Chaubis Khamba Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh India

Two images of goddesses are installed on the either side of this gate. The names inscribed on the footstools are Mahamaya and Mahalaya. Looking at the graceful forms of these guardian-deities of the grand entrance structure, one can imagine the dimensions of the boundary-wall of the traditionally known Ujjaini, which is now a thickly inhabited city.

The description of the Mahakalavana and Mahakal temple are found in the Sanskrit texts. This forest was surrounded by a big wall during ancient times the remains of which still exists. The existing 24 pillars are well decorated and the present colonies of this area are called Kot Mohalla. The remains of the ancient Kot can still be seen in the two female idols on both sides of the entrance having inscribed their names on it as Mahamaya and Mahalaya in the Paramara script. Devotees call this entrance as Mahamaya Devi and during the Navaratri festival, arrangements of its worship are made by the old Jagirdar family. There are stories that during ancient times female scarifices were done at this place, a tradition started by the Nath sect. Today the old tradition is being continued by pouring of the blood of a Nath girl on the deity by piercing her finger with a pin. By the advent of the Paramaras, Ujjain city got settled near the Mahakal forest. Following age old tradition the procession of the Ashtami worship every year goes from Chaubis-khambha to Gadhkalika via Phool Bai, Aankpat, Nagarkot ki Rani, Tajpur gate, Nijatpura, Chhatripura gate, Ahirpura lal, Bari gate, Bhukhi Mata gate and Agiya Betal. The specialty of this ritualistic procession is that a pitcher filled with wine is carried throughout the procession with wine dripping from its small hole till it reaches the last destination of Gadhkalika.

There is a legend associated with this ritual according to which no other king other than Vikramaditya could sit on his throne. Once, while going on a tour, Vikramditya appointed another king to sit on the throne during his absence. But the Devi (Goddess) devoured the king. Similarly she kept devouring seven more kings who were made to sit on the throne. Hearing all this, Vikramaditya returned to Ujjain in disquise and sat on the throne. The city was decorated by flowers, garlands, incuses, perfumes etc right form the palace to Gadhakalika at his return. Arrangements were also made in order to please the Devi. In the evening a dummy of Vikramaditya made of wax, was installed on the throne with all royal decorations and clothes. Vikramaditya himself hid behind the throne. The Devi, already pleased by the arrangements made in the city arrived near the throne and felt very happy to see the enchanting wax statue of the king. She asked the king to seek her blessings. Vikramaditya, appeared immediately before the Devi and vowed to perform worship and sacrifice on every Ashtami in her honor. This tradition is still being continued.

An impressive structure, which belongs to ninth or tenth century AD, Chaubis Khamba Temple presents an architectural marvel. The majestic entrance gate of the magnificient Mahakala-Vana, the remains of which provides an amazing spectacle. Two splendid images of goddesses are depicted on each side of the gate with the inscription of their names on the foot steps.

These guardian-deities by name Mahamaya and Mahalaya in a very graceful form guards the grand entrance of the structure. One can imagine the dimensions of the boundary-wall of the conventionally recognized Mahakala-vana, which is now covered under thick inhabitation.