The Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, near the holy Kshipra River. It is an ancient temple, originally built in the 6th century CE, with several rulers like the Paramaras and Marathas contributing to its construction.
The present structure was rebuilt in the 18th century by Maratha general Ranoji Shinde. Spread over 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres), the temple is a major pilgrimage site visited by millions of devotees every year.
During Mahashivaratri, more than a million people visit the temple in a single day. Mahakaleshwar is special because the Shiva Lingam here is believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu) and holds great spiritual significance for devotees.
Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple Overview
The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most revered Shiva temples in India. It stands on the banks of the sacred Kshipra River and is famous for its self-manifested (Swayambhu) Jyotirlinga. Unlike other Jyotirlingas, Mahakaleshwar is unique as it faces south (Dakshinmukhi), a rare feature linked to Tantric traditions.
The temple showcases a blend of Maratha, Bhumija, and Chalukya architectural styles and is spread over 1.5 hectares. Devotees flock here throughout the year, with Mahashivaratri being the grandest festival, drawing over a million visitors in a single day. The most important ritual, the Bhasma Aarti, is performed daily before sunrise, making it a spiritually significant experience for devotees.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Temple Location | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Presiding Deity | Lord Shiva (Mahakaleshwar) |
| Religious Significance | One of the twelve Jyotirlingas |
| Sacred River | Kshipra River flows nearby |
| Lingam Type | Swayambhu (self-manifested), approx. 3 feet tall |
| Unique Orientation | South-facing (Dakshinmukhi) |
| Architectural Influence | Maratha, Bhumija, and Chalukya styles |
| Temple Complex Area | Spans around 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres) |
| Main Ritual | Bhasma Aarti, performed daily at dawn |
| Major Festival | Mahashivaratri, attended by over 1 million devotees |
| Historical Roots | Origin dates back to the 6th century CE; current structure built in the 18th century by Ranoji Shinde |
Mahakaleshwar Temple Daily Schedule
The Mahakaleshwar Temple follows a structured daily routine, allowing devotees to participate in various darshans and aartis. The temple opens early in the morning with the sacred Bhasma Aarti and remains accessible until late at night. Below is the detailed schedule of darshan and aarti timings:
| Session | Type | Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | Darshan | 4:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Afternoon Break | Temple Closed | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Darshan | Darshan | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | Darshan | 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Morning Aarti | Aarti | 4:00 AM |
| Evening Aarti | Aarti | 7:00 PM |
| Shayan Aarti | Aarti | 11:00 PM |
How to Book Bhasma Aarti Online at Mahakaleshwar Temple
The Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the most sacred and unique rituals performed early in the morning. This special aarti is conducted using sacred ash and holds deep spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. The temple authorities provide this service free of cost, but devotees must book their slots online in advance. Since there is no offline booking available, online registration is the only way to secure a place for the Bhasma Aarti. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to book Bhasma Aarti online:
Step-by-Step Guide to Book Bhasma Aarti Online
Visit the Official Website:
- Open your web browser and go to the official Mahakaleshwar Temple website: mahakaleshwar.nic.in.
Navigate to the Booking Section:
- On the homepage, look for the “Booking” or “Bhasma Aarti Booking” option.
- Click on this option to proceed with the reservation.
Select Your Preferred Date & Time:
- The website will display available dates for Bhasma Aarti bookings.
- Choose a suitable date from the calendar and select your preferred time slot if applicable.
Enter Devotee Details:
- You will be required to fill in the details of the devotee attending the Bhasma Aarti.
- Provide details such as:
-
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- Full Name
- Mobile Number
- Address
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Upload Necessary Documents:
- The temple requires devotees to submit identification proof before confirming their booking.
- Upload a recent photograph and a valid Aadhaar card for verification.
Enter Aadhaar Number & Complete Verification:
- Input your Aadhaar number as an essential part of the booking process.
- Tick the “I am not a robot” box and complete the CAPTCHA verification.
Proceed to Payment (If Required):
- Although the Bhasma Aarti itself is free, there may be additional service charges for online processing.
- If any payment is required, complete the transaction through available online payment methods.
Receive Confirmation & Ticket:
- Once the booking is successfully completed, a confirmation message along with the Bhasma Aarti entry ticket will be sent to your registered mobile number via SMS.
- You may also receive a copy of the ticket via email.
Mahakaleshwar Temple Darshan Ticket Prices
| Darshan Type | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | Free | Available for all devotees, but may take longer due to long queues. |
| Special Paid Darshan | ₹200 per devotee | Allows quicker darshan compared to the general queue. |
| VIP Darshan | ₹750 - ₹1500 | Available only on high-demand days for a premium experience. |
| Bhasma Aarti Darshan | Free (Online Booking Required) | Devotees must book in advance through the official website. |
Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Bhasma Aarti VIP & General Ticket Prices
| Booking Method | Ticket Type | Price per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Online | VIP | ₹200 |
| Offline | VIP | ₹100 |
| Online | General | ₹100 |
| Offline | General | ₹100 |
Documents Required for Booking Bhasma Aarti Darshan
Devotees must carry valid identification documents while booking and attending the Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple. Below is the list of required documents based on the type of visitor and booking method.
| Visitor Type | Booking Method | Required Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Devotees | Online / Offline | Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport (Any One) |
| Foreign Visitors | Online / Offline | Passport & Valid Visa Copy |
| For Online Booking | Online | Booking Confirmation Printout + Original ID Used for Booking |
| For Offline Booking | Offline | Original Government ID Proof |
Pooja & Abhishekam Offerings at Mahakaleshwar Temple
The Mahakaleshwar Temple offers various Poojas and Abhishekam rituals for devotees to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. These rituals range from simple prayers to elaborate Vedic chants performed by temple priests. Below is the list of available poojas along with their charges.
| Pooja / Abhishekam Type | Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| General Puja | 100 |
| Shiv Mahimn Path | 200 |
| Rudrabhishek Vaidik Puja | 300 |
| Shiv Mahimn Strot | 500 |
| Rudrabhishek (11 Avartan) Rudra Patha | 1,000 |
| Laghu Rudrabhishek (121 Paath by 11 Brahmins) | 3,000 |
| Maha Rudrabhishek | 15,000 |
| Mahamrityunjay Jaap (1.25 Lakh Jaap) | 15,000 |
| Bhanga Shringar | 1,100 |
Bhasma Aarti Dress Code – Important Guidelines
Devotees attending the Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple must adhere to a strict traditional dress code as per temple rules.
Mandatory Dress Code:
✔️ Men – Must wear a dhoti (upper body can be bare or covered with an angavastram).
✔️ Women – Must wear a saree or traditional Indian attire like a salwar kameez.
Restricted Attire (Not Allowed):
❌ Western outfits such as jeans, shorts, skirts, trousers, or T-shirts.
❌ Casual or revealing clothing that does not match the sanctity of the temple.
📌 Note: The dress code is compulsory for all devotees participating in the Bhasma Aarti. Entry will be denied if the dress code is not followed.
How to Reach Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain
You can reach the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain through various modes of transport, including air, train, and road. Below is a detailed guide:
| Mode of Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| By Air ✈️ | The nearest airport is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore (IDR), approximately 55 km from the temple. Taxis and buses are available, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the temple. |
| By Train 🚆 | The closest railway station is Ujjain Junction, just 2 km from the temple. Trains from major cities like Bhopal, Delhi, Varanasi, and Ahmedabad are available. Taxis from the station cost around ₹50-₹100. |
| By Road 🛣️ | Bus Services: Government and private buses operate from Indore, Bhopal, and Ahmedabad. Luxury buses like MP Tourism & Volvo are also available. Self-Drive/Taxi: Travelers can drive via NH52 and other highways for a smooth journey. Taxis are easily available from nearby cities. |
Mahakaleshwar Temple Contact Details
- 📞 Phone Number: 0734-2550563
- 📧 Email Address: office@mahakaleshwar.nic.in
- 📍 Office Address: Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple Management Committee, Ujjain.
FAQs about Mahakaleshwar Temple
What is the significance of the Mahakaleshwar Temple?
Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is unique because the lingam is Swayambhu (self-manifested) and faces south (Dakshinmukhi), which is rare in Shiva temples.
How can I book the Bhasma Aarti online?
To book the Bhasma Aarti, visit the official Mahakaleshwar Temple website, select the booking option, choose the date and time, enter details, upload Aadhaar proof, and confirm the booking.
What is the dress code for Bhasma Aarti?
Devotees must wear traditional attire. Men should wear a dhoti, while women must wear a saree or traditional dress. Western outfits like jeans, skirts, or shorts are not allowed.
What are the Mahakaleshwar Temple darshan timings?
Darshan timings are from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with short breaks. Special aartis like Bhasma Aarti (4:00 AM) and Shayan Aarti (11:00 PM) are significant rituals performed daily.