Mangalnath Temple - Shri Mangalnath Temple - Lord Mangal

Mangalnath Temple is situated in the religious city of Ujjain, India. Lord Mangal is said to have taken birth from the womb of earth in Ujjain. According to ancient scriptures, the devotees who visit Ujjain get freedom from all the sins and sufferings of present life. All those who suffer from malefic effects of Mars visit the temple to worship Lord Mangal in order to get relief from its ill-effects.

There are many temples in India dedicated to Lord Mangal. But, Mangalnath Temple in Ujjain has its own special significance in Hindu culture. Ujjain is also known as the mother city of Lord Mangal, since he was born in this city. This is the reason that special religious ceremonies are organized in dedication to Lord Mangal. People who are advised to worship Lord Mangal to pacify the malefic effects of Mars should visit Ujjain and perform special puja in Mangalnath Temple. Those who worship Lord Mangal with full devotion are blessed with good and desirable results very soon.

Mangalnath Temple is situated on the bank of Shipra river. It is a pilgrimage for devotees where they feel close to god. According to the Matsya Purana and Skand Purana, Ujjain is the birth place of Lord Mangal. Mangalnath Temple is built at the place where Lord Mangal took birth and is endowed with divine qualities.

Appearance of Lord Mangal

Lord Mangal acquires a place in the nine planets. He is also known as Angarka and Kuj. According to Vedic mythology, planet Mars represents strength, bravery, courage and is supposed to guard religion. Lord Mangal possesses four arms and can be seen holding a trident and mace. Devotees who worship Lord Mangal are prevented from the malefic effects of Mars. They are blessed with wealth and get freedom from all kinds of liabilities. Coral is worn to get benefits of Mars and pacify its ill-effects. Lord of planet Mars rules the south direction.

Birth Story of Lord Mangal

As per the legends, a demon named Andhakasura performed a hard penance to please Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was pleased and offered him a blessing. Andhkarsura said that he wanted each drop of his blood to create a new form of the Demon. Lord Shiva granted him the wish and went back to heaven.

On getting his wish fulfilled, Andhkasura spread destruction around and due to the blessing of Lord Shiva no one was able to defeat him. In the end, everyone went to Lord Shiva and asked him to protect them from the wrath of Andhkasura. Lord Shiva battled with Andhakasura, but every time he used to attack the demon with his sword, the blood drop which fell on earth created another formof Andhakasur. After fighting for a long time, Lord Shiva got tired and drops of his sweat fell on earth, thus, dividing the earth into two parts. Lord Mangal came out of of the womb of earth and started absorbing every drop of blood of Andhkasura. Thus, preventing him from getting reborn from his blood drops. In this way, Lord Shiva won the battle against Andhkasura and killed him.