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Mahakaleshwar Temple Timings, Poojas, and History

March 13, 2020, Sasidhar Darla 57 Comments Filed Under: Jyotirlinga, Madhya Pradesh Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Lingam of the Mahakaleshwar temple is the largest among all other Jyotirlingas. Images of various Gods, Goddesses, Apsaras, and Kichakas adorn the walls and pillars of the temple.

Planning to visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple? Have a look at our Mahakaleshwar Omkareshwar Tour Package.

Mahakaleshwar Temple – Facts

DeityLord Mahakaleshwar (Lord Shiva)
LocationUjjain, Madhya Pradesh
SignificanceJyotirlinga
ToursMahakaleshwar Omkareshwar Tour
Darshan Timings4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Entry FeeFree
PoojasMaharudrabhisek, Laghurudrabhisek
Best Time to VisitOctober to March
FestivalsShravan, Shivratri
Jyotirlingas in Madhya PradeshMahakaleshwar Temple, Omkareshwar Temple
Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain Video

Darshan Timings of the Mahakaleshwar Temple

The temple opens at 4 AM and closes at 11 PM. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening aarti. Moreover, there is no afternoon break in between, unlike most temples which remain closed in the afternoon for lunch.

The timings are as follows:

RitualFromTo
Darshan4:00 AM11:00 PM
Bhasma Aarti4:00 AM6:00 AM
Morning Pooja7:00 AM7:30 AM
Evening Pooja5:00 PM5:30 PM
Shree Mahakaal Aarti7:00 PM7:30 PM

It is important to note that during the winter season, these rituals take place half an hour later than the given timings.

What are the sevas and poojas of the Mahakaleshwar Temple?

Pooja at Mahakaleshwar
Maharudrabhishek being performed at the Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Some of the sevas and poojas of the Mahakaleshwar Temple are:

  • Bhasm Aarti: This aarti is unique to the temple. The priest applies Vibhhoti (Bhasm) to the Shiva Linga every day at 4:00 AM. Only, pilgrims holding a VIP pass can enter the Sanctum or the Garbhagraha for the aarti. Women cannot witness Bhasma decoration during the aarti.
  • Maharudrabhishek: In the abhishek, recitations of Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and Atharva Veda is done in front of the deities of the Mahakaleshwar Temple.
  • Laghurudrabhishek: This abhishek is done to resolve issues related to health and wealth. It is also done to remove the harmful effects of planets in the horoscope.
  • Mahamrityunjaya Jaap: The Mahamrityunjaya abhishek increases longevity and immortality of the person. It is also known as the Rudra mantra and has miraculous effects in the lives of the people who perform it. Chanting this mantra helps relieve the individual from the cycle of death and rebirth. Hence, this mantra is also known as the Moksha Mantra.
Mahakaleshwar Bhasma Pooja
The Mahakaleshwar Bhasma Pooja is said to be extremely auspicious.

What is the significance of Mahakaleshwar Temple?

The Mahakaleshwar Shrine
The Mahakaleshwar Lingam is said to be the largest among all the 12 Jyotirlingas.

The significance of the Mahakaleshwar Temple is that the Lingam of Mahakaleshwar is Swayambhu in nature. Sri Mahakaleshwar is the Lord of Time. He is also famous as the one who is capable of winning difficult situations. This is the only Lingam in the world which faces south, the direction of Death.

The Mahakaleshwar temple is also one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas. Shakti Peethas are the sites where body parts of Sati Devi fell after the Sudarshana Chakra, in the Daksha Yoga episode of Hindu mythology, cut her body. Devotees believe that the Upper Lip of the Sati Devi fell here. Moreover, the Goddess is popular as Mahakali here.

What is the history of the Mahakaleshwar Temple?

As per the history of Mahakaleshwar Temple, Lord Brahma himself established the first temple at the site. The coins recovered at Ujjain have the mark of Lord Shiva on them. According to several poetic texts, in the Paramara period, invaders destroyed the temple. Later, Udayaditya and Naravarman, the rulers of the Malwa region, rebuilt it.

According to the ancient scripture, Sthalapuranam, King Chandrasena was a devotee of Shiva. A young boy named Shrikhar heard his prayers to the god and wanted to join him. However, people did not let him do it and sent him out of the city. Shrikhar heard the plans of rival kings Ripudhamana and Singhaditya to attack the city with the help of the demon king Dushan.

Asura Dushan had a blessing of invisibility from Brahma. So, Shrikhar and a priest named Vriddhi prayed to Lord Shiva for help. The enemies arrived at Avantika (now known as Ujjain) and started torturing the people. They banned all Vedic Dharmanushtan activities in the city. The people started praying to Lord Shiva for help.

Devotees also believe that when Dushan started attacking Avantika, the ground split near the statue of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva came out of it as Mahakaal. He burnt the demons with just one grunt. Adhering to the request of the people of Avantika, Lord Shiva then decided to stay there as the chief deity of Avantika.

What is the structure of the Mahakaleshwar Temple?

The Mahakaleshwar temple is a three-storied structure. The Lingam of Mahakaleshwar is worshipped on the first floor, which is actually under the ground level. On the second level, the Lingam of Omkareshwara is worshipped. The Nagachandeshwara Linga is worshipped on the third level. The third level is open to the public only on Naga Panchami.

What are the festivals celebrated at Mahakaleshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Mahakaleshwar Temple are:

  • Kumbh Mela: This Mela has the distinction of being the largest religious gathering on the planet. It takes place once every 12 years in Ujjain, Allahabad, Haridwar, and Nashik. Also, the festival continues for about one and a half months. The pilgrims and sages (sadhus) take a ceremonial dip in the River Ksipra. Religious discourses, Ramlilas, Raslilas as well as the grand procession of sadhus are the main features of the Kumbh Mela.
  • Mahashivaratri: Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple to celebrate the day Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It occurs on the 13th or 14th day of the Magha month (February / March) in the Indian hindu calendar
  • Karthik Mela: It occurs every year in the Hindu month of Karthik (November / December).
  • Harihara Milana: The celebrations of this festival take place on Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, which signifies the meeting of two Lords – Lord Krishna as well as Lord Shiva at midnight.

How to reach the Mahakaleshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Mahakaleshwar Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Indore which is 53 km away from Ujjain.
  • Train: Direct trains are available to Ujjain from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Benaras, Kochi as well as Jaipur.
  • Road: Bus services are available from cities like Indore, Surat, Mumbai, Pune, Udaipur, Nasik, and Mathura.

Route from Indore

Indore is about 53 km away from the Mahakaleshwar Temple. Plenty of options are available for one to travel to the temple from here. Here’s the Mahakaleshwar Temple route from Indore:

  • Air: The nearest railway station is in Indore and one can hire cabs or take a bus to Mahakaleshwar Temple from there.
  • Train: One can travel through trains such as the Ranthambhor SF express as well as the Malwa SF express to travel between Ujjain and Indore.
  • Road: The fastest route to travel from Indore to Mahakaleshwar temple is via the Ujjain-Indore road. Also, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to travel using this route.

Where to stay near the temple?

The Temple Management has constructed two Dharmashalas for pilgrims to stay. The names of the Dharmashalas are Pandit Shree Surya Narayan Vyas Dharmashala and the Shree Mahakaal Dharmashala. Non AC dormitories, Non AC rooms, and AC rooms are available to pilgrims at reasonable rates.

Several budget hotels, 3-star, and 5-star hotels operate in Ujjain as this is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world.

What are some temples nearby?

Explore Ujjain
One of the holiest cities, Ujjain is home to many temples.

Some of the temples near Mahakaleshwar Temple are:

  • Harsiddhi Temple: It is located just 400 meters away from the Mahakaleshwar temple. This temple is one of the Shakti Peethas according to Hindu mythology. Devotees also believe that Sati’s elbow fell here when the Sudarshana Chakra, in the Daksha Yagna episode of the Hindu tradition, cut her body.
  • Ram Janardhan Mandir: Raja Jai Singh constructed this temple in the 17th century. The specialities of the temple include the 11th-century sculpture of Govardhandhari Krishna, the 10th-century sculpture of Vishnu as well as the 12th-century idol of Trimurti.
  • Kala Bhairava temple: Beliefs say that King Bhadra constructed this temple over the ruins of an old demolished temple. Further, this temple was of great significance during the Paramar period.
  • Chintamani Ganpati Temple: The Goddess Riddhi and Siddhi are present on two sides of Lord Ganesh. Devotees also offer special prayers to the god every Wednesday in the month of Chaithra.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mahakaleshwar Temple

Is the Mahakaleshwar Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Mahakaleshwar Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Mahakaleshwar Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizen?

No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.

What is the weather like during the summers?

The summers in Ujjain starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and dry. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 45 º C.

What are winters like in Ujjain?

In Ujjain, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 3 º C to 20 º C. The weather during this time is cold but pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Mahakaleshwar Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

About Sasidhar Darla

Sasidhar Darla is Myoksha Travel's Founder. He is passionate about traveling to temples and preparing travel guides to help other pilgrims.

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  1. मेरा नाम राजेश कुमार गुप्ता says

    November 15, 2022 at 3:34 pm

    भस्म आरती का क्या कोई शुल्क है और भस्म आरती के लिए कितने बजे हम लोग को पहुंचना होगा और उसके लिए क्या परिधान धारण करने होंगे कृपया मार्गदर्शन करें अगर हम लघु रुद्राभिषेक करना चाहे उसका क्या शुल्क है और कितने बजे से कितने बजे तक होगा और उसका जो पूजा सामग्री है वह हम साथ लाएं या मंदिर प्रशासन से मिलेगी जय महाकाल

    Reply
  2. A G SATHYANARAYAN says

    November 13, 2022 at 5:31 pm

    We are a senior citizen couple 75 and 71, from Bangalore. We are flying to Indore on 21st Nov and stay overnight. Next morning we shall travel by car to Mahakal. We wish to perform Jalabhishek there. Do you have any arrangement for making us comfortable to perform this small ritual and have trouble-free darshan. What shall be the service charges for this.

    Reply
  3. Mayur patel says

    October 23, 2022 at 10:28 pm

    हम लघुद्राभिषेक करना चाहते ही इसके लिए कोई सुविधा उपलब्ध है कितना पैसे देने होगे और भस्म आरती के लिए कोई बुकिंग करना ही इसके लिए कितना पैसे देने होगे

    Reply
  4. Gautam Roy says

    March 18, 2022 at 3:03 pm

    Website for Booking Bhasmarati at Ujjain is not user friendly & for unknown reason majority time not functioning. Hence not able to Book. Now unnecesarily have to pay more & increase of corruption without contributing to Govt.

    Reply
  5. Renu says

    February 22, 2022 at 11:59 am

    We want to do Mahabhisheka. Is there any specific time ? I read about the types of MahAbhisheka. Do we have to take prior appointment? And how much we have to pay?

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      February 22, 2022 at 1:01 pm

      Please email us on info@myoksha.com with your contact number and we will get in touch with you.

      Reply
  6. Sumedha Goel says

    November 9, 2021 at 11:01 pm

    Hello
    Want to hire a guide with a good knowledge about Mahakali temple.
    Between 11,12 nov

    Reply
  7. Anita sharam says

    October 25, 2021 at 9:42 am

    I want to do the abhishek in Mahakaleshwar on 9th of non 2o21

    Reply
  8. RAKESH SHARMA says

    October 4, 2021 at 11:22 am

    No STAFF SEPOT

    Reply
  9. Sunita says

    September 5, 2021 at 6:46 pm

    We can do darshan in the month of October like normal days or any covid precautions plz guide

    Reply
  10. Praveen Goyal says

    September 4, 2021 at 5:40 pm

    I want to do kaal sarp dosh pooja

    Reply
  11. RATHOD says

    August 19, 2021 at 5:29 pm

    Can we visit august last week

    Reply
  12. Amit says

    August 17, 2021 at 12:50 pm

    Is online room booking available for the two dharmshalas near the Mahakaleshwar temple? Kindly, share the link.

    Reply
  13. Parth Mishra says

    August 14, 2021 at 12:02 am

    Can we able to attend bhasm Aarti on 2 September we are from up

    Reply
  14. Renuka says

    August 4, 2021 at 10:33 am

    Sir can we take darshan August mounth Last satarday and sunday? We r from karnataka

    Reply
  15. Damini says

    June 25, 2021 at 12:55 am

    Is mahakaleshwar temple is open on Sunday during covid-19

    Reply
  16. SITARAM MISHRA says

    February 17, 2021 at 8:54 pm

    I plan to darshan &puja with my family in March 2021 I came from Kolkata

    Reply
  17. Anish Kanjilal says

    February 2, 2021 at 11:36 pm

    Can we pour water on Shiva linga ? If yes then till what time its allowed to do so

    Reply
  18. Ajay says

    January 8, 2021 at 9:42 pm

    कल हम दर्शन के लिये जा रहे हैं.क्या हमे ऑनलाईन रजिस्ट्रेशन करना पडेगा.

    Reply
  19. Ashwinikumar gupta says

    January 2, 2021 at 4:23 pm

    Dose Booking required for darsan

    Reply
  20. pradeep says

    December 17, 2020 at 1:03 pm

    is people from other states are allowed for mahakaleshwar temple for darshan…please give required information

    Reply
  21. Dr. Ashok N. Patel says

    October 25, 2020 at 10:15 am

    At present darshan is open for all pilgrims, outside from the other states

    Reply
  22. Mouneswar says

    September 9, 2020 at 3:22 pm

    I want mahakaleshwar darshan when it will free in which month
    We are four members can we get daram shal rooms

    Reply
  23. Pratik Gupta says

    July 3, 2020 at 9:58 am

    I want to do darahan on 15 July 2020 with 10 family members. Can I do general darshan and how many time it will take.

    Thanks

    Reply
  24. Pankaj Dubey says

    March 7, 2020 at 8:17 pm

    How much time takes for darshan with VIP ticket in morning 9am

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      March 9, 2020 at 2:12 pm

      30 mins

      Reply
  25. C.P.Yadav says

    March 4, 2020 at 2:03 pm

    I can darshan on sunday 8 march. 2020

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      March 4, 2020 at 4:58 pm

      yes

      Reply
  26. KVRS Raju says

    February 20, 2020 at 7:04 pm

    Thank you very much for the information.
    Please let me know about Lord Bethaala temple

    Reply
  27. NEETU Singh says

    December 13, 2019 at 10:18 pm

    Kindly tell that what is the dress code for man in winter in Bhasm arti

    Reply
  28. Jyoti says

    November 24, 2019 at 1:28 pm

    How mangal dosh puja performed

    Reply
  29. Aaryan Sharma says

    October 29, 2019 at 9:53 pm

    Is Temple open for all the 7 days in the week?

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      November 14, 2019 at 10:58 am

      yes

      Reply
  30. MOHIT SADANA says

    September 4, 2019 at 3:58 pm

    I want to come in January next year on 2 and want to do Darshan on 3 of January can I do on line booking for Bhasma Aarti how much time required in line for Darshan and if I’m not making on line booking can I get ticket from there is there is any counter

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      September 4, 2019 at 5:34 pm

      Please do online booking for Bhasmarti. It is the best way to do darshan.

      Reply
  31. SURYAPRAKASH M V says

    August 26, 2019 at 2:43 pm

    How to book for Laghu Rudrabhisheka Pooja at Mahakaleshwar Temle.? Can It be done online?. What is the cost and what are the timings? Pl give the details as I am intending to visit in the third week of SePtember 2019for this Pooja.

    Reply
  32. Sridhar says

    August 1, 2019 at 3:15 pm

    How can I get the ticket for abhishekam …?

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      August 1, 2019 at 7:05 pm

      Tickets are not available online. You can reach the temple and purchase the ticket.

      Reply
  33. Rajendra says

    July 31, 2019 at 5:13 pm

    We are visiting, first time , Ujjain on 7 August 2019 for Darshan. A ticket costs RS.250/- online per head paid to witness bhasmarti and Darshan on 8 August. What facilities are provided to pilgrims like us on this score and at what time we should reach in mandir.
    Kindly guide us.

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      August 1, 2019 at 9:32 am

      The price is only for attending bhasmarti. No other facilities will be provided. Reach the mandir by around 2 am.

      Reply
  34. Venu says

    July 30, 2019 at 12:43 pm

    Daily busma Pooja hours proof identity

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      July 30, 2019 at 2:01 pm

      Bhasmarti happens at 3 am. You need to go and stand in the queue at 2 am. The pooja booking can be done online.

      Reply
  35. ABHISHEK KARNIK says

    July 27, 2019 at 9:57 pm

    HOW MANY APPROX. TIME IT TAKES FOR DARSHAN IN MONDAY OF SHRAVAN ?

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      July 29, 2019 at 9:30 am

      Shravan Mondays are very busy. It usually takes 6-8 hours for darshan.

      Reply
  36. Ritika says

    July 13, 2019 at 8:57 pm

    Dress code for men and women for normal darshan in month of december

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      July 14, 2019 at 7:42 am

      Traditional wear is recommended.

      Reply
  37. DEVENDRA KHARBANDA says

    June 26, 2019 at 10:13 am

    What is the ideal time to visit Ujjain for Shri Mahakaleshwar Darshan. Is July month is appropriate time to visit temple. We had booked our rail ticket for 24th June. 2019 Since our ticket could not be confirmed at the last movement, we, therefore., could not visit on 25th June. Now we want to visit in July, Please confirm, is it ideal time to visit.

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      June 26, 2019 at 3:36 pm

      July is a good time to visit. There might be some delays in trains due to monsoon though.

      Reply
  38. Lakshmi says

    April 9, 2019 at 10:38 pm

    Is it possible to have kumkumarchana in Naha kali temple
    If yes what are the timings
    How much is to be paid for the seva
    Do we need to book the seva before

    Reply
  39. CSR Prabhu says

    February 26, 2019 at 1:44 pm

    Are Abhisja and other pujas conducted during the Navaratri time now upto Shivaratri or not?

    Reply
  40. DIGVIJAY says

    February 23, 2018 at 12:14 pm

    SHRAVAN MAHINE ME YAHA KHUB BHID HOTI HAI?

    Reply
    • Sasidhar Darla says

      February 23, 2018 at 4:45 pm

      Yes there will be rush during shravan

      Reply
  41. shyam dubey says

    March 15, 2017 at 7:13 pm

    sir I want pooja to pleasent RAHU can i get some direction from you or contact number of pandit ji who can arrangae all things

    Reply
  42. sandeep nischal says

    March 5, 2017 at 4:15 pm

    Required at stay inujjan on11-3-17to 13-3-17 given detail

    Reply
  43. Rajiv garg says

    August 1, 2016 at 8:18 am

    I want the vip pass of Bhasam Aarti

    Reply
    • Sasi says

      August 1, 2016 at 8:44 am

      Dear Rajiv, We do not arrange any passes for Darshan. You need to contact the temple administration.

      Reply
    • Krishnakant says

      November 8, 2018 at 12:57 pm

      You can visit Web page of mahakal mandir

      Reply

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