon day.

    
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संतोष महादेव-धर्म विद्या सिद्ध व्यास पीठ (बी ब्लाक, सैक्टर 19, नौयडा)