Deepawali Day 1: Dhanteras – Significance,

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Deepawali Day 1: Dhanteras – Significance,

Everything you need to know about Dhanteras

Dhanteras is one of the most important festivals in India, and it’s celebrated on the thirteenth day of the month of Kartik. It’s a day when people buy new things for their homes and businesses. Dhanteras is also about giving thanks for all that we have and expressing our sincere gratitude to god.

Let us know about this festival in detail.

The story behind Dhanteras

The story of Dhanteras is a popular one in the Hindu context. It is said that once there was a great king named Hima. He was a just and kind ruler who was loved by his people. However, tragedy struck when the king’s son was born.

An astrologer prophesied that the prince would be killed by a snake bite on his 16th birthday. The king was devastated but he did not give up hope. He consulted with a brilliant astrologer who recommended that the prince marry a wealthy girl in order to save his life.

As the prince’s 16th birthday approached, the king began to feel anxious. However, his wife was witty and crafty, and she saved him. She heaped her riches in front of the door to prevent the snake’s entry and urged the prince to stay awake with her.

Lord Yam, the god of death, came disguised as a snake and tried to enter the castle on that night, but he could not pass through because of the dazzle of the ornaments, and he also paused to listen to the queen’s melodious singing. Eventually, Lord Yam had to give up trying to claim the prince’s life and he left empty-handed. The young prince lived because of his smart wife who used her wit and resources to save him from certain death.

Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras is one of the most popular festivals in India. It is celebrated on the 13th day of the Hindu month of Ashvin, which falls in October or November. The word ‘Dhan’ means wealth and ‘teras’ refers to the 13th day.

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. On this day, Hindus worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. It is believed that worshipping Lakshmi on Dhanteras brings good luck and prosperity.

People clean their homes and offices and decorate them with lights and diyas (oil lamps) on Dhanteras. Families buy new clothes, gold and silver jewelry, kitchen utensils, and other items to mark the occasion.

The festival of Dhanteras holds great significance for businesses as it is considered an auspicious day to start new ventures. Many people buy cars, bikes, or other expensive items on this day.

In recent years, Dhanteras has also become a major shopping festival with many retailers offering heavy discounts on their products. This has made it one of the busiest shopping days in India.

3 Things to buy on Dhanteras

1. Gold and silver

On this day, it is considered auspicious to buy gold and silver.

There are many reasons why one should purchase these precious metals on Dhanteras. First and foremost, they are a popular choice among those looking to invest their money.

Gold and silver have always been valuable commodities, and their worth is only expected to increase in the years to come. Not only will investing in them bring you financial security, but it may also bring you good luck and fortune.

Another reason to buy gold and silver on Dhanteras is for the purpose of gift-giving. These precious metals make for beautiful gifts that can be passed down from generation to generation. They are also a symbol of wealth and status, making them an impressive present for any occasion.

2. Utensils

Dhanteras is an auspicious day for Hindus, and it is considered to be the best day to buy utensils. On this day, you can buy silver, copper, and brass kitchenware. It is believed that these metals are auspicious and bring good luck. Avoid steel and iron cookware on this day as they are considered inauspicious. Hindus don’t bring empty utensils on Dhanteras as it is believed that they will bring bad luck.

3. Broom

Are you looking for a way to improve your financial luck? If so, you may want to consider buying a broom on Dhanteras.

According to Hindu tradition, you should buy brooms during Dhanteras. Buying a broom on this day is supposed to relieve home-related financial troubles.

There are several reasons why buying a broom on Dhanteras can be beneficial. For one thing, it is considered lucky to purchase a broom on this day.

Additionally, sweeping away dirt and debris is seen as metaphorically clearing away negative energy. This can create positive vibes in your home and attract good luck.

What is the significance of 13 diyas that should be lit on Dhanteras?

On Dhanteras, 13 old or used earthen diyas should be lit and placed facing south near trash outside the home to keep loved ones from dying. This must be done with everyone being present at the time of lighting the diyas.

  1. The first diya protects the family from deaths that come too soon.
  2. On the evening of Diwali, you must light a second diya with ghee and place it in front of your puja mandir or another place set aside for worship. If you do this, good things will happen to you.
  3. The third diya is supposed to be lit in front of Lakshmi to ask for her blessings of good luck, wealth, and plenty.
  4. The fourth diya is put up in front of the tulsi plant. Its goal is to bring peace and happiness into the home.
  5. You should put up a fifth diya in front of the main entrance to your home. It means that you want happiness, love, good luck, and pleasure to come into your home.
  6. The sixth diya, which should be lit with mustard oil, is meant to be put under a peepal tree, which is thought to be a lucky place.
  7. The seventh diya must be lit in any temple that is a reasonable distance from your home.
  8. Next to the trash can, the eighth diya needs to be lit.
  9. Place the ninth diya outside the bathroom to make sure that positive energy keeps flowing freely through the house.
  10. It’s important to light the tenth diya at the edge of the roof, which stands for safety.
  11. Putting the eleventh diya in the window as a decoration is a good way to spread holiday cheer.
  12. Set up the twelveth diya on the roof or on the patio to get into the holiday spirit.
  13. By lighting the thirteenth diya, you can make the corner of your house look nicer.

 

Mysterious Group of Temples at Bateshwar

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Mysterious Group of Temples at Bateshwar

Temples at Bateshwar

An interesting thing about Madhya Pradesh is that you will discover a number of mysterious spots with fascinating history here. One such spot is the Morena district which is located at a distance of about 34 km from Gwalior. This place is home to a huge collection of very old temples that are collectively known as Temples of Bateshwar. 

A strange fact about these temples is that they were discovered just a few years ago while the construction of these temples dates to the ancient years. 

Temples at Bateshwar
Temples at Bateshwar
Vikramjit.rooprai, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Discovery of the Temples of Bateshwar

To understand the discovery of these temples, we have to time travel to the year 2005. It was in this year when the Archaeological Survey of India started its expedition in this area and found a group of ancient temples. These temples were in damaged condition and required extreme restoration work. 

It was under the archeologist KK Mohammad that the great restoration work of the temples started. The temples were made up of sandstone and the team restored these temples stone by stone to create a miracle that stands in front of us. 

In total there are 200 sandstone-made temples and this whole group of temples collectively is known as the Temples of Bateshwar. 

So, how did this huge collection of temples vanish all of a sudden before 2005?

During the expedition and research, archeologists found out that these temples are quite ancient and it was during the 14th Century when due to an earthquake, these temples not just got destroyed but also a major part of it went underground. 

The dacoits of Chambal found this area to be a serene place and a perfect spot for their hiding due to the devastating condition. Hence, it was only after the escape of the dacoits from this spot that the archaeologists started working on these temples in 2005. 

Temples at Bateshwar
Temples at Bateshwar Varun Shiv Kapur from New Delhi, India , CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

History of the Temples of Bateshwar

The actual construction date of these temples is still not confirmed but as per the researchers, it should be somewhere between the 9th and the 11th Century when these temples may have got constructed during the reign of the Gujar Pratihara Dynasty. 

Among almost 200 temples or more, the largest one is devoted to Lord Shiva and the locals call this temple by the name of Bhuteshwar Temple. Apart from Lord Shiva, there are also many other temples that are devoted to the other two eminent deities of the Hindu culture and these are Lord Vishnu and Devi Shakti. 

The temples are known to have different elements in them that denote different themes or religious meanings. Researchers are able to decode only a few of them till now. According to such research, there are some temples representing the Navagraha while there are some other temples that showcase the Dashavatar or the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Apart from these, there are also some temples that showcase Saptamatrikas, a symbol of Shakti in the Hindu religion. 

The diversity of themes shown in different temples found here also offered a hint to the researchers that maybe this area was a spot for religious art and architecture during the 10th century or so. 

 

The View at the Temples of Bateshwar

This area is not just a spot for architectural excavations and beauty. Also, this place has become a tourist attraction in Madhya Pradesh. Surrounded by forests, it is a serene spot that is perfect for picnics and even having a look at the ancient temples of India. If you are planning to visit the Temples of Bateshwar, make sure to have ample time in hand because you will not even realize how you have spent a good chunk of your time while witnessing the temples and the surroundings here. 

 

How to Reach the Temples of Bateshwar? 

Though this area is quite serene in nature, it is connected with different parts of Madhya Pradesh and India through different modes of transport. 

 

Airways: The nearest airport to Morena, where these temples are located, is Gwalior. You have to travel just 30 km by road from Gwalior airport to reach Morena to visit these temples. 

 

Railways: You will find a railway station in Morena that connects to different other parts of Madhya Pradesh such as Gwalior and Bhind.

 

Roadways: Today, there are regular bus services to Morena from other districts of Madhya Pradesh. Also, you can travel to this place easily using your own car. 

Parsvanath Temple, Khajuraho

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Parsvanath Temple, Khajuraho

Parsvanath Temple, Khajuraho

 

Khajuraho is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Madhya Pradesh that is known for its beautiful temples. These temples were constructed during the Chandela Dynasty and all these temples are divided into Eastern, Western, and Southern temples. 

When you explore the Eastern temples, you will come across some of the most attractive monuments and Parsvanath Temple is also one of them. 

Parsvanath Temple, Khajuraho
Parsvanath Temple, Khajuraho. Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The history behind Parsvanath Temple

Parsvanath Temple is not just the oldest but also the largest temple among all the Eastern Temples in Khajuraho. It is said that the temple is dedicated to Lord Parsvanath who was the 23rd Tirthankara of Jains. 

There have been several inscriptions that were found in the temple through which the archaeologists found some details and history of the temple. According to one such inscription, this temple was constructed during the reign of King Dhanga in the 10th Century. 

There are also many inscriptions found that mention how the Jain family contributed towards the construction of the temple while a court man of the king bestowed gifts towards the temple.  Also, it was found that it was in the 19th Century, that a Jain family took the responsibility for the repair work of the temple. 

Parshwanath Temple Eastern Group of Temples Khajuraho India
Hiroki Ogawa, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Similarly, archeologists found another important fact about the temple that initially the temple was getting constructed for Lord Adinath who is the first Tirthankara in Jainism. But again due to unknown reasons, finally Lord Parsvanath became the main deity of the temple and it got its name, Parsvanath Temple. But you will still find the shrine of Lord Adinath which is located near the main temple. 

 

The architecture of Parsvanath Temple

Similar to other temples of Khajuraho, one can notice beautiful carvings on the Parsvanath Temple also. You can notice carvings of motifs as well as several religious symbols on the interior walls of the temple. On the other hand, the outer walls of the temple hold carvings of animals as well as human figures. 

Though it is a Hindu temple with the Shikhara style as the dominant one, the architecture of the temple also consists of Buddhist and Islamic styles. 

Talking about the floorplan, the temple has a big porch at the entrance after which you will see the hall or the mandapa that is followed by Sanctorum. If you have visited the Lakshmana Temple, you will find the floorplan of Parsvanath Temple a bit similar. 

Talking about the sculptures found on the walls of the temple, all of them showcase different themes. You can notice the sculptures of different Hindu deities such as Lord Vishnu, Devi Lakshmi, and others. Also, you can find other thematic sculptures such as a female applying makeup, and so on. 

It is due to the architectural beauty and the old age of this temple that The Archaeological Survey of India has considered Parsvanath Temple in their list of Monuments of National Importance. 

 

When to Visit Parsvanath Temple?

There is no such specific time of the month when you should visit Parsvanath Temple. But keeping a note of the extreme summer that you may find in Khajuraho, it is better to avoid the summer seasons. According to some travel experts, September to March is the perfect time period to visit Parsvanath Temple. 

Entry to the temple is free. If you wish to explore the temple in detail and wish to witness the architectural beauty in-depth, you should spend at least 1 hour in this temple. While you are visiting the temple, you should keep a note of the opening and closing times of the temple. 

Opening Time – 8 am

Closing Time – 6 pm

How to Reach Parsvanath Temple?

Parsvanath Temple, located in Khajuraho is quite easily accessible from different parts of the country through different modes of transport. 

Airways: Khajuraho has its own airport, Khajuraho airport. The distance from Khajuraho airport to the temple area is just about 2 km that you can easily cover it by a cab from the airport. 

Railways: Khajuraho is also connected to other parts of the country through a nearby railway station, Rajnagar which is just 3 km away. 

Roadways: Khajuraho has easy accessibility to the National Highway that connects Khajuraho to different cities of Madhya Pradesh. There are different bus services that you can get or you can even drive your car to reach Khajuraho directly. 








Matangeshwar Temple, Khajuraho

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Matangeshwar Temple, Khajuraho

Matangeshwar Temple, Khajuraho

 

Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh is widely known for some of the most beautiful architectural monuments. The temples at Khajuraho also have some such temples that are considered extremely pious for varied reasons. One such temple is Matangeshwar Temple. Even at times, the city Khajuraho is also known by the name, the city of Matangeshwar. The temple is situated among the Southern temples of Khajuraho and just beside Lakshmana Temple. 

 

History of Matangeshwar Temple

The Matangeshwar Temple is considered one of the most pious temples of Khajuraho for a number of reasons. The very first reason is that it is constructed in the respect of sage Matang, who is considered one of the incarnations of Lord Shiva. Thus, inspired by the name Matang, this temple is provided the name Matangeshwar. 

Matangeshwar Temple is also called the name of Mrityunjaya Mahadeo Temple because Lord Shiva is also known to be the Hindu god who has control over death. 

Matangeshwar Temple, Khajuraho
Matangeshwar Temple, Khajuraho. Image derived from Dennis Jarvis from Halifax, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Construction and Architecture of Matangeshwar Temple

This ancient temple was constructed in the 10th century AD by Chandra Dev, the ruler of the Chandela dynasty. Not only is Matangeshwar Temple one of the oldest temples in Madhya Pradesh but also it is the only temple left out from the Chandela era where even today devotees visit for the purpose of praying. 

Matangeshwar Temple is not just known for its ancient history but also for its architecture and unique features. The temple has a Shiv Linga that is made up of yellow limestone and has a height of about 8 feet. Apart from the Shiv Linga, the temple also has a structure of Lord Ganesha, a goddess, and a few other deities. 

The architecture of Matangeshwar Temple is much different from the other temples in Khajuraho. While you will find carvings on the walls of other temples of Khajuraho, there is no such carvings on the walls of Matangeshwar Temple. But as you enter the temple, you will find some carving work on the ceiling of the temple. 

Also, there is an open-air exhibition hall towards the south of the temple where you can find several structures of different deities. It is due to the ancient construction and importance of the temple that Matangeshwar Temple has been considered a heritage site by UNESCO. 

Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga Khajuraho
Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga Khajuraho ShivShankar.in, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Festivities at Matangeshwar Temple

Usually, the Brahmins at the temple follow the traditional ritual of bathing the Shiva Linga with milk, honey, and water every day morning and then offering flowers and other elements that are known to be favourites of Lord Shiva. 

Devotees arriving at the temple also are allowed to offer milk and sweets on the Shiv Linga. 

While the traditional ritual is followed every single day followed by morning arti and then evening arti, there are special festivities and arrangements on special days of the year such as Holi, Diwali, and others. The enthusiasm reaches an ultimate level during Shiv Ratri, the day when it is said that Lord Shiva got married to Devi Parvati. On this day, the deity is decorated in the form of a bridegroom and devotees come up to get a glance. 

On the occasion of Shiv Ratri, also there is a fair organized every year that lasts for almost 10 days at a stretch. A large number of traders, folk artists, and others participate in this fair that is visited by devotees from different parts of the country. 

 

Entry at Matangeshwar Temple

The temple is open only for 12 hours and you need to be aware of the timings in order to complete your puja at the temple. 

 

Opening Time – 6 am

Closing Time – 6 pm

 

There is a fee of Rs. 10/- for entering the temple for Indians while the entry fee is higher for international visitors. 

 

Photography or videography is not allowed inside the temple and the management is quite strict regarding this rule. 

 

Reaching Matangeshwar Temple

There are a number of ways through which you can reach Matangeshwar Temple in Khajuraho with ease. 

Airways – Khajuraho airport is just 2 km away from the location of the temple that you can cover by getting a cab. 

Railways – Similar to the airport, the nearest railway station Rajnagar is also at a distance of just 3 km. 

Roadways – Khajuraho is also quite conveniently accessible through roadways such as regular bus services from various nearby spots such as Koda. 

 

Mamleshwar Temple, Omkareshwar

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Mamleshwar Temple, Omkareshwar

Mamleshwar Temple, Omkareshwar

Mamleshwar Temple is a ancient Shiv temple that is located on the banks of River Narmada in Omkareshwar. Mamleshwar Temple is also known by the name of Amreshwar Temple the meaning of which is immortal. 

It is said that both Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar are the same and are among the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. People with religious faiths have menioned that though both the temples are located opposite to each other, they both denote the same jyotirlinga. 

Mamleshwar Temple, Omkareshwar
Image derived from Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

History behind Mamleshwar Temple

There have been different legends behind the existence of the Mamleshwar Temple. According to one such legend, Lord Shiva once took the form of a massive linga in order to get a competition done in between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. 

Some other legends say that Lord Shiva came in the form of Linga here on the banks of River Narmada on request of Vindhyas. 

It is said that it was the pandavas who established the jyotirlinga here and Lord Shiva divided the Linga into two parts that are now known as Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar. 

Among both the temples, Omkareshwar Temple is more popular but legends say that the visit to Omkareshwar jyotirlinga is absolutely incomplete if you do not visit the Mamleshwar Temple. 

Mamleshwar Temple, Omkareshwar
Image derived from ShivShankar.in, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Architecture of Mamleshwar Temple

Mamleshwar Temple is not just one of the most ancient temples of India but also one of those temples that are preserved for its architectural beauty. One can find gorgeous stone work on the temple walls. The temple has a shikhar and the entire structure looks extremely stunning even from a distance. 

If you pay proper attention to the walls of the temple, you will find several carvings and inscriptions on them. Researchers are still trying to decode the inscriptions as these are not easily visible and are quite ancient. Truely, Mamleshwar Temple is also said to be one such temple with many secrets that are yet to be revealed. As of now, it has been found out that these inscriptions date as ancient as around 1063 AD. 

 

Rituals at Mamleshwar Temple

The Brahmins here follow the traditional ritual of Lingarchan Puja that was started way back in the reign of Queen Ahalyabai Holkar. This is a ritual where the brahmins create lingas everyday out of clay and then submerge them into the River Narmada after the praying ritual is over. This ritual was started by 22 Brahmins during the reign of Holkar but now the same tradition is carried out only by 5 Brahmins. 

Apart from this main traditional ritual, there are also many other rituals that are followed in the temple accordingly. The other rituals that the devotees can see and can perform at the Mamleshwar Temple are:

  • Partheshwar Pujan
  • Kaalsarp Shanti
  • Panchamrat Rudra Abhishek
  • Samanya Abhishek
  • Laghu Rudra Abhishek

 

There are different purposes of each of these rituals. Some are for the peace of the planetary impacts on the kundali of a person while some others are for other reasons. 

 

When to Visit Mamleshwar Temple?

There is no such specific time period when you should pay a visit to the Mamleshwar Temple. But you can witness a crowd of devotees and many festivities happening in the temple during special occasions such as Shiv Ratri. Also, devotees from different places visit Mamleshwar and Omkareshwar Temple during the Shravan months for Jal Abhishek. 

There are no tickets to enter the temple. But you need to maintain the timing of the temple. 

Opening Time – 6:30 am 

Closing Time – 9:30 pm

How to Reach Mamleshwar Temple?

As Omkareshwar is among the 12 jyotirlingas, the place has been accessible from different parts of the country so that the devotees do not face trouble reaching here. 

Airways – The nearest airport to Omkareshwar is Indore that is about 75 km away. 

Railways – The Omkareshwar railway station is just 12 km from the main location of Omkareshwar. 

Roadways – The nearest bus stand is just about 1.9 km away. 

 

Different national highways and state highways also connect Omkareshwar to different parts of the country. So, you can even book a cab or can drive your own vehicle to Omkareshwar. 

Once you have reached the main Omkareshwar Temple in Omkareshwar, you can either take the foot bridge or can even take a ferry to cross the River Narmada and reach upto Mamleshwar Temple. 

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain – Complete Details

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Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain – Complete Details

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is among the 12 jyotirlingas of India and is located in the ancient city Ujjain or Madhya Pradesh. The description of Mahakaleshwar has been inscripted even in the Hindu puranas. It is said that the life of the city Ujjain revolves highly around the blessings and the power of Mahakal.

The shiv linga in the Mahakaleshwar Temple is known by different names also such as Swayambhu which means that the Shiv Linga gains power on its own. Another name is Dakshinamurti because the Shiv Linga in this temple faces towards the South direction. 

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain. Gyanendra_Singh_Chau…, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

 

The Legend of Mahakaleshwar

As per the puranas and many other legendary sources, Mahakaleshwar denotes time. As per this meaning, Lord Shiva or Mahesh, among the trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh) is known to have control over time. 

Apart from this, there are many other tales coming from the depth of myths. 

One such story says that Devi Sati got married to Lord Shiva against the will of her father King Daksha. When Daksha insulted Lord Shiva in front of everyone during an occasion, Devi Sati entered the fire in a state of rage. Lord Shiva could not control his feelings on the death of Devi Sati and performed the dance of rage called Tandav in the form of Mahakal. 

Similarly, there is another story in which Lord Shiva took the form of Mahakal when a demon Dushan tried to harm four of his eminent bhakts. 

 

The Architecture of Mahakaleshwar Temple

This ancient temple reflects a beautiful architectural combination of different ancient styles that are of Bhumija, Chalukya, and Maratha. The temple has five levels and the Garbhagriha is located underground where the Shiva Linga is situated. 

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Ujjain
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Ujjain. Udit Sharma, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Apart from the Mahakaleshwar Shiv Linga, there are more two Shiv Lingas present in the temple and these are Nagachandresvara and Omkareshvara. The Nagachandresvara Shiv Linga is located at the uppermost part of the temple and devotees are allowed to have darshan of this Shiv Linga only on the pious day of nag Panchami. 

 

While you are entering the Garbhagriha of the main deity Mahakaleshwar in the temple, you will also witness many other idols such as that of Lord Ganesha, Mata Parvati, Kartikeye, Shri Rama, and others. The main shrine or the Shiv Linga has a silver plated roof on the top that increases the royalty of the Mahakaleshwar even more. 

 

Celebrations at Mahakaleshwar

Usually, the pujaris of the temple perform arti and abhishek with proper ritual every day, but there are also a few celebrations for which devotees visit the temple from different parts of the country. 

Nitya Yatra is when the devotees take a dip in the holy Sipra River and then pay a visit to the deities in the temple. 

The Sawari is a possession of Lord Mahakaleshwar that takes place every Monday on the streets of Ujjain. This possession is followed by devotees from different parts of the country on special occasions such as Vijaydashami. 

Bhasm-arti – This is a special kind of arti that takes place every day in the morning. For this ritual, the pujaris apply bhasm or fresh ashes from the burial ground on the Mahakaleshwar. It is said that Lord Shiva is above life and death and so the bhasm-arti is an important ritual in the temple. 

Devotees who wish to witness the grand bhasm-arti of Mahakaleshwar should arrive at the temple early in the morning with a proper photo identity proof provided by the Government of India. Though all the Governmenr-approved identity cards are accepted, it is advised not to carry PAN card for the purpose. 

Reaching Mahakaleshwar Temple

Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is quite accessible through various means of transport. 

Airways: The nearest airport to Ujjain is Indore that is at a distance of 51 km. Other airports that are near to Ujjain are Bhopal, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad. 

Railways: The best route is through railways as you can get down directly at the Ujjain Railway Station from where you can take any vehicle to reach to the temple. Other railways stations where you can get down are Chintaman, Vikram Nagar, Omkareshwar, and Pingleshwar. 

Roadways: There are different bus services that connects Mahakaleshwar to different cities of the country such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Pune, and Bengaluru. If you are opting for a cab service, Mahakaleshwar is 4 hours drive from Omkareshwar. 

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