Shiva is worshipped as Mahakala in Ujjain and the Mahakala Shiva Temple in Ujjain is counted third among the twelve Jyotirlingas. There is an interesting story which explains about the Mahakaleshwar form of Shiva – a fierce form which is beyond imagination and description. The story took place when Ujjain was known as Avanti and is mentioned in the Shiva Purana. Once there lived a pious man in Avanti who was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He had four sons and the family worshipped Lord Shiva daily. Not far away from their home in a hill named Ratanmala there lived an Asura (demon) named Dooshana. Demon Dooshana hated all forms of Shiva and vedic worship. He went around killing people who worshipped Shiva. Soon Dooshana came to know about the family in Avanti that worshipped Shiva.Soon the demon arrived with his army and attacked the city. But the family continued to worship Shiva in the form of a Shivling. Finally, the demon and soldiers reached the home of the pious man and started hurling weapons. The demon broke open the door and advanced towards the Shivling by raising a sword. Suddenly, there was a deafening sound and there appeared a dreadful form beyond explanation before the Shivling. A single glance by the Mahakala form of Shiva burned the demon and his army into ashes. Uncontrollable and unsatisfied, the form of Shiva gave a huge roar; the entire universe trembled in fear. The family was but delighted to see Lord Shiva and continued chanting his glory and prayers. Before his true devotees, Shiva is always the Bholenath – one can be easily influenced. Hearing the prayers of his devotees, His anger subsided. But the family who was aware of the dangers of the world realized that the form of Shiva as Mahakala was essential for peace and prosperity and asked him to reside in this form at Ujjain. Since then Shiva remains at Ujjain Mahakala Temple as Mahakala – the one with the power to annihilate all living and non-living

I have posted a closest possible image in this link http://manblunder-discussion-forum.4718.n7.nabble.com/K-labhairava-and-Ca-i-image-td47.html

I strongly feel attracted to this form and name of Shiva "Mahakala" but not much information available online. I came across your website while searching for Mahakala but most of the results are for a Buddhism God Mahakal, are they the same.And is it possible for you to upload an image of Mahakala form of Shiva?Thank You

He is Mahākāla, the Supreme Destroyer. He alone can annihilate the universe and no body else, hence He is Mahākāla. He is not only the Creator but also the Annihilator. The sustenance is carried out by Śakti, which includes death of individuals. Ultimately, there are only two principles, Śiva and Śakti or Śiva and His Independent Power of Autonomy (svātantrya śakti).

Incredible description of Kali.But why is Shiva called Mahakala?

The most precious Parama tatva (supreme principle) or energy responsible for creation at the beginning of the Cosmos is eternal. The whole Cosmos came into being because of Śakti (This Śakti is Parama tatva and is independent of Paramaśiva). In fact, Truth (sat) is Paramaśiva and Citi is His Śakti (power or energy) and therefore they (Śiva and Śakti) are inseparable, in fact they are one and the same. Śakti (energy) lies dormant in Paramaśiva in the beginning but in the Viśvamaya state (containing the universe), since She is independent, She becomes responsible for the origin of Viśva. In this Viśvamaya state, everything is in disorder (chaotic). In this disorder form, She is known as Unmanā (Supramental Śakti of Paramaśiva in Her primal move towards manifestation, yet remaining inseparable from Him). This same Śakti is known as Saman (Unmanā Śakti begins to display Herself in the form of the universe) when everything is in order. She is Samanā because She/this is the limit for mind and She/this is also the end/limit of kāla, (time such as past, present and future). Samanā Śakti determines/defines the kāla and that's why She is called as Kālī or Kālasaṅkarṣiṇī. In this universe, whatever happens in order is due to Her (Kālī) rule and direction. So, Paramaśiva materializes or reflects ahaṁ in the universe through his Parāśakti. Ahaṁ idaṁ means in spite of being inseparable, at the origin of the universe, His Parāpara Śaktī works in a different/separate form. Through the Aparā Śakti, He gives rise to the world that is in idaṁ form. Kālī’s Parā form represents the ahaṁ in the universe. The parāpara or sūkṣma (subtle) form represents ahaṁ-idaṁ.

Raviji, I want to know more about Mahakala form of Shiva and Kamakala Kali?

His main works are Varivasyā-rahasya on Panchadashi mantra and his commentary on Lalita Sahasranama.

It is possible to tell us more about Bhaskararaya and his works. Thank You

There is a book and I think it is not available now.