What is Prasadam?

Jan. 10, 2024

Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare recently inaugurated the country’s first healthy & hygienic food street, ‘Prasadam’, at Neelkanth Van, Mahakal Lok, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

About Prasadam:

  • It is the country’s first “Healthy and Hygienic Food Street”.
  • It has been opened at Neelkanth Van, Mahakal Lok, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
  • It will connect people in every corner of the country with pure and safe local and traditional food.
  • Spread over 939 square metres with 19 shops, Prasadam offers convenient and culturally rich dining options for the 1-1.5 lakh devotees who visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple daily.
  • The food street is designed to provide various facilities, including a kids’ play area, drinking water facility, CCTV surveillance, parking, public conveniences, and seating spaces.

Key Facts about Mahakaleshwar Temple:

  • It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva.
  • Location:
    • It is located in the ancient city of Ujjain, in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
    • The temple is situated beside the Rudra Sagar Lake.
  • It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. 
  • Mahakaleshwar idol is Dakshina Mukhifacing south, unlike all the other Jyotirlingas.
  • The temple, which is spread over five levels, sees a huge throng of devotees during the Maha Shivaratri festival.
  • Architecture:
    • The temple complex comes with a spacious courtyard that is adorned with the finest sculptures that are believed to be influenced by the Chalukya, Maratha, and Bhumija styles of structural design. 
    • The foundation and platform are built of stones. Most of the upper structure rests on the strong and well-designed pillars and plasters.
    • It is complete with impressive lingam sculptures of Mahakaleshwar.
    • The images of Ganesh, Parvati, and Kartikeya are installed in the west, north, and east of the sanctum sanctorum. 
    • The temple also houses a tank constructed in the sarvatobhadra style.