Today's live darshan
Source: the temple's official YouTube channel “Shrimahakaleshwarjyotirlingam” — this channel streams the events of the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple Management Committee. All rights to the videos belong to them. Live darshan of all temples
Aarti and darshan timings
| Aarti | Time (approx.) | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Bhasma aarti | 4:00 am – 6:00 | Online booking needed in advance |
| Morning aarti | 7:00 am – 7:30 | General queue / sheeghra darshan |
| Bhog aarti | 10:00 am – 10:30 | General queue / sheeghra darshan |
| Sandhya (evening) aarti | Evening (entry until 6 PM) | ₹250 booking to watch seated; otherwise walking (chalit) darshan |
| Shayan (night) aarti | About 10:30 at night | ₹250 booking to watch seated |
The temple is open from about 4 AM to 11 PM. Timings change during Sawan, Mahashivratri and festivals.
Tickets and booking — what each service costs
| Service | Fee | How to book |
|---|---|---|
| General (chalit) darshan | Free | No booking, join the queue |
| Sheeghra (quick) darshan | ₹250 per person | At the temple counter or the official website |
| Bhasma aarti | ₹200 per person | Online only — up to one month ahead; tatkal booking at 8 AM the day before |
| Sandhya aarti (seated) | ₹250 per person | Online daily from 12 noon, first come first served |
| Shayan aarti (seated) | ₹250 per person | Online daily from 4 PM |
| Regular puja / Rudrabhishek | ₹100 / ₹300 receipt | At the temple's puja counter |
Fees as per the temple committee's announcements of February–April 2026. Entry into the sanctum (garbhagriha) has been closed to general devotees since July 2023.
How to book the bhasma aarti — step by step
- Open the temple's official website shrimahakaleshwar.mp.gov.in or the ‘Shri Mahakaleshwar’ app and log in with your mobile number.
- Choose ‘Bhasma Aarti’, pick the date and fill in each person's name and ID number (Aadhaar etc.).
- Pay ₹200 per person online and download the confirmation receipt.
- The month's booking opens on a fixed date at 8 AM and fills up within minutes. If you miss it, try tatkal booking — it opens at 8 AM the day before the aarti.
- On the aarti day, reach the gate at night, before the time printed on the ticket, and carry the original ID you entered in the booking.
Important things before you go
- For the bhasma aarti, men are expected to wear a dhoti or sola and women a saree.
- Carry the same original ID that you entered in the booking.
- Walking through Mahakal Lok (the corridor) is free; it looks most beautiful in the evening lights.
- The temple complex also has the Nagchandreshwar temple, which opens only once a year, on Nag Panchami.
- Beware of fake websites: many look-alike websites and WhatsApp numbers sell ‘VIP darshan’ or tickets in this temple's name. Book only through the official website or app given below, and never pay an agent in advance.
How to reach
- Rail: the temple is about 2 km from Ujjain Junction.
- Air: the nearest airport is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore, about 55 km away.
- Road: Indore to Ujjain is about an hour and a half by road; buses and taxis are easy to find.
When is it less crowded
Mondays, the month of Sawan, Mahashivratri, Nag Panchami and long weekends are the most crowded. For a relaxed darshan, the afternoon (12 to 4 PM) between Tuesday and Thursday is best.
Information checked: October 26, 2026. Official website: shrimahakaleshwar.mp.gov.in. Temple timings, fees and rules keep changing — always check the official website before you travel or pay.