Ujjain Temple Timings — Complete Comparison Table

Mahakaleshwar Temple

Mahakaleshwar is the most schedule-sensitive temple in Ujjain because of the Bhasma Aarti. The Gate 4 entry window between 3:00 AM and 3:45 AM is non-negotiable; miss it and you wait until tomorrow. General darshan after 4:30 AM is open all day without ticket. See the full Bhasma Aarti timing reference.

Kal Bhairav Temple

Kal Bhairav is the deity who famously accepts liquor as offering — a ritual unique among Ujjain temples. The temple is 8 km from Mahakaleshwar, open all day but with a strict mid-day break. Most Bhairav devotees visit on Sundays and Tuesdays which are the deity's sacred days.

Mangalnath Temple

Mangalnath is the most popular puja-booking temple in Ujjain after Mahakaleshwar because of the Mangal Dosh pariharam. Tuesday is the deity's weekday and crowds triple. See the full Mangalnath guide for puja details.

Harsiddhi Mata Temple

Harsiddhi's 6 AM morning aarti is one of the most beautiful in Ujjain. The temple closes for a mid-day break that catches many first-time visitors off guard. For complete details see the Harsiddhi guide.

Other Temples Worth Visiting

Ujjain has nearly 200 temples. Beyond the four main shrines above, six others are worth fitting into a serious pilgrimage itinerary:

• Chintaman Ganesh Temple — 7 km from Mahakaleshwar. Open 5:30 AM – 10 PM. No break.
• Sandipani Ashram — the gurukul where Krishna and Sudama studied. Open 6 AM – 8 PM.
• Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir — opposite Mahakaleshwar. Open 5 AM – 10:30 PM.
• Gopal Mandir — 18th-century Maratha temple, silver doors. Open 6 AM – 9:30 PM with mid-day break.
• Kal Bhairav Vetal Temple — smaller, lesser-known. Open 6 AM – 8 PM.
• Nagchandreshwar Temple — only opened to public on Nag Panchami day each year.

Summary Comparison Table

Visit-Order Tips

For a two-day pilgrimage, the most efficient sequence is:

1. Day 1, 4 AM: Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar.
2. Day 1, 6 AM: Harsiddhi Mata morning aarti.
3. Day 1, 8 AM: Bade Ganeshji opposite Mahakal.
4. Day 1, 10 AM: Kal Bhairav with liquor offering.
5. Day 1, 5 PM: Gopal Mandir + Mahakaleshwar Sandhya Aarti at 7 PM.
6. Day 2, 7 AM: Mangalnath Bhaat puja on the Shipra.
7. Day 2, 10 AM: Sandipani Ashram + Chintaman Ganesh.
8. Day 2, evening: Departure.

Full day-by-day pilgrimage planning is in the 2-day darshan plan and the comprehensive Insider Playbook (₹299).