About Chintaman Ganesh Temple
The Chintaman Ganesh Temple is about 7 km south-west of Ujjain, near Fatehabad, across the Kshipra river. It is the largest Ganesha temple in Ujjain and one of the city's most visited shrines after the great temples of Mahakaleshwar and Harsiddhi. Ganesha is worshipped here as Chintaman, the one who frees devotees from chinta, or worry. As the lord of beginnings, he is honoured before any new undertaking, and families come to seek his blessings before weddings, journeys and new ventures. The temple now stands in a lively market area, and a small railway station on the Fatehabad line carries its name.
The temple is dated to the eleventh and twelfth centuries, when the Paramara dynasty ruled Malwa. Some devotees believe the shrine is far older, and a local tradition holds that the first temple here was established by Sita in the age of the Ramayana. The image of Ganesha is regarded as swayambhu, or self-manifested, which adds to the shrine's importance for pilgrims visiting the holy city of Ujjain. Because Ganesha is worshipped first in every Hindu ritual, many pilgrims begin their round of Ujjain's sacred sites, including the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, with a visit here. Its position across the Kshipra and beside the Fatehabad railway line has long made it easy to reach from the city.
In the sanctum, Chintaman Ganesha is flanked by his consorts Riddhi and Siddhi, and the image is richly coloured with sindoor. The assembly hall in front is supported by finely carved stone pillars, a reminder of the temple's medieval origins, while the white shrine and later additions show how it has been cared for over the centuries. The setting is calmer than the crowded temples in the old city, and many visitors combine it with a full day of darshan around Ujjain. Mornings are usually a good time for a quieter darshan.
Chintaman Ganesh Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to night. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Chintaman Ganesh Temple
By air
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore, is about 57 km from Ujjain.
By train
Ujjain Junction is about 7 km away; the small Chintaman Ganesh station on the Fatehabad line is close to the temple.
By road
The temple is about 7 km from Ujjain town; autos and taxis from the city are easy to find.
Festivals at Chintaman Ganesh Temple
- Ganesh ChaturthiAug/Sep
- Sankashti ChaturthiMonthly
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is advised.
- Entry
- Free.
- Combine the visit with Mahakaleshwar, Harsiddhi and Kal Bhairav temples on a day of darshan in Ujjain.
- Wednesdays and Ganesh Chaturthi are the busiest times.
- Take an auto from the city, as the temple is outside the old town.
- Ujjain is busiest during the Simhastha Kumbh and Shravan; plan ahead in those seasons.
Places to visit near Chintaman Ganesh Temple
- Mahakaleshwar JyotirlingaOne of the twelve Jyotirlingas, in central Ujjain, about 7 km away
- Harsiddhi TempleAncient goddess temple near Mahakal, about 7 km away
- Kal Bhairav TempleFamous Bhairav shrine on the edge of Ujjain
- Mangalnath TempleShrine of Mars beside the Kshipra in Ujjain
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Chintaman Ganesh?
Chintaman means the one who removes worries; devotees come to Ganesha here to be freed from their anxieties.
How far is Chintaman Ganesh Temple from Ujjain?
It is about 7 km south-west of Ujjain town.
How old is the Chintaman Ganesh Temple?
The temple dates to the 11th and 12th centuries, the Paramara period, though tradition holds the site is much older.
What are the Chintaman Ganesh temple timings?
It is usually open from early morning to night. Times may vary; check locally.
What is the aarti time at Chintaman Ganesh Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Chintaman Ganesh Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is advised.
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