About Mangalnath Temple
Mangalnath Temple stands on the northern side of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, on a rise overlooking a wide stretch of the Shipra river. Its presiding deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Mangalnath, and the temple is linked in tradition with Mangal, the planet Mars. For this reason it is one of the most visited shrines in Ujjain after Mahakaleshwar, especially for people whose horoscopes show Mangal dosh. The temple is well known for its Bhaat Puja, an offering made to the Shivling to calm the effects of Mars, and hundreds of devotees come every day, with the biggest crowds on Tuesdays, the day of Mangal.
According to the Matsya Purana, Mangalnath is the birthplace of Mars, the son of Prithvi, the Earth. A popular story from the Avanti Khanda of the Skanda Purana tells that Shiva fought the demon Andhakasura, from whose every drop of blood new demons arose. During the battle a drop of Shiva's sweat fell on the earth of Avantika, and from it Mangal was born; the new planet absorbed the demon's blood, which is why Mars is red. Tradition also holds that in ancient times the site gave a clear view of the planet, making it a place for astronomical observation. The temple is centuries old and was rebuilt under the Scindia rulers.
The temple is reached by a winding road away from the busy centre of the city, and it feels calmer than the main pilgrimage area. In the sanctum, the Shivling, believed to mark the birthplace of Mangal, is the focus of worship. Priests conduct Bhaat Puja and other rituals for visitors through the morning and early afternoon, and the sound of mantras fills the hall. From the temple terrace there are open views over the Shipra and its ghats, which are especially pleasant in the early morning. On Tuesdays the queues and puja crowds are at their largest.
Mangalnath Temple timings & aarti
Usually open daily from early morning until evening; pujas are generally performed between about 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Bhaat Puja | Through the morning to early afternoon, on booking |
| Evening aarti | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Mangalnath Temple
By air
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore is about 55 km from Ujjain.
By train
Ujjain Junction (UJN) on the Western Railway is a short drive away, with trains to most major cities.
By road
Ujjain is linked by road to Indore (about 53 km) and Bhopal (about 183 km); autos and taxis run from the city to the temple.
Festivals at Mangalnath Temple
- Tuesday (Mangalvar) worshipWeekly
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Shravan MondaysJul/Aug
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended; shoulders and knees should be covered. Devotees taking part in puja usually wear simple Indian dress.
- Entry
- Free. Bhaat Puja and other rituals carry a fee paid to the temple or the officiating priest.
- Book the Bhaat Puja at the temple office or through a registered priest; avoid touts.
- Tuesdays are very crowded; visit on another weekday for a quieter darshan.
- Go in the morning, when pujas are held and the river view is best.
- Combine the visit with Mahakaleshwar, Kal Bhairav and Sandipani Ashram on the same day.
Places to visit near Mangalnath Temple
- Sandipani AshramWhere tradition says Krishna studied, about 2 km away
- Kal Bhairav TempleFamous temple of Ujjain's guardian deity, about 4 km away
- Mahakaleshwar JyotirlingaOne of the twelve Jyotirlingas, about 5 km away
- Chintaman Ganesh TempleOld Ganesha temple on the city's edge, about 10 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is Mangalnath Temple famous?
It is revered as the birthplace of the planet Mars, and devotees come here to perform Bhaat Puja for relief from Mangal dosh.
What is Bhaat Puja at Mangalnath?
It is a ritual offering made to the Shivling to pacify Mangal; it is booked at the temple and performed by priests, mostly in the morning and early afternoon.
What are the Mangalnath Temple timings?
It is usually open from early morning to evening, with pujas between about 7 AM and 3 PM. Times may vary; check locally.
Which is the best day to visit Mangalnath?
Tuesday, the day of Mangal, is considered most auspicious, though it is also the most crowded.
How far is Mangalnath from Mahakaleshwar?
It is on the northern side of Ujjain, roughly 5 km from the Mahakaleshwar temple by road.
What is the aarti time at Mangalnath Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Bhaat Puja: Through the morning to early afternoon, on booking; 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 Mangalnath Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended; shoulders and knees should be covered. Devotees taking part in puja usually wear simple Indian dress.
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