About Harsiddhi Temple
The Harsiddhi Temple stands in the old city of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, between the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and the Rudra Sagar lake, a short walk from the Shipra river. Harsiddhi Mata is one of the principal goddesses of Ujjain, and pilgrims who come for darshan of Mahakal usually visit her as well. She is also worshipped as a family goddess by many communities of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
The temple is counted among the Shakti Peethas in many lists. Tradition says that the elbow of Sati fell here, though other traditions place Ujjain's peetha elsewhere in the city, such as at Gadkalika or the Bhairav hill, and lists differ. Harsiddhi is closely linked in legend with the famous King Vikramaditya of Ujjain, who is said to have worshipped her as his family deity and to have offered his head to her again and again, each time restored by her grace. The present temple building dates largely from the Maratha period of the 18th century.
The temple stands in a walled courtyard. In the sanctum the goddess is worshipped in an image coloured deep vermilion, with images of Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati beside her, and a Shri Yantra is also revered. The most striking sight is the pair of tall stone lamp towers (deep stambhas) in front of the temple, studded with hundreds of lamp holders. On Navratri nights and other festival evenings, the lamps are lit one by one, and the glowing towers draw large crowds. The lamp towers are believed to date from the Maratha period, and lighting them is regarded as a special offering by devotees.
Harsiddhi Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with a short break around midday. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Harsiddhi Temple
By air
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore, is about 55 km away.
By train
Ujjain Junction is about 2 km away.
By road
Ujjain is well connected by road with Indore, Bhopal and Ahmedabad. Autos and e-rickshaws run from the station to the Mahakal area.
Festivals at Harsiddhi Temple
- Sharad NavratriSep/Oct
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
- DiwaliOct/Nov
- Simhastha Kumbh (in its year)Apr/May
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
- Entry
- Free darshan.
- Visit in the evening during Navratri to see the lamp towers lit.
- The temple is a short walk from Mahakaleshwar; visit both on the same trip.
- Weekends and festival days are crowded; mornings are calmer.
- Photography rules inside the sanctum may be strict; follow the signs.
Places to visit near Harsiddhi Temple
- Mahakaleshwar TempleJyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, about 0.5 km away
- Ram GhatMain bathing ghat on the Shipra river, about 1 km away
- Gadkalika TempleAncient temple of Goddess Kalika, about 3 km away
- Kal Bhairav TempleTemple of the guardian deity of Ujjain, about 5 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Harsiddhi Temple a Shakti Peetha?
It is counted among the Shakti Peethas in many lists, with tradition linking it to the elbow of Sati. Some traditions place the Ujjain peetha at other sites, so accounts differ.
Where is Harsiddhi Temple in Ujjain?
It is between the Mahakaleshwar Temple and Rudra Sagar, about 2 km from Ujjain Junction.
When are the Harsiddhi lamp towers lit?
The lamps on the two deep stambhas are lit on festival evenings, especially during Navratri. Check locally for the schedule.
What is the link between Harsiddhi and Vikramaditya?
Legend says King Vikramaditya worshipped Harsiddhi as his family goddess and offered his head to her many times, each time restored by her grace.
What is the aarti time at Harsiddhi Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Harsiddhi Temple timings?
Usually open from about 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with a short break around midday. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Harsiddhi Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
How to reach Harsiddhi Temple?
By air: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore, is about 55 km away. By train: Ujjain Junction is about 2 km away. By road: Ujjain is well connected by road with Indore, Bhopal and Ahmedabad. Autos and e-rickshaws run from the station to the Mahakal area.
Visited recently and noticed something has changed? Suggest an update — Sevaks help keep every temple guide accurate.
