The Mahakaleswar Temple is another famous tantrik center of Ujjain. A flight of steps leads down to the sanctum sanctorum that houses the Shiva lingam. Several impressive ceremonies are held here during the day.
However, for tantriks, it is the first ceremony of the day that is of particular interest. Their attention is focused on the "bhasm aarti" or the ash ritual — the only one of its kind in the world.
It is said that the ash with which the Shiva lingam is 'bathed' every morning must be that of a corpse that has been cremated the day before.
If no cremation has taken place at Ujjain, then the ash must be obtained at all costs from the nearest cremation ground.
9. Jwalamukhi Temple, Himachal Pradesh
This spot is of particular significance to tantriks and attracts thousands of believers and skeptics year after year.
Guarded and cared for by the fierce-looking followers of Gorakhnath — who is known to have been blessed with miraculous powers — the spot is no more than a small circle of about three feet in circumference.
A short flight of stairs leads down to the grotto-like enclosure. Within this grotto are two small pools of crystal-clear water, fed by natural underground springs.
Three orange yellow jets of flame flare continuously, steadily, from the sides of the pool, barely inches above the surface of the water, which appears to be on the boil, bubbling away merrily.
10. Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh
Many tantriks journey on from Jwalamukhi to Baijnath, nestling at the foot of the mighty Dhauladhars.
Inside, the ‘lingam' of Vaidyanath has long been a symbol of veneration for the vast number of pilgrims who visit this ancient temple the year around.
The temple priests claim a lineage as old as the temple. Tantriks and yogis admit that they travel to Baijnath to seek some of the healing powers possessed by Shiva, the Lord of Physicians.
