Mahakaleshwar Darshan & Bhasm Aarti Guide - Ujjain Mahakal Tour Guide and Packages

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, which are supposed to be the most sacred abodes of Shiva. It is located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on the side of the Rudra Sagar lake.

More About Mahakal Shivling

Mahakaleshwar is the Lord of Time and Death.The lingam at Mahakaleshwar is believed to be swayambhu (born of itself) deriving currents of power (shakti) from within itself as against the other images and lingams which are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti.

The Shivling in this temple is supposed to be the only Jyotirling which faces south and hence it is known as Dakshinmukhi or the south-facing ling upheld by the tantric shivnetra tradition. It is the most popular and important temple of Ujjain. 

The idol of Omkareshwar Mahadev is consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine. The images of Ganesh, Parvati and Karttikeya are installed in the west, north and east of the sanctum sanctorum. To the south is the image of Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva.

The temple is a three tiered one, with Mahakal at the lowest level, which is actually below the ground. At the middle (ground) level is a temple to Omkareshwar, and over it is a shrine to Nagachandreshwara. This is an interesting shrine which is opened only on Nagapanchami day every year.

About Bhasm- Aarti at Mahakal Temple

Mahakal Temple is one of the top 10 Tantra temples of India and only Temple where Bhasm-Aarti (ash ritual) is done, Basically Fresh Ash ( Bhasm) is brought from funural pyar every day morning to anoint Mahakal.

Bhasm Aarti at Mahakal Temple - 04:00 AM

Bhasm-Aarti is the most special and first ritual conducted everyday at the temple starting from 04:00 AM to wake the God Shiva and perform “Shringar” followed by first aarti of the day to Lord. The unique thing about this aarti is, “Bhasm” or ash from funeral pyres for Shringar of Lord shiva. This fresh Bhasm is  must and without the same, Aarti will not start.

Duration of Bhasm Aarti & Rituals

The entire Bhasm Aarti lasts for about 45 minutes to One hour. In The first part of the aarti, Shringar is done followed by “Bhasm”, women are asked to cover their eyes. After Mahakal is anointed in the Bhasm, the actual aarti begins, with the offering of the lamps. Aarti is usually accompanied by chants of praises to Mahakal.After Aarti, priests come out to give sacred tilak.

Personal Pooja can be done now to perform an “Abhishekham” - Basically bathe the lingam and offer your prayers to Mahakal

Bhasm Aarti Guide ( Free and VIP Tickets)

There are two ways to gain entry into the temple to watch Bhasm aarti –- one is free entry line, The other is through a “VIP” ticket, VIP Ticket has a shorter queue and helps you gain quicker entry to the sanctum sanctorum. Dress code is compulsary in VIP line, Men have to wear the traditional dhoti, and women must wear sarees.

VIP tickets are available between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m and are on first come first serve basis. 

Bhasma Arathi at Mahakal - Ujjain - More Information

Guide for Bhasam Aarti - Mahakaleshwar

For booking the Bashma Arthi, the forms are distributed at 1030 -1200 hrs. First get the form from the counter ( near the main entry to the temple). 4 persons are allowed in a group. The person has to show his Photo ID proof to collect the form. VoterID/ Govt issued IDs/Passports are accepted. Please note PAN card ID is not accepted. U will have to produce the original and a photo copy at the counter to get the form. If u need pass for more persons suitably carry ID proofs for such group.

Normally they issue around 100 forms which allows around 400-500 persons. This is worth trying as it is a one time experience. The passes can be collected in the evening around 1930 hrs. U will have to carry ur original ID proof at all time ; to get the form; to collect the pass & also while entering temple in the morning. Men shoud wear dhotis.

One should attend Bhasma Aarti this at least once in their life time.

1.    Please carry original ID Proof.
2.    Fill the form and submit along with photo copy of ID Proof between 10.00 AM to 1.00 PM for the next day dharshan. It is very limited and on first cum first basis.
3.    Collect the token between 8.00 PM to 11.00 PM by verifying the name in the list displayed.
4.    Be in the queue around 2.00 AM early morning.
5.    Need to dhothi & for ladies to be with saree.
6.    Temple Authorities will start verifying your pass from 2.30 and allow inside.
7.    Perform Jal Abhishek on shiva linga and then sit in the hall residing opposite to Main gopuram. It will be good if you sit as straight to idol, so that it view is clear
8.    Abishekam will be performed first and then starts harathi with lots of damarukha sounds. It will be amazing to see and lures us to dance.
9.    After completion of harathi you can go for dharshan with in the premises.

Laghu Rudrabhishek in Mahakaleshar Ujjain

Laghu Rudrabhishek charge is Rs. 1500, it can be done through temple management committee for which you need to pay Rs. 1500 and take a receipt from counter (Counter is located just adjecent to the main enterance gate) the comittee will send a pandit with you, who will take you to the temple through short route and he will make you do abhishek for 5-10 minutes.

With this abhishek receipt only you can enter the Garbhagruh, otherwise you will be bound to take darshan from outside 

Sometimes it is allowed for everyone to enter the garbhagruh but there is no guarantee, its purely on your luck.

Mahakal Darshan - Inside the sanctum Sanctorum

The sanctum inside the Mahakaleshwar Temple allows approx 10-15 devotees at a time, Shrine board has set up a viewing gallery also just outside the sanctum. VIP  ticket holders are allowed to sit outside for view of Mahakal and Bhasm Aarti. 

Mahakal Bhasm Aarti Guidelines

Free Entry 

You are advised to join the free entry line early enough  at around 2 a.m. to avoid the rush. In winter, always ensure that you are wearing enough warm clothes as it becomes real cold. If you reach by 2 am, you willl have a good chance of blessed darshans of Bhasm Aarti and Mahakal darshan

VIP Tickets

VIP tickets for Mahakal Darshan are available between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m and are on first come first serve basis. To avoid wasting time in security check, it is better not to carry anything except your offering into the temple.

Sanctity of the waters of the Shipra

The belief in the sacredness of Shipra, has its origins in the ancient Hindu mythological tale of churning of the Ocean by the Gods and the Demons, with Vasuki, the serpent as the rope. The ocean bed first yielded fourteen gems, then Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, and finally the coveted vessel of Nectar. Then began the wild scramble for immortality with the demons chasing the Gods across the skies, and in the process, a few drops were spilt, and fell at Hardwar, Nasik, Prayag, and Ujjayini. Hence the sanctity of the waters of the Shipra.

Ujjain - Places of interest

Shri Kala Bhairava Ujjain

Shaivite form worship has assgned importance to the aderation of bight Bhairavas also. Kala Bhairavas is the forenio among them. Skanda-purana has made a mention of the temple of Kala Bhairavas in it Avanti-khanda. According to some antique tradition, the follower of Kapalika and Aghora seets used to worship Shiva or Bhairava. Ujjain was also connected with the pattern of worship developed by these seets. People offer even liquor, as a part of their worship, to Kala Bhairava. It is said that a certain king named Bhadrass got this temple constructed. This must have been a great temple during Paramar period. Paramar period images of Shiva, Parvati,Vishnu and Ganesh have been recovered from this place. The temple has usually been rebuilt with the remains of the old temple. Beautiful paintings of Malwa-style once decorated the temple walls. the temple to in right of the courtyard is dedicated to Vittal and to the left it is a Dharmashala.
 

Vedhsala Ujjain

Vedhsala (observatory) was constructed by Savai Raja Jayasingh between 1725 to 1730 A.D. Similar observatories were constructed by Raja Jayasingh at four other places-Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura and Varanasi. Samrat yantra, Nadivalaya yantra, Digansha yantra and Yamyottara-Bhitti yantra and the main instruments constructed in this observatory. Motions and orbits of the panel are studied through these instruments. On this count people call it Yantra-Mahal also. This observatory was renovated by Madhav Rao Scindia the then Maharaja of earstwhile Gwalior State in 1923 A.D. Astronomied studies of planetary motions are still conducted in this observatory under the department of education and an ephemeris in published every year. In this way this is the only observatory among the observatories of Jayasingh where these masonic instruments are even today utilised for astronomical studies.This
 

Sandipani Asrama Ujjain

According to the puranie traditional Yogeshwar Krishna and his friend Sudama received regular instruction in the asrama of Kulaguru Sandipani. Besides Mahabharat Puranas, Shrimad Bhagavata, Brahma, Agni and Brahmavaivarta bear references to Sandipani Asrama. Archacological evidences of three thousand years old painted-grey-wall have been recovered from this area. These bear a resemblance to the similar remains recovered at Hastinapur, Indraprastha, Mathura, Ahichchhatra and Kaushambi. Gomati-kunda is the old source of water supply to the asrama and the same has been referred to in the Puranas also. The image of standing Nandi, near the tank, is worth seeing and its belongs to the Shunga period. The are near by is known as Ankapata Popul ar sales describe the place as used by Lord krishna for washing his writing tablet. In the beginning of the Sixteenth century Shri Vallabhacharya delivered his religious discourses in the vicinity of this ashram. There is a Peepal-tree planted by the Acharya which is testified by a letter of degree granted to one Narottam Sharma. The followers of the Vallabha seet count this place as the Seventythird Seat of their Acharya while he is said to have made Eightyfour sittings for religious discourses throughout India.

Chintaman Ganesh in Ujjain

The Present sanetam of Chitaman Ganesh is very old. Riddhi and Siddhi the two goddeses are enshrined on both the sides the idol of Ganesh. Traditionally this is known as the seat of Chintaman Ganesh (assurer of freedom from worldly anxieties and people assemble here in large number offer their prayers on Wednesdays in the month of Chaitra. Artistic pillars in the assembly hall of the temple belong to the Paramar period. The temple was renovated by Ahalyadevi Holker with the addtion of a water tank and the boundary-wall.

Triveni Navagraha Ujjain

Present temple of Navagraha the nine planet on the Triveni ghat of Shipra is a prominent cemtre of attraction for the pilgrims. There ia aconfluance of Khan river near Triveni ghat on the Shipra. The river is called Banaganga at nearby Indore. Some people named this river as Tungabhadra. Mythological sanctity of the invisible river saraswati associated eith the story of Triveni Sangam is attributed to this place also. Large crowds throng the Navagraha temple on the new moon falling on Saturdays. Religious importance of this contemporary life although there is hardly any reference to this place in the ancient texts.
                                 

Mangalanatha Ujjain

According to Matsy-purana this is celebrate as the birth place of Mars. The Mangalagrah. Shipra river presents a beautiful vice in front of the temple. Devoteed specially visit the temple in large number on Tuseday. Located on a hillock the place represents the highest point in the area. In ancient times the place was famous for a clear view of Mars. Ujjain was an important centre for astronomical studeies. This place-traditionally knows for its suitability for astronomical readings of Mars continues to hold it’s religious importance. Image of Mahadeva offered worship in this temple.
 

Siddhavata Ujjain

Siddhavata at Ujjain is as well-known for its sanctity as Akshayavata of Prayag. Vamshivata of Vrindavan and Panchavati of Nasik. Post-Funeral rites are performed here at the Siddhavata ghat of holy Shipra. Skanda-purana has referred to this place as preta-shila-tirth. According to same opinion. Parvati performed her penances here. This has also been a place of worship for the followers of Natha-seat. Shipra abounds with tortoises as Siddhavata Old coins of Ujjain asr found to bear the imprint of tortoises along woth river. This is also an indicative of the fact that the tortoises must have flourished here even in an ancient period. It is so said that this Banian tree was once sought to be vanished by cutting if off and covering it with iron sheets but its offshoots piereed through the iron sheets and this tree regained its foliation.
 

Jaina Temples in Ujjain

Avanti-Parasianatha, Digambara temple-Jayasimhapura, vetambara temple-Hasampura, Jaina temple-complex in Namaka Mandi and Khara Kua area, Glass temple-Daulatganj etc.

Muslim Places of Interest in Ujjain

Mosque of Khwaja Shakeb, Jama Masjid Mosque at Chhatri Chowk, Roza of Boharas etc.

Historical Monuments in Ujjain

The stupa-site of Vaishya mound, Cave of Bhartrahari, Pira Matsyendra, Tomb of Maulana Rumi, Bina Niva ki Masjid, Kalia Deha Palace and adjoining 52 Kundas, Vaidha Shala (Observatory), Kothi Palace, Begum Ka Maqbara etc