The Geographical Dictionary of Ancient and Mediaeval India c5.s12.101.3

c5.s12.101.3

it is one of the twelve great Liṅgas mentioned in the *Śiva Purâṇa*, (pt. 1, chaps. 38, 46). The shrine is claimed by the Jainas as being built by Avantisukumâra's son (*Sthavirâvali-charita*, XI, *v*. 177). Its sanctity is referred to by Kâlidâsa in his *Meghadûta* (I, *vs*. 37, 38). The temple of Mahâkâla stands in the centre of an extensive courtyard surrounded by walls. But the image is actually situated within a subterranean chamber which is reached by a subterranean passage, and just overhead is another chamber which contains the image of the Mahâdeva Pareśnâth. In front of the courtyard is a porch, the pillars of which are evidently of very ancient date. The temple, however, is a modern one. In the courtyard of the temple is a small reservoir called Koṭi-tîrtha (*Sthavirâvali-charita*, ch. 22). From the name of Mahâkâla, Ujjayinî was called Mahâkâlavana. Besides the temple of Mahâkâla, those of Siddhanâtha and Maṅgaleśvara are celebrated. The Chowbis-khâmbâ, which is evidently a gateway supported by 24 pillars of black stone beautifully carved, appears to be a very ancient structure. On the northern side of the town are situated the Kâliyadaha or the ancient Brahma Kuṇḍa of the *Skanda Purâṇa* and the temple of Kâla-Bhairab at Bhairogaḍ. At a short distance from the Daśâśvamedha Ghâṭ is situated the celebrated place called Aṅkapada now called Aṅkapâṭ, the hermitage of Sândîpani Muni where Kṛiṣhṇa and Balarāma were taught by the Ṛiṣhi;