Daily Hindu Panchang
Home of Mahakaleshwar on the Shipra
Ujjain is one of the seven sacred cities and home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, famous for its Bhasma Aarti. Simhastha Kumbh is held here on the banks of the Shipra.
| Place | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh |
|---|---|
| Known as | Jyotirlinga · Sapta Puri · Shakti Peeth |
| Best time | October to March. Mahashivratri and Shravan are the busiest. |
| Time needed | 1 to 2 days |
| Nearest railway | Ujjain Junction |
| Nearest airport | Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore |
Ujjain is one of the seven sacred cities and home to Mahakaleshwar, the only Jyotirlinga that faces south. It sits on the Shipra river and hosts the Simhastha Kumbh every twelve years. The city has been a centre of astronomy and learning for thousands of years, and ancient texts treat Ujjain as the zero meridian of Indian time.
The most famous ritual is the Bhasma Aarti at dawn at Mahakaleshwar. It needs advance registration and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.
This guide explains how to plan the main temple and the other temples of the city.
The main sights are all within the old city and along the Shipra: Mahakal Temple, Harsiddhi, Ram Ghat and Kal Bhairav. Kal Bhairav and Sandipani Ashram are a few kilometres out. Mahakal Lok, the new corridor, has made the temple area wider and easier to walk.
How many days do you have? Pick one and the plan changes.
A quick visit from Indore.
The best plan for Bhasma Aarti and the rest of the city.
For two Jyotirlingas.
Ujjain with Indore, Omkareshwar and Mandu.
Ujjain, Omkareshwar and Maheshwar with rest days.
The Jyotirlinga here is swayambhu and the temple has several floors, with the main shrine below. Mahakal Lok is a large corridor with sculptures from Shiva stories, opened in 2022.
The Bhasma Aarti happens early in the morning and requires advance registration through the temple's official website.
Local tip: Check the official site for darshan options and the dress code. Phones and bags are usually not allowed inside.
A Shakti Peeth where the elbow of Sati is believed to have fallen. It is known for two tall lamp pillars, the deepstambhs, which are lit on festivals.
Local tip: Visit in the evening to see the lamps lit.
The main bathing ghat of the city, where the Simhastha Kumbh is held. A quiet evening aarti is held here.
Local tip: Bathe only where others are bathing and do not enter alone.
A temple of Kal Bhairav where liquor is offered as prasad, which is an unusual and well-known ritual. It is believed that Kal Bhairav guards the city.
Local tip: Go before noon to avoid queues.
Sandipani Ashram is the school of the sage Sandipani, where Krishna, Balram and Sudama are said to have studied. Mangalnath Temple is a notable Mangal temple, tied to the astronomy of the city.
The Vedh Shala, an old observatory, shows the city's astronomy heritage.
Local tip: Combine in a half-day on the edge of the city.
| October to March | Cooler weather. The best time. |
|---|---|
| Shravan and Maha Shivaratri | The biggest days at Mahakal. Very crowded. |
| Simhastha Kumbh years | A huge gathering. Plan well in advance. |
| Summer | Hot. Visit early in the morning and in the evening. |
Hotels and dharamshalas are near the temple and the railway station. Book early for Shravan and Shivaratri.
Poha with jalebi, kachori, dal bafla and sabudana khichdi are the local favourites. Indore's famous street snacks are one hour away.
Check the dates for this year on our festival calendar, and choose a shubh time using the muhurat pages.
Darshan timings, booking rules and road conditions change, so confirm them with the temple trust or local authority before you travel.
One day covers the main temples. Two days is relaxed and lets you add Bhasma Aarti.
Register through the official Mahakaleshwar temple website. Slots fill quickly, so book early.
Yes. They are about 140 km apart, often done in a 2 to 3 day trip.
October to March.
Yes. The temple area is now wider and easier. Avoid festival days.
October to March. Mahashivratri and Shravan are the busiest.
Plan 1 to 2 days.
The nearest railway station is Ujjain Junction. The nearest airport is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore. Check current road and train timings before you travel.
Maha Shivaratri; Shravan Mahakal sawari; Simhastha Kumbh (next in 2028); Kartik Purnima.
On 13 November 2026, the tithi is Shukla Chaturthi and Rahu Kaal is 10:48 AM to 12:11 PM, worked out for Ujjain's own sunrise.
Mahakaleshwar Temple: Ashverse, CC BY-SA 4.0, source.
