Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Overview

One of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the only one facing south, on the banks of the Shipra; home of the famous Bhasma Aarti.

Darshan timings

Open

4:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Darshan information

• Bhasma Aarti passes are issued only through the temple's official booking; book well in advance.
• During Shravan the temple is open from 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
• Mobile phones are not allowed inside; deposit them at the counters before entry.
• For entry to the garbhagriha, men wear dhoti and kurta and women wear a saree.

Before you visit

Dress code

Traditional clothing; dhoti-kurta for men and saree for women for garbhagriha entry

Prasad

Available

Photography

Not allowed

Festivals

• Mahashivratri
• Shravan month
• Kartik Purnima

History

Mahakaleshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and the heart of Ujjain. It stands on the banks of the Shipra, and its Shivling is the only Jyotirlinga that faces south. The temple's shikhara shows fine Maratha-era craftsmanship. Daily rituals include the pre-dawn Bhasma Aarti, Panchamrit Abhishek and Rudrabhishek. Mahashivratri, the month of Shravan and Kartik Purnima are the biggest festivals.

Location

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Stay nearby

• Shankaracharya Math, Ujjain
• Agralok Dham, Ujjain
• Hotel Avantika Palace, Ujjain

More about this temple

How to reach: Ujjain Junction railway station is about 2 km away, and autos and e-rickshaws run from the station to the temple. The nearest airport is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore, about 58 km away by taxi or bus. Ujjain is well linked by highway to Indore, Bhopal and Dewas. Best time to visit: October to March, when the weather is pleasant for darshan and sightseeing.

Frequently asked questions