Harsiddhi temple (also Harsiddhi Mata Mandir), close to Rudra sagar in the ancient city of Ujjain of Madhya Pradesh, is one of the popular temples of this state and the main deity is dedicated to Devi Annapurna. The idol which is covered with a paste in dark sindhuri (vermillion color) is enshrined between the idols of of Mahalakshmi and Maha Saraswati in the sanctum. Goddess Harsiddhi is an aspect of Parvati who took the form of Chandi to kill demons Chand and Parachand. God Shiva called Chandi as Harsiddhi who is said to be blessed by God Shiva himself. It is said the great king of valor and wisdom Vikramaditya considered the deity here as his Kula Devta,
Harsidhhi Temple, Ujjain ujjaindarshan.com |
The reason why lots of devotees come to this temple is due to the presence of special Sri Yantra (a symbol of Sakthi) referentially consecrated in the sanctum - garbagriha. The Sri yantra being powerful, the belief is when a devotee makes a wish on the temple premises with trust in the powers of goddess here, his or her wish will be fulfilled much to the satisfaction of the devotee; hence the sanctified place imparts positivity on the devotees. Yet another feature of this temple is people afflicted with Kala-sarpa-dosha - as per their horoscope - will be freed from the ill- effects if they worship God Shiva here who goes by the name of Kunteshwar Mahadev.
One of the 51 siddha-peethas (Sati Devi's elbow fell on this place when God Shiva was carrying her dead body) devotees from other states visit this temple on a pilgrimage. The Maraths rebuilt Harsiddhi temple which is between Rama ghat and Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain.
The deepa stamphas, that are richly illuminated during the Navratri festival, were contributions from the Maratha rulers, it is mentioned.