Chandradityeshwar Mahadev(72/84) Jaisinghpura, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

This temple is located in a small room in front of Avantika Devi and Shri Ram Janaki temple in the high Sabhamandap situated to the east of Kotitirtha in the Shri Mahakal temple complex, where the idol of Shrimad Adya Shankaracharya is visible from outside only. Chandradityeshwar Linga can be seen after climbing 3-4 steps from Sabhamandap.

In the sanctum sanctorum of about 65 square feet size, a Shivlinga surrounded by Nagakriti, about 9 inches high, is installed in the middle of a brass water vessel. Vahan Nandi is seated near the north facing drainage. The idols of gods like Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu etc. are situated on the wall. This temple is a clear evidence of the antiquity of the Mahakal temple beyond its highly modified appearance.

In ancient times, the gods who were defeated by Shambarasura had fled to save their lives, then Surya asked his charioteer to take the chariot to a place where there was no war, because he could not see Chandra, Varun, Yama, Kuber anywhere. Then Rahu Grahit Chandra told Surya to run away quickly before Shambar arrived. Thereafter, Surya and Chandra mounted their chariots and went to Jagannath, saw and praised him.

Then Vishnu asked the reason for his arrival. Both of them narrated the story of how the gods were defeated and fled in fear by Shambarasura. On the other hand, Shatrujit, the great and brilliant Shambar sat on the golden throne and became Indra himself.

Lord Vishnu said that he has got the boon of Brahma, hence you go to Mahakalvan, there the lustful Shiva is present in the form of Linga. Shambar will die due to Shiva’s own flame.

Then Sun and Moon came to Mahakalvan and offered darshan of Mahakal, offered auspicious flowers and praised him. Then a voice was heard from the Linga that Shambar had died. Then all the gods reached their place. Thereafter the gods came to Mahakalvan and the name of the Linga became famous among the people as Chandradityeshwar.

One who has darshan of Chandradityasvara Lord Shiva with devotion, sits on the Moon-Sun plane and resides in their worlds. The mere sight of this Linga makes a person happy.