Mahashivratri (February 15), one of the most prominent festivals in Hinduism, is not just a mere festival in Ujjain. It actually transforms the entire city into a pious and beautiful place filled with devotion and spirituality. From the revered Mahakaleshwat Temple to the smallest houses, everything looks and feels like a dream, a devotional dream. The ancient city is known for its deep connection with Lord Shiva, and on Mahashivaratri, it actually feels like Lord Shiva himself has walked down from his abode. So if you are lucky enough to visit Ujjain during this period, here’s a guide to celebrate Mahashivratri at Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple.
Mahashivratri 2026 Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Guide
Mahakaleshwar is one of the most revered and powerful Shiva temples in India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India and is the only temple with a dakshin mukhi (south-west) jyotirlinga. The Shiva linga is decorated uniquely every day and is believed to be a self-manifested lingam.
Mahashivratri is actually celebrated with great fervor and grandeur at this temple and in the entire city. The temple hosts special pujas and aartis during Mahashivratri, and hence a huge number of devotees flock in during this festival.
One of the unique things about the celebrations in this temple is that they host Shiv Navratri. It is the only temple in India to host Shiv Navaratri. As Mahashivratri is the day when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married, Shiv Navratri is a nine-day-long pre-celebration of this marriage.
Mahashivratri At Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple: Celebrations
Mahashivratri, the beautiful day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati, is one of the most auspicious days to visit Ujjain. But it is also one of those times when the Mahakaleshwar temple is extremely crowded. So expect long queues and a delay in darshan and puja too.
You can visit the temple with e-bookings for Rudraabhishekam, Bhasma Aarti, and other special pujas. If you visit the city in advance, you can also witness the Shiv Navratri celebrations. You can get to witness the Shringar or Sehra aarti with Shringar darshan in the evening.
Ujjain Mahakal Bhasma Aarti Booking For Mahashivratri
Bhasma Aarti is a pre-dawn ritual where Lord Shiva is smeared with ashes.
- Visit the official website ( shrimahakaleshwar.com).
- Click on Bhasma aarti under online services.
- Register with a valid ID (Aadhar/Passport)
- Select a date, and download the pass.
Note: Try to book it ASAP as the slots get filled very quickly.
Shiv Navratri Ujjain 2026 Schedule and Shringar
Shiv Navratri starts nine days before Mahashivratri. During these nine days, Lord Mahakal is smeared with sandalwood paste and mehndi just like Hindus have rituals of haldi and mehendi before the wedding day. For all nine days, Mahakal is adorned with beautiful Shringar too, and this year it begins from February 6, 2026.
6 February: Smeared with sandalwood and turmeric paste. Also, 11 Brahmins will be performing Rudrabhisheka.
7 February: Special puja rituals are performed and is adorned with new clothes.
8 February: Mahakaal will be adorned in Sheshnaag shringar.
9 February: Mahakaal will be adorned with Katra, Mundmala, Mukut, Mekhala, and more.
10 February: Mahakaal is adorned in yellow clothes.
11 February: Mahakaal will be adorned as Holkar. On this day, Lord Chandramouleshwar is prayed to.
12 February: Mahakaal is worshiped as Uma Mahesh.
13 February: Mahakaal is adorned in red clothes.
13 February: Shiva tandava swaroop
How To Reach Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple
Air
- The nearest airport is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore (IDR).
- So fly down to the IDR airport.
- From the airport, hire a cab or take a bus to the temple,
- It is a 1-hour to 1 hour 15 minutes long journey.
Train
- The nearest railway station is the famous Ujjain Junction.
- Get down at Ujjain station.
- From here, the Mahakaleshwar temple is 2 Km away. So you can take a cab to the temple.
Bus
- There are many State-run that is MP Tourism or MPSRTC (Madhya Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation). They have both AC and Non-AC options.
- Common drop points include Dewas Gate and Nanakheda Bus Stand.
- You can take a cab or an autorickshaw to the temple.
Summing Up
If you come to the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain on Mahashivratri, you can perform various pujas and abhishekas. You can witness the beauty of Mahakaal Shringar darshan. And if nothing, just sit back and watch the city celebrate its deity unconditionally and in total awe and happiness.
FAQs
Is Mobile Allowed Inside Mahakaleshwar Temple 2026?
No mobiles are allowed inside the Mahakaleshwar temple.
What Is The Date Of Mahashivratri 2026 In Ujjain?
February 15 is the date of Mahashivaratri in Ujjain.
How Can I Book Bhasma Aarti For Mahashivratri?
You can visit the official website of the temple and book bhasma aarti for Mahashivratri.
What Are The 9 Forms Of Mahakal During Shiv Navratri?
1. Initial shringar, 2. New garments, 3. Sheshnag, 4. Ghatatop (crown/garlands), 5. Chhabina (yellow attire), 6. Holkar Shringar, 7. Uma Mahesh, 8. Red attire, 9. Fierce Shiv Tandav
How To Reach Ujjain For Mahashivratri From Indore?
The easiest way is to take Vande Bharat from Indore to Ujjain and then take a cab or rickshaw to the temple.
