The center of India’s culture and faith has been the land of mystery and spirituality for centuries in the city of Ujjain. The Kaal Bhairav Temple is located here, which is famous in the country and abroad for its unique traditions and miracles. This temple is dedicated to Bhairav Baba, a fiery form of Shiva, who is considered the protector and commander of Ujjain. But the biggest feature of this temple is that alcohol is offered here in the form of Prasad – a tradition that has neither understood science nor no one dared to challenge.
Why is the temple in discussion?
Recently, the Mohan Yadav government of Madhya Pradesh has decided to implement liquor ban in religious cities. After this decision, questions started to arise whether the tradition of offering liquor in Kaal Bhairav temple will also be stopped? The government has clarified the situation on this, saying that liquor will continue to climb in the temple as Prasad, because it is a subject related to religious belief and faith. Many times here, from politicians to police officers, they offer bottles of liquor – it has become a symbol of devotion and security.
Kaal Bhairav: Deity of Ujjain
Kaal Bhairav is considered a fierce, destructive form of Shiva. He is recognized as the commander of the city in Ujjain. According to local belief, Mahakal’s philosophy is considered incomplete without seeing Kaal Bhairav. The idol of Kaal Bhairav, located in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, is decorated with red vermilion and kumkum. It symbolizes their power and tantric effect. Every day hundreds of devotees come to this temple to offer bottles of liquor, and the miracle is that God himself gets ‘drunk’.
Mystery that could not solve science
This tradition of the temple is not only unique, but a challenge for science. When devotees offer liquor, the priest takes him to the face of God, and in a few moments the liquor disappears. No leaks, pipes, technical equipment could not prove this process till date. Scientists have tried several times as to find out where the liquor goes, but no conclusion has been revealed so far. Devotees consider it to be the miracle of God and the proof of Tantric strength.
History: Shadow from Parmar to Maratha period
This temple was built by King Bhadrasen. A mixture of the architectural style of Parmar period and the reconstruction style of Maratha period is seen in this temple. After the third battle of Panipat, Maratha commander Mahadji Shinde prayed in this temple, and offered his turban here when victorious. Since then the Maratha style turban has been worn on the idol.
Kaal Bhairav in Puranas and Tantric recognition
The description of the worship of Kaal Bhairav is found in the Avanti section of Skanda Purana. Bhairav has a special role in Tantric Sadhana, Kapalik and Aghori sects. Only ‘alcohol’ (alcohol) is now symbolically offered in the concept of Panchamakar (meat, fish, liquor, posture). The other four organs have remained symbolic in today’s era.
Devotees’ reverence: Center for freedom from problems
Devotees believe that offering alcohol to Kaal Bhairav removes the troubles of life, relieves disease, and protects from negative forces. Thousands of devotees visit the temple every day and offer liquor and pray for peace and security.
