Temple guide
Sacred places of Ujjain
Know the temples before you visit: their story, what they mean to devotees, and practical tips for a peaceful darshan.
- Lord Shiva as Mahakal
Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, standing in the heart of Ujjain, and the best-known temple of the city. The lingam here faces south, which is rare, and the temple is famous for its early-morning Bhasma Aarti.
Read the guide - Lord Shiva (themed corridor)
Shri Mahakal Lok
A large walkway and cultural corridor beside the Mahakaleshwar temple, lined with sculptures that depict stories of Lord Shiva. Opened in 2022, it connects the temple with Rudra Sagar and is a pleasant place to walk in the evening.
Read the guide - Kal Bhairav, the guardian of Ujjain
Kal Bhairav Temple
An old temple on the bank of the Kshipra dedicated to Kal Bhairav, regarded as the kotwal (guardian) of Ujjain. It is known for the tradition of offering liquor to the deity, which devotees receive back as prasad.
Read the guide - Goddess Harsiddhi (Annapurna)
Harsiddhi Shaktipeeth
A revered Shakti temple close to Mahakaleshwar, counted among the Shaktipeeths according to tradition. It is known for its two tall lamp towers (deepmalas) that glow with hundreds of lamps on festive evenings.
Read the guide - Lord Shiva as Mangalnath (linked with Mangal, Mars)
Mangalnath Temple
A well-known temple on the bank of the Kshipra, believed by tradition to be the birthplace of Mangal (Mars). Devotees come here for Mangal-related pujan and to seek peace from the influence of this planet.
Read the guide - Shri Ganesh (Chintaman, Ichhaman and Siddhivinayak forms)
Chintaman Ganesh Temple
An ancient Ganesh temple on the Fatehabad road, outside the old city, where three forms of Lord Ganesh are worshipped together. Devotees come before beginning something new, a wedding card, a new home or a business.
Read the guide - Shri Ganesh
Bade Ganesh Temple
A popular temple a short walk from Mahakaleshwar, known for its very large Ganesh idol. Devotees visit it on the way to or from Mahakal, and it also has shrines to other deities within its premises.
Read the guide - Goddess Kalika
Gadkalika Temple
An ancient temple of Goddess Kalika on the northern side of Ujjain, long associated by tradition with the great poet Kalidasa. It is a favourite of devotees during Navratri and is close to the Bhartrihari caves.
Read the guide - Guru Sandipani, with Shri Krishna, Balram and Sudama
Sandipani Ashram
The ashram where, according to tradition, Shri Krishna, Balram and Sudama studied under Guru Sandipani. A calm place for families, linked with the idea of the guru-shishya tradition and with learning.
Read the guide - Sacred banyan tree associated with Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati
Siddhavat
A sacred banyan tree on the bank of the Kshipra, regarded as one of the holy banyans of India and a traditional place for shraddh and pitru karma. Families come here to remember their ancestors with prayers and offerings.
Read the guide - Holy river Kshipra (Mother Kshipra)
Ram Ghat on the Kshipra
The main bathing ghat of Ujjain on the sacred Kshipra river, near the Mahakaleshwar temple. It is the heart of the Simhastha Kumbh bathing and a lovely place for a quiet evening aarti and a river-side walk.
Read the guide - Shani Dev and the Navagrahas
Navagraha Shani Mandir, Triveni
A well-known Shani temple at Triveni, on the bank of the Kshipra, where the nine planets (Navagraha) are also worshipped. Devotees come on Saturdays and Shani Amavasya to seek peace from the influence of Saturn.
Read the guide - Shri Krishna (Dwarkadhish Gopal)
Gopal Mandir
A graceful 19th-century Krishna temple in the heart of Ujjain, built in the Maratha style with a marble sanctum. It is a place of calm in the busy market and very popular during Janmashtami.
Read the guide - Associated with the sage-king Bhartrihari and the Nath tradition
Bhartrihari Gufa
Small cave shrines on the bank of the Kshipra, associated by tradition with the king and poet Bhartrihari, who gave up his throne to become a yogi. A quiet, atmospheric place for reflection.
Read the guide
Directions to the temples
Open Google Maps directions to each temple.
- Get directionsShri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, Jaisinghpura, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India