Ujjain Hosts First Mahakal Sawari of Shravan 2026

The first royal procession of Lord Mahakaleshwar, also known as Mahakal Sawari, was taken out in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on the first Monday of the holy month of Shravan.

The procession featured Lord Mahakal in his Chandramouleshwar form, seated in a beautifully decorated silver palanquin, while an idol of Lord Manmahesh followed on a decorated elephant.

Thousands of devotees lined the streets, chanting 'Har Har Mahadev' as the procession passed through various areas of the city, including Gudri Chowk, Bakshi Bazaar, and Kaharwadi, before reaching Ram Ghat on the banks of the Shipra River.

According to Mahakaleshwar Temple Administrator Pratham Kaushik, each Monday procession during Shravan will have a unique theme, with the first featuring Vedic chants by young priests.

The temple committee has arranged free meals for Kanwar pilgrims travelling on the Indore-Ujjain-Dewas-Badnagar route, and all leave for temple staff has been cancelled due to the heavy rush of devotees.

The doors of the Mahakaleshwar Temple were opened at 2:30 am, and a large number of devotees had gathered since Sunday night for darshan.

The procession began after the traditional worship of the silver palanquin inside the temple's Sabha Mandap and returned to the Mahakaleshwar Temple through Ramanujkot, Kartik Chowk, and Chhatri Chowk.

This year, a total of six processions will be held, with four during Shravan and two during the Bhadrapada month. The final royal procession on September 2 will follow an extended route through Kantal, Satigate, and Sarafa before returning to the temple.

The grand procession included police bands, mounted horse squads, and various cultural and spiritual groups, adding to the spiritual and cultural grandeur of the event.

The city of Ujjain is known for its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, and the Mahakal Sawari is one of the most significant events in the city's calendar.

The event attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country, and the temple committee takes extensive measures to ensure their safety and comfort.

The Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the most revered temples in India, and the Mahakal Sawari is a testament to the city's vibrant cultural and spiritual traditions.

The event is a significant part of the city's identity, and it continues to attract devotees and tourists alike, showcasing the city's rich heritage and traditions.