Introduction
Harasiddhi shakti peetha is the place where Sati’s elbows (Kurpara) fell. Here Devi is worshipped as Mangalchandika” and Lord Shiva as “Kapilambar”(one who carries brown clothes).
Location
Harasiddhi temple is located at the banks of holy river Shipra, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The temple is well connected by all three means of transport. Nearest railway station is Ujjain and the nearest airport is from Indore.
Other places of tourist attraction
Several temples are located near Harasiddhi temple.
· Mahakaleshwar temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva
· Chintaman Ganesh temple is situated on the opposite bank of the Shipra River
· Bada Ganeshji ka mandir located near Mahakaleshwar temple
The temple
Maa Mangala Chandika temple is an ancient temple located on the banks of Rudra Sarovar. King Vikramaditya visited Miyani (formerly known as Minalpur) 30 kms away from the port city of Porabandar which was ruled by Prabhatsen Chavda of Chawda dynasty. At Miyani, Devi is worshipped in the form of Triyantra. Vikramaditya was blessed by Devi Harasiddhi and the king requested the Devi to come over to his kingdom, Ujjain, so that he could worship her daily. Accordingly, King Vikramaditya built the temple for Harasiddhi devi on the west coast. Mangala Chandika is also known as Vahanvati Mata. Harasiddhi Darwaja is the other name for the temple. In the Garba griha, Devi Annapurna, Harasiddhi and Kali are placed vertically one over the other. A Sri yantra is carved in the temple and is worshipped too. The entrance of the temple leading to the Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbha griha) has images of fifty Matrikas painted on the roof of the hall. There is also a pillar with year 1447 engraved on it.
The temple campus has two huge Deepa stambas (height of 15 ft) at the entrance. These stambas are decorated with lights during Navaratri.
Prayageshwar Shiva linga is near Harasiddhi shakthi peeth. There is no Kapilambara Shiva linga in Ujjain. At the entrance of the stairs leading to the temple is the idol of a lion with the goddess riding on it. On the right side of the door, there are two big Nagada which is used during morning and evening Aarti. There is also the temple of Adi Shakti Mahamaya in the temple complex.
Puranic References
One puranic reference about the temple is when two demons named Chanda and Prachanda conquered the gods and attacked Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva also. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi were enjoying a game of dice at the time of the attack by the demons. Nandi was defeated by Chanda and Prachanda. When Lord Shiva saw the demons approaching them, He meditated on Shakti and Parvati appeared in the form of Harasiddhi and kílled the demons. Thus Harasiddhi or Mangala Chandi is also known as the Shakti of Tripurantaka(another name of Lord Shiva for having killed the demons Tripurasuras)
Another puranic reference about Harasiddhi Shakthi peeth is mentioned in Avantika Khand i.e. Ujjaini Mahatmaya of Skanda Puran.
Festivals and Fairs
Navaratri is celebrated in Chaitra (March- April) and in Ashwija (Sep- Oct) for nine days. Special yagnas and poojas are conducted on Durga Puja and Kali puja. Maha Shivaratri is also celebrated with great fervor. Additionally fairs are held in Navaratri and Shivaratri. Simhastha Kumbh Mela a big fair which draws people from across the globe is held on the banks of Shipra River, every 12 years once.
