Ujjain Mahakal Bhasm Aarti: Timings, Dress Code, Ticket Cost, and Booking Procedure
Mythological legends exist around the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, which contributes to its attraction. One such legend revolves around the demon ruler Ravana. Ravana, a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, is reported to have tried to transport the holy lingam to Lanka. Lord Shiva broke the lingam in the process to prevent him from succeeding, leaving the pieces behind. These pieces, which are kept at the temple, are thought to have become the “Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.”
In another version, a farmer named Shrikhar worships Lord Shiva as a lingam as he unintentionally gives water to a cow. Lord Shiva appeared before him, pleased with his devotion, and bestowed upon him a gift. Shrikhar asked that the Lord take up abode at Ujjain as the Jyotirlinga, blessing the city and its residents with his heavenly presence.
This temple’s relationship to time is a further unique aspect. Lord Shiva is frequently referred to as the “Guardian of Time” or “Kaala Bhairava” when he appears as Mahakaleshwar. It’s said that visiting this temple can help people get over their fears of dying and running out of time.
Ujjain Mahakal Bhasm Aarti Timings and Dress Code
- Bhasma Aarti Time: 4:00 a.m.–6:00 a.m.
- Ticket cost: Rs. 100 per person.
- Jalabhishek Timings: 3:15 a.m.–4:00 a.m.
- Duration: 5 minutes
- Best time to visit: September–May 1st week.
- Dress code: Men are to wear a dhoti or sola and not a shirt or vest.
- Female devotees are allowed to wear sarees.
Jalabhishek Dress Code
- Men must wear a dhoti or sola and not a shirt or vest.
- Female devotees are to wear sarees.
Bhasm Aarti Mandapam
Mandapam | Distance from Garbha Griha |
Bhasm Aarti Mandapam | Last Mandapam |
Kartikey Mandapam | Third Choice. |
Ganapati Mandapam | Second Mandapam after Nandi Mandapam |
Nandi Mandapam | Close to the deity |
Ujjain Mahakal Bhasm Aarti Procedure
- The devotees are allowed to perform Jalabhishek to the main deity.
- Men are allowed to touch the Shiva Linga. Female devotees not to touch the deity.
- Water is to be carried in a tumbler or other vessel for Abhishek.
- Children not allowed inside Garbha Griha.
- The devotees must report before 1:00 am.
- After Jalabhishek, the devotees are allowed to sit in the allotted Mandapam.
- Aghori Baba will perform Bhasm Aarti.
Ujjain Mahakal Bhasm Aarti Counter Booking
- Biometric Enrollment allowed from 7:00 am – 12:30 pm.
- Photo ID proof for the enrollment.
- Tickets are allotted on first-cum-first serve basis.
- Confirmation will be received by 7:00 pm.
- Tickets can be collected on showing on SMS at the counter between 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm.
- Ticket Cost: Rs.100 per person.
Ujjain Mahakal Bhasm Aarti Online Booking
- 30-day booking is available
- 5 tickets can be booked online.
- Photo ID proof mandatory for all devotees at the time of reporting.
- Dress code to be followed.
- No booking during Shravan month.
- Online booking allowed between 8:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Nandi Mandapam. Where VIPs will be seated as well.
Ganapati Mandapam. Seating after Nandi Mandapam. The devotees are allowed to sit on the stairs.
Ganapati Mandapam. As the seating is allowed right after Nandi Mandapam.
Yes, while booking online. But not at the counter Booking.
Change is not allowed. The devotees are allowed in the order.
Rs.100 per person.
4:00 a.m.–6:00 a.m. Daily. Bhasm Aarti ticket booking is not available during Karthik Mas