Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir Visit Mahakaleshwar: Why This Shiva Dham Draws the Faithful in Uncertain Times

Why is Mahakaleshwar a refuge in uncertain times? Learn why Virat Kohli and others seek faith, stillness, and inner balance here.

The Shree Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain is a famous temple that draws those searching for endurance and spiritual strength in challenging times, whether on the cricket pitch or through life's unpredictability. Built in homage to Lord Shiva, Shree Mahakaleshwar is a reminder, as set out in Sanatan Dharma, to worship and abide by Mahakal, as time, fear, and change all bow before him.

The Story of a Temple That Stands Beyond Fear, Time, and Change

On the eve of the third ODI against New Zealand in Indore, Virat Kohli was seen in prayer at Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple, with a humble respect and a blue touch-and-go thumbs up. Many cricketers, including KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav, as well as Coach Gautam Gambhir, have made regular pilgrimages to Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple over the years, along with Bollywood celebrities like Shilpa Shetty, Varun Dhawan, and Nushratt Bharuccha.

The underlying question behind the numerous visits and pilgrimages to Mahakaleshwar Temple, however, is why is it that people from all different walks of life travel to Mahakaleshwar at such times of uncertainty? The answer, while not based on a current fashion trend or superstition, can be found in what is called ‘Sanatan Gyaan’ or scripturally derived wisdom, along with what we experience in daily life, and what we understand psychologically.

Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain: The Lord Beyond Time

Mahakaleshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas or ‘self-manifested’ forms of Lord Shiva, as laid out in the Shiva Purana, and it is the only Jyotirlinga in the world that has a ‘vertical alignment’.

• At the lowest level resides Mahakal, the fierce form of Shiva

• Above him stands Omkareshwar, symbolizing balance and continuity

• At the top is Nagchandreshwar, visible only once a year on Nag Panchami

This verticality represents the path we must take in transitioning from fear to knowing, or awareness; from the mortal world to the soul.

Unlike most Shiva temples, the Mahakal Jyotirlinga faces south, the direction associated with Yama (death). According to Sanatan belief, this is intentional. Mahakal is worshipped as Kaal ka Swami—the lord of time itself.

The Mahakala Ashtakam contains a well-known verse which states the following about this truth:

कालातीताय कालान्ताय कालकालनमूर्तये।

नमः श्रीमहाकालाय महाकाल नमोऽस्तुते॥

Salutations to Mahakal, who exists beyond time, who ends time, and who embodies the very essence of time itself.

This wisdom, passed down by sadhu traditions and guru lineages, is at the heart of sanatangyan.

The Bhasma Aarti: Fearless Acceptance of Reality

The Bhasma Aarti is one of the most powerful rituals at Mahakaleshwar, and it is performed before dawn. The Bhasma (ash)—which is a symbol of death and impermanence—is offered to the deity.

In the Shiva Purana, it is said:

भस्माङ्गरागो भगवान् शिवस्य

संसारसारस्य विनाशहेतुः

The ash adorning Lord Shiva signifies the destruction of worldly illusion and the ultimate truth of existence.

The message is uncompromising yet comforting: everything returns to ash. Accepting this truth removes fear. This is why devotees often come here during personal crises—not for solutions, but for strength and inner stillness.

The Legend of Mahakal: Protector of the Devoted

According to the Shiva Purana, Ujjain was once terrorized by the demon Dushan. When the maximum amount of suffering occurred, the people prayed with complete surrender. Shiva then manifested Himself in the form of a blazing Jyoti (light), and He destroyed the demon, and decided to stay in Ujjain for eternity as Mahakal.

न कालो न मृत्युर्न भयं न रोगः — Shiva Purana (essence)

“Where Shiva resides, there is no fear of time, death, or disease.”

The legend explains why devotees believe that Mahakal absorbs fear itself.

In a world filled with pressure, changes and uncertainties, the Lord Mahakaleshwar serves as a reminder that we get our strength through our surrender—not control. When devotees bow down to Mahakal (the Lord of time), they receive calm, courage and faith to continue moving forward without fear.