Ujjain's Mahakal Royal Processions Start August 3
Mahakaleshwar Temple prepares for 4 lakh daily devotees, royal processions to begin on August 3

The holy month of Shravan has commenced in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, and the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple is gearing up to welcome nearly 400,000 devotees every day.
The temple management is preparing for the traditional royal processions of Lord Mahakal, which will take place on the four Mondays of Shravan and the two Mondays of Bhadon. The first royal procession will be held on August 3, and the final procession is scheduled for September 7.
During the processions, Lord Mahakal will be taken out of the temple premises at 4 pm and will cover a distance of nearly 1.5 kilometers to reach Ram Ghat at around 5 pm. After the ceremonial Jalabhishek, worship, and aarti with the sacred waters of the Kshipra river, the deity will return to the temple, reaching the shrine at approximately 7 pm.
The Mahakaleshwar Temple Management Committee (MTMC) has made arrangements for the devotees, including moving aarti darshan from the first three rows of the Kartik Mandapam during all temple aartis. Tribal cultural troupes will also perform in every royal procession, and five LED chariots will be featured in each procession.
To ensure the safety and well-being of the devotees, 15 medical assistance points and 24×7 ambulance services will be operational throughout the Shravan-Bhadon period. The temple doors will open daily at 3 am, and on every Monday, they will open at 2:30 am.
The Bhasma Aarti will be held from 3 am to 5 am on regular days and from 2:30 am to 4:30 am on Mondays. Devotees will be able to offer holy water to Lord Mahakal through designated water vessels installed in the Sabha Mandap and Kartikeya Mandapam.
Normal temple timings will resume from September 8, and separate entry routes have been arranged for general devotees. The Shravan Purnima will begin at 9:08 am on August 27 and continue until 9:48 am on August 28.
The Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India, and the royal processions of Lord Mahakal are a significant event in the Hindu calendar. The temple management is working to ensure a safe and smooth experience for the devotees, and the processions are expected to be a grand and spiritual experience.
The significance of the royal processions and the Shravan month is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and culture. The processions are a way of showing devotion to Lord Mahakal and seeking his blessings. The Shravan month is considered the most sacred period for the worship of Lord Shiva, and the royal processions are an integral part of the celebrations.
In conclusion, the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is all set to welcome devotees for the Shravan month, and the royal processions of Lord Mahakal are expected to be a grand and spiritual experience. The temple management has made arrangements to ensure a safe and smooth experience for the devotees, and the processions are a significant event in the Hindu calendar.
Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of the Shravan month in Hindu mythology?
The Shravan month is considered the most sacred period for the worship of Lord Shiva.
What are the timings of the Bhasma Aarti during the Shravan-Bhadon period?
The Bhasma Aarti will be held from 3 am to 5 am on regular days and from 2:30 am to 4:30 am on Mondays.