The temple of Shri Harsiddhidevi is one of the important temples in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. She was the Kuladevata of King Vikramaditya. In the ancient times She was known as ‘Mangalchandiki’. Akin to Devi Gadhakalika, in this temple the idol of Shri Harsiddhidevi smeared with sindur (saffron powder used in worship) is installed between the idols of Mahalakshmi Devi and Mahasaraswati Devi. In the Tantrik tradition this temple is believed to be a powerful seat of Divine Energy. As per the Shiva Puran (the eighteen sacred Holy texts compiled by Sage Vyas ) this is one out of the 51 Shaktipeethas (seats of Divine Energy) and is a powerful generator of energy. The elbow of Sati Devi had fallen here. According to the Skandapuran after Her annihilation of demons Chand and Prachand She became famous as Harsiddhidevi.There is a tradition of offering sacrifice (bali) of a buffalo here.
King Vikramaditya offered his head 11 times at the Holy feet of Harsiddhimata !
The emperor of Ujjain King Vikramaditya was well-known for his virtues of intelligence, valour and generosity. It is after this very king that the ‘Vikram Sanvat’ commenced. On every amavasya (new moon) day King Vikramaditya would perform a special puja (ritualistic worship) in the temple of Shri Harsiddhidevi. Since the king had intense devotion unto the Devi he chopped off his head and offered it at Her Holy feet. But She joined it to his trunk . This happened 11 times.
History of inception of the temple
Though a reference of this temple does exist in some Holy texts from the 13th century the present temple has been constructed by the Marathas in 1447. The Mahakal temple is to the east of this temple and the Ram Ghat to its west. In the precinct of the temple there are two pillars for lighting lamps (deep sthambha) constructed in Maratha architectural style. During Navaratri several lamps are lit in these pillars which makes the surroundings of the temple radiant. In the hall in front of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple are the yantras (spiritual devices) of the Devi. Of the 84 Mahadevas the temple of Karkoteshwar Mahadev and some other Deities exist around this temple.vOn the inner dome of the temple are eye-catching murals of Mahatripur Sundari, Shivakameshwari Kaltha Shiva and Shodashi Mahanitya Devis and other Devis associated with Them. Festivities are held in the temple during the Navaratri in the Hindu lunar months of Chaitra and Ashwin.
