Mahakaleshwar Templeमहाकालेश्वर मंदिर

About Mahakaleshwar Temple

Mahakaleshwar Temple in the ancient city of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Here Shiva is worshipped as Mahakala, the Lord of Time and death. The linga is Swayambhu, believed to be self-manifested, and is the only Jyotirlinga that faces south (Dakshinamukhi), a direction associated with death, which is why devotees believe worship here frees one from the fear of untimely death. The temple is best known for its daily Bhasma Aarti performed before dawn with sacred ash.

Puranic legends describe Shiva rising from the earth here as Mahakala to destroy the demon Dushana and protect the people of Avantika, as Ujjain was once known. The city is also one of the Sapta Puri, the seven sacred cities, and a site of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela held every twelve years. The old temple was destroyed by Iltutmish in the 13th century, and the present structure was rebuilt in the 18th century under the Maratha general Ranoji Shinde. In 2022 the large Mahakal Lok corridor was opened around the temple.

The temple rises in three storeys. Mahakaleshwar is enshrined in the lowest level below ground, Omkareshwar on the middle level, and Nagchandreshwar on the top level, which opens only once a year on Nag Panchami. The tall spire overlooks the Rudra Sagar lake, and the new Mahakal Lok corridor has carved panels and statues telling stories of Shiva.

Mahakaleshwar Temple timings & aarti

Usually open about 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM, beginning with the Bhasma Aarti. Darshan times may vary on festivals and in Shravan; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Mahakaleshwar Temple

Festivals at Mahakaleshwar Temple

• Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
• Shravan Somvar SawariJul/Aug
• Nag PanchamiJul/Aug
• Simhastha Kumbh MelaEvery 12 years (next due 2028)

Visitor tips

Dress code

For entering the sanctum during Bhasma Aarti, men usually wear a dhoti and women a saree; modest traditional clothing is recommended at other times.

Entry

General darshan is free. Bhasma Aarti requires advance booking through the temple committee, and paid quick darshan is also offered.

• Book the Bhasma Aarti well in advance, especially for weekends and festival days.
• Mobile phones are generally not allowed inside; use the lockers provided.
• Visit the Mahakal Lok corridor in the evening when it is lit up.
• Also visit Kal Bhairav and Harsiddhi temples, which are part of the traditional Ujjain circuit.

Places to visit near Mahakaleshwar Temple

• Harsiddhi TempleAncient Shakti shrine with tall lamp towers, about 1 km away
• Ram GhatMain ghat on the Shipra river with evening aarti, about 1.5 km away
• Sandipani AshramWhere Krishna is said to have studied, about 4 km away
• Kal Bhairav TempleTemple where liquor is offered to the deity, about 5 km away
• Mangalnath TempleBelieved birthplace of Mars, about 6 km away

Frequently asked questions