Mangalnath Temple

Overview

A Shiva temple on the Shipra believed to be the birthplace of Mangal (Mars), and the main place in India for Mangal Dosh and Bhat Puja.

Darshan timings

Opens

4:00 AM

Closes

8:00 PM

Aarti timings

Evening aarti

7:00 PM

Morning aarti

4:00 AM

Darshan information

• Bhat Puja and Mangal Shanti Puja are performed in the temple premises; book a pandit in advance.
• Remove footwear before entering, keep silence during darshan and follow the priest's instructions.
• Drinking water, seating, a shoe stand, cloakroom and restrooms are available.
• A simple bhojanalay is next to the temple; free anna-prasadam is served on festivals.

Before you visit

Dress code

Modest, traditional clothing

Prasad

Available (peda, laddoos and dry fruits are sold outside)

Photography

Not allowed inside the sanctum

Festivals

• Navratri
• Mahashivratri

History

Mangalnath stands on a quiet rise above the Shipra, a little outside the busy town. According to the Matsya Purana it is the birthplace of Mangal, the planet Mars. Legend says that when Lord Shiva fought a demon, a drop of his sweat fell here; from it rose a Shivling, and Mangal was born. In ancient times the spot was valued for its clear view of Mars and was used for astronomical study, and the Tropic of Cancer passes close by. The temple is best known for Bhat Puja and Mangal Shanti Puja, performed to ease Mangal Dosh in a horoscope. Tuesdays, the day of Mangal, are especially busy. Small shrines of Goddess Parvati, Hanuman ji and Ganesh ji surround the main sanctum.

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 6 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 55–60 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