Mahakaleshwar

Marble pathways lead way to the chamber where the deity resides. The temple has three floors dedicated to Mahakalesvara, Omkaresvara and Nagachandresvara, respectively. A small pond (Koti Tirtha Kund) is also present.

Tips:

• Witness the temple’s original structure in pictures placed on temple walls near the Kund.
• Nagachandresvara Lingam can only be visited by devotees on Naga Panchami.
• Head to the neighbouring Rudra Sagar after paying respects at the temple.
• Catch the iconic ‘Bhasma Arti’ at 4 a.m., bookings for which can be made online on the official website.

  Best time to Visit Mahakaleshwar Temple

  If you're planning your next pilgrimage destination in Ujjain, prioritize visiting Mahakaleshwar Temple any time between October and March. This season presents favorable weather patterns suitable for touring and exploring purposes while benefiting from cooler temperatures within a range of approximately 10-25 degrees Celsius that render navigating through different temple sections effortless whether you are there as a devotee or tourist.

  More About Mahakaleshwar Temple

  The temple is situated on the banks of Rudra Sagar Lake, which adds to its scenic beauty and spiritual ambiance. It stands tall as a magnificent structure, showcasing a distinctive blend of Maratha and Rajput architectural styles. The Mahakaleshwar Temple holds a significant place in the highly esteemed Kumbh Mela that occurs once every twelve years in Ujjain. During this time, millions of pilgrims and spiritual seekers gather to take a holy dip in the sacred Shipra River and seek the blessings of Lord Mahakaleshwar.

  Mahakaleshwar Temple Services

  The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain offers various services to cater to the needs of devotees and visitors. Some of the notable services provided at the temple are:

  • Darshan: The temple provides the darshan (sight) of the deity, Lord Mahakaleshwar, to the devotees. The darshan timings may vary depending on the specific rituals and daily schedule of the temple.
  • Abhishekam: Temple-goers can take part in exclusive abhishekam ceremonies (ritual bathing), where they can offer sacred items like water and milk to the deity.
  • Aarti: The temple conveys spirituality through daily aarti rituals that are carried out numerous times during business hours. To further intensify this spiritual vibe, mantras resound throughout these rituals alongside echoes from ringing bells.
  • Pujas and Rituals: The temple allows devotees to perform various pujas (rituals) and offer prayers to seek blessings. Devotees can book specific pujas in advance or avail of the services provided by the temple priests.
  • Annadanam: The temple runs a dedicated kitchen where free meals, known as annadanam, are served to the devotees. This noble service aims to provide food to the needy and create a sense of community and equality among the devotees.

  Mahakaleshwar Temple Aarti

  The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is renowned for its vibrant and captivating aarti (devotional ceremony) that takes place multiple times a day. The aarti rituals are conducted with great devotion and enthusiasm, creating a divine atmosphere for the devotees. Here are some details about the aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple:

  • Bhasma Aarti: It is conducted in the early morning. The priests adorn the idol of Lord Mahakaleshwar with sacred ash (bhasma) and perform the aarti amidst the chanting of sacred mantras and hymns.
  • Rudra Abhishek Aarti: The Rudra Abhishek Aarti is another important aarti performed at Mahakaleshwar Temple. It involves the ritualistic bathing of the Shivalinga with various sacred substances like milk, holy water, honey, ghee, and other offerings.
  • Sandhya Aarti: The Sandhya Aarti is conducted in the evening as the sun begins to set. Devotees gather to witness the grand aarti ceremony where the temple priests offer lamps, incense, and flowers to the deity while chanting devotional hymns.
  • Shayan Aarti: The Shayan Aarti is the final aarti of the day, performed just before the closing of the temple at night. It signifies the resting time of the deity. The priests offer prayers and seek blessings while bidding farewell to the Lord for the night.

  Nearby Tourist Spots

  Here are some tourist spots near the temple that allow visitors to explore the cultural and natural heritage of the region:

  • Kal Bhairav Temple
  • Ram Mandir Ghat
  • Harsiddhi Temple
  • Mangalnath Temple
  • Kaliadeh Palace
  • Gopal Mandir
  • Bhartrihari Caves
  • Vikram Kirti Mandir
  • Kalidasa Academy
  • Chintaman Ganesh Temple

  Restaurants and Local Food in Mahakaleshwar Temple

  When visiting Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, you must try the delicious local food that is offered as prasad (sacred food). The temple serves a variety of vegetarian dishes that are prepared with utmost devotion and are considered to be blessed. Some popular dishes include dal bafla, sabudana khichdi, kachori, and jalebi. Moreover, there are some famous restaurants in close vicinity to the temple where you can relish delectable meals including the following:

  • Maa Annapurna Bhojnalaya: Located near Mahakaleshwar Temple, this restaurant offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes, including North Indian and South Indian cuisines.
  • Hotel Rudra Cafe: This restaurant is known for its delicious vegetarian thali meals, which include a variety of dishes from different Indian cuisines.
  • Shri Krishna Bhog: A popular eatery near the temple, it serves pure vegetarian food, including Rajasthani and Gujarati thalis, as well as snacks and sweets.
  • Gopal Mandir Bhojnalaya: Situated near the temple, this restaurant serves traditional vegetarian dishes with a focus on local flavors.
    

    Mahakaleshwar Temple is known for	The temple houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
    Timings	Opens: 4: 00 AMCloses: 11: 00 PM
    Entry Fee	Not Applicable
    Tips & Restrictions	The best time to visit the temple is during the months of October to March.Restricted items include Shoes, food and Drinks, smoking and Tobacco Products, revealing clothes, and sharp weapons.
    Facilities	Darshan, abhishekam, aarti, puja, and annadanam.
    Require Time	1-3 hours (approx)