About Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple
Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple is the reason most travellers come to Ujjain. The temple enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, revered as swayambhu (self-manifested) and as the only Jyotirlinga that faces south (Dakshinamukhi).
The multi-tiered temple stands beside the Rudra Sagar lake, with Shri Mahakal Lok, Bade Ganeshji ka Mandir and the Harsiddhi temple a short walk away. Its best-known ritual is the Bhasma Aarti before dawn, for which advance booking is required.
For the story and significance of the Jyotirlinga, see our Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga guide.
How to Reach Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple
About 2 km from Ujjain Junction by auto or e-rickshaw. On busy days vehicles stop some distance away and the final approach is on foot through Mahakal Lok or the designated entry gates.