Ujjain Tour Package

It is one of 12 Jyotirlingas, devoted to Lord Shiva in India and it is well-known for Bhasma Aarti. This temple attracts devotees from different parts of the world for offering prayers. The divine abode of Mahakal, Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the holiest Shiva temples in the country.

This ancient Jyotirlinga is located in Ujjain where Lord Shiva is revered as the “Lord of Time”, who rules over death, life, and universe as a whole. The vibe of the temple, the presence of Mahakal, and echo of the mantras offer a sense of peace, protection, and deep spiritual connection to the devotees. There are thousands of tourists who visit Mahakal Temple every day to witness the holy Bhasma Aarti, feel the power of Lord Shiva, and seek blessings.

The only south-facing Jyotirlinga, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located in the holy city of Ujjain. Lord Mahakal was worshipped by the people of Ujjain for centuries as their protector and the king. The origin of the temple dates back to prehistoric age, even though its actual date is unknown when it was built. The holy jyotirlinga is enshrined in the lowest level and Omkareshwar Shivalinga is at the upper level, and Nagchandreshwar is at the topmost level, which opens only during Nag Panchami for the public.

The temple shows a timeless blend of Chalukya, Bhoomija, and Maratha architecture. It has been built and rebuilt again and again over the past centuries. Current structure was built over 150 years ago by an official of Scindia empire with remains from previous temples, Ramchandra Baba Shenvi.

As per Shiva Purana, when the residents of Ujjain were tortured by Dushan, a demon, they sought protection from Lord Shiva. Shiva answered their devotion and came up as a divine light to destroy the demon and stayed here as Jyotirlinga. It is also the only Shivalinga in the world where one can witness Bhasma Aarti daily. The Lingam is decorated with holy ash, and plenty of devotees witness this special ritual on Maha Shivratri and Shravan. One can have a profound spiritual experience at Mahakaleshwar, connecting devotees to centuries of devotion, tradition, and timeless presence of deity.

The temple is well-known for Bhasma Aarti, performed at dawn every day with sacred ash, representing the cycle of life and death. The rituals attract plenty of devotees all the year round. During the month of Shravan, festivals consist of processing every Monday, Shiv Navratri, Nag Panchami, and Mahashivratri, witnessing millions of pilgrims filling the temple with chants and devotion. Ujjain also holds Simhastra Kumbh Mela as one of four sacred cities in India, which is a procession of immense spiritual importance celebrated once in every 12 years.

For Sheeghra Darshan, devotees can opt for VIP entry for Rs. 250 per person. It enables easy access to the deity and reduce waiting times in the queue of free entry. One can book tickets at specified counters or official website.

Darshan and Aarti timings from Chaitra to Ashwin

Darshan and Aarti timings from Kartik to Falgun months

For Bhasma aarti, online booking is needed and dress code includes traditional attire for both men and women (dhoti for men and saree for women).

Kal Bhairav Temple is devoted to Kal Bhairav (the guardian deity of Ujjain) on the banks of Kshipra River around 7 km from Ujjain Railway station. One thing that makes this temple unique is its offering, liquor. The temple structure in this day and age was built over the remains of ancient temple.

The actual temple is known to have been built by Bhadrasen, mentioned in “Skanda Purana” and its “Avanti Khanda.” Images of Parvati, Ganesha, Vishnu, and Shiva belonged to Paramara period were recovered from the place during 9th to 13th century (CE). The temple walls were once ornamented with paintings from Malwa region. Today, only traces can be seen from these paintings.

The actual temple is known to have been built by Bhadrasen, mentioned in “Skanda Purana” and its “Avanti Khanda.” Images of Parvati, Ganesha, Vishnu, and Shiva belonged to Paramara period were recovered from the place during 9th to 13th century (CE). The temple walls were once ornamented with paintings from Malwa region. Today, only traces can be seen from these paintings.

Maratha influence is shown in the current temple. As per the local tradition, Mahadaji Shinde, the Maratha general, offered his turban to the deity for victory in the campaign to revive the Maratha rule in Northern part of India, after the defeat in the “Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 CE.” After restoring the Maratha influence successfully, he restored the temple. Kala Bhairava appears as a rock layered with vermilion or Kumkum. The silver hand of the deity is ornamented with Maratha-style turban, a tradition dating back to Mahadaji Shinde period.

Kal Bhairav is known to be their chief and worshipping the 8 Bhairavas “or Ashta Bhairavas belonged to Saivite tradition. Kal Bhairav is worshipped among the Aghora and Kapalika sects and Ujjain was among the hubs of these sects. Kal Bhairav is known as Senapati (Chief General or commander-in-chief) or the guardian deity of Ujjain. Liquor is offered as among the 5 tantric offerings to the temple deity – maansa (meat), madya (alcohol), Matsya (fish), maithuna (intercourse), and mudra (parched grain/gesture). All of these offerings were made in ancient times. Currently, other offerings are symbolic rituals and only alcohol is offered.

Venders sell offerings in baskets like flowers, coconuts, and a bottle of rum outside the temple. Liquor counters are set up by the state government outside the temple complex in 2015 to ensure that unlicensed vendors cannot scam the devotees. Both foreign and country liquor are sold by the counters. Hundreds of devotees offer liquor every day to the deity. The pilgrims give those bottles to the priest, who add the same in a saucer. Then, he offers prayers and takes the same around lips of the deity to have a slit. He moves a plate little and liquor seems to disappear. After offering liquor to the deity, devotee gets around 1/3rd of bottle as prasad.

According to various devotees and priests, there is no cavity in the slit and deity swallows the liquor miraculously. However, it is not allowed for visitors to examine the idol. Others who attempted to make it swallow have failed. It is believed that only Kal Bhairava can perform the miracle.

• Timing for Darshan – 5 am to 9 pm
• Aarti Timing – 6 am to 8 pm

It is one of 51 Shaktipeeth. It has an ancient well with a pillar. All the tourists visit this temple after having darshan at Mahakaleshwar temple. This temple holds a special place in the galaxy of sacred spots. Seated between Mahasaraswati and Mahalaxmi, Annapurna Devi’s idol is painted in dark scarlet color.

The symbol of power, the Sri Yantra is enshrined here. When Shiva was carrying the burning body of Sati from the fire of sacrifice and lost her elbow at this place, as per the Shiva Purana.

In the Skanda Purana, legend had it that Chandi Devi held the epithet of Harsiddhi. There were two demons – Chand and Prachand – who attempted to make their way in when Shiva and Parvati were alone on Mt Kailash. Chandi Devi was called upon by Shiva to destroy those demons. Shiva was pleased and bestowed the nickname to her as “the one who conquers all.” The temple was rebuilt during the Maratha empire and two pillars were adorned as special features of the art. These lamps present the holy spectacle and lit during Navratri. The premises have an ancient wall and there is an artistic pillar.

• Timings for Darshan – 5 AM to 7 PM
• Aarti Timings – 7 AM to 8 AM (morning) and 6 pm to 7 pm (evening)

Ram Ghat is among the 4th locations where world-renowned Kumbh Mela is celebrated. It has holy importance as it is among the oldest baths and Kumbh Mela is processed once in every 12 years. It is located only around 3 km from Ujjain station and is a bathing place on the banks of Kshipra River.

It has immense religious importance for Hindus as legends had it that Lord Vishnu himself took some drops of Amrit here. It is among the oldest bathing ghats related to Kumbh Mela.

It is one of the biggest religious festivals with great significance among Hindus, which is evident that around 2 crore people have attended the mela. The evening aarti is one of the attractions for tourists. There are several temples located at the ghat and Chitragupta temple is one of them. One can experience sunset by sitting at the ghat.

• Evening Aarti timings – 6:30 PM to 7 PM

It is the oldest observatory in India, called as Vedha Shala, and one of the best attractions in Ujjain, which is located only 2.5 km from Ujjain station. It is basically located in New Ujjain as observatory. There are total 5 Jantar Mantars in India and it is one of them. In 1725, Maharaja Jai Singh II built this Jantar Mantar when he was governor. It has 13 instruments of astronomy. Vedh Shala was built to measure local time, declination of the stars, sun, and planets, determine eclipses, and altitude of the place. Properties, speed, and motion of planets and stars were recorded with different special instruments.

Jai Singh II were keen in astronomy and science as an astronomer. He sent his scholars to various countries in the beginning of 18th century to study technology, construction, and design of observations. The scholars came back with several manuals and learnings on astronomy. There are five observatories built by Jai Singh II from 1724 to 1737 in Jaipur, Ujjain, New Delhi, Mathura, and Varanasi. Ujjain is revered as the “Greenwich of India” as first meridian of longitude goes through the same in Indian tradition. It is also located on the “tropic of cancer.”

• Timing – 7 am to 7 pm
• Entry – Rs. 40 per person (for Indians) and Rs. 200 per person (for foreigners)
• Camera – Rs. 50
• Audio guide – Rs. 150

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Maheshwar Temple is located on Narmada River banks. It is a peaceful destination where devotees offer prayers and witness the beautiful riverfront. Located in the historic city of Ujjain, Maheshwar has profound historical and spiritual significance.

It is well-revered for its ghats, rich heritage, and centuries-old temples. This town is the spectacle of architectural excellence in Maratha Holkar empire, which is evident in Maheshwar Fort, standing as a sentinel facing the river. It is steeped in spirituality, with several temples. It consists of Jyotirlinga temple, which attracts both tourists and pilgrims. Maheshwar is a center for beautiful Maheshwari sarees and handloom weaving.

These treasures present the skilled craftsmanship of artisans, making it a textile hub. Visitors can be immersed in the vibrant markets, witness the smooth blend of modernity and tradition, and visit the steep lanes telling history. With timeless charm, Maheshwar invites travellers to engage in tapestry unfolding the backdrop of holy Narmada River, making it worth visiting for authentic and enriching experience in Madhya Pradesh.

• Darshan Timings – 6 AM to 12 PM (morning) and 4 pm to 11 pm (evening)
• Bhasma Aarti – 4 am to 6 am